Opening SPRING 2025!
Smash Padel & Pickle Club
Your Premier Sports Destination in Branford, CT
Regular Membership
$100/ Mo
1 year agreement. Price per adult
1 year agreement, auto-renewing
$300 Initiation fee
Couple & family options available
Padel court: $100/hour
Pickleball court: $50/hour
Founding Membership
A Limited-Time Opportunity!
$3200/ 3Yr
One-time payment of $3,200 for a 3-year commitment. Price per adult.
3 year agreement
No initiation fee
No monthly dues
Special gifts
First 20: Free Private party! ($1500 value)
$650 savings
First year: 50% off lunchtime fees
Couple & family options available
Lesson & court fees additional
Padel court: $100/hour
Pickleball court: $50/hour
Membership Options to Fit Your Lifestyle
Choose between a 1-year or 3-year plan with exclusive perks, including no monthly dues, special gifts, and discounted lunchtime fees—perfect for individuals, couples, or families.
The Hinding Group and G+P Architects have partnered to bring Smash Padel & Pickle Club to life in Branford, CT. This collaboration combines innovative design and strategic vision to create a premier sports destination. Guilford Racquet & Swim Club joins the effort, lending its expertise and support to foster a vibrant and engaging sports community.
A Winning Partnership
The Hinding Group and G+P Architects Unite for Serve & Smash Padel & Pickle Club, with Support from Guilford Racquet & Swim Club
Padel: The Global Phenomenon in Racket Sports
Padel, created in 1969 by Enrique Corcuera in Acapulco, Mexico, blends elements of squash, platform tennis, and tennis. Played on a walled court, Corcuera enclosed it with a 12-foot fence to keep balls from escaping.
The sport gained popularity in Spain and Argentina by 1975 and now stands as the fastest-growing racket sport worldwide, with 25 million players across 110 countries.
Padel uses tennis scoring with underhand serves, lower-pressure balls, and stringless fiberglass or carbon fiber rackets, offering a fast-paced and beginner-friendly experience.
Pickleball: America’s Fastest-Growing Game
Pickleball, created in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, WA, by Joel Pritchard and Bill Bell, combines elements of ping pong, badminton, and tennis. Using improvised paddles and a perforated plastic ball, they lowered a badminton net to create the game.
With simple rules and underhand serves, it’s beginner-friendly but can become fast-paced and competitive. Paddles are made from materials like graphite and wood, weighing 7.3–8 ounces.
The first permanent court was built in 1967, and by 1972, a corporation was formed to promote the sport. Now, pickleball is the fastest-growing racket sport in the U.S., played by 5 million people in 37 countries.
Pickleball: America’s Fastest-Growing Game
Pickleball, created in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, WA, by Joel Pritchard and Bill Bell, combines elements of ping pong, badminton, and tennis. Using improvised paddles and a perforated plastic ball, they lowered a badminton net to create the game.
With simple rules and underhand serves, it’s beginner-friendly but can become fast-paced and competitive. Paddles are made from materials like graphite and wood, weighing 7.3–8 ounces.
The first permanent court was built in 1967, and by 1972, a corporation was formed to promote the sport. Now, pickleball is the fastest-growing racket sport in the U.S., played by 5 million people in 37 countries.
Padel is an exciting racket sport that combines elements of squash, platform tennis, and traditional tennis.
Played on a smaller court surrounded by walls, the game adds a unique twist as players use the walls to create strategic bounces. Fast-paced yet beginner-friendly, padel is easy to learn and incredibly fun to play.
ABOUT PADEL
The sport follows the same scoring system as tennis, with one key difference—serves must be underhand and delivered below the waist.
Padel balls resemble tennis balls but have slightly less pressure for better control. The rackets are solid, stringless, and typically made of fiberglass or carbon fiber. They weigh between 10.5 and 14 ounces and are about 1.5 inches thick, designed for precision and power.
Whether you're a seasoned player or new to racket sports, padel offers an exciting mix of strategy, speed, and fun.
Padel was created in 1969 by Enrique Corcuera at his home in Acapulco, Mexico. To keep the ball from escaping into his neighbor's property, he enclosed the court with walls and a 12-foot metal fence, laying the foundation for the sport we know today.
PADEL HISTORY
By 1975, padel had gained immense popularity in Spain and Argentina, becoming a favorite pastime in both countries.
Today, it’s the fastest-growing racket sport in the world, with over 25 million players across 110 countries, and its appeal continues to spread globally.
Pickleball is a racket sport that blends skills from ping pong, badminton, and tennis, offering a fun and beginner-friendly experience.
ABOUT PICKLEBALL
The rules are simple, making it easy to learn, yet the game can quickly become fast-paced and competitive as players improve.
Unlike tennis, pickleball has its own scoring system, and serves must be made underhand and below the waist.
The paddles are made from materials like graphite, fiberglass composites, and wood, with typical weights ranging between 7.3 and 8 ounces.
Pickleball balls come in two types: indoor and outdoor. Indoor balls are softer and have larger holes, with around 40 circular holes on the surface, designed for better control in enclosed spaces.
PICKLEBALL HISTORY
Pickleball began in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, when Joel Pritchard and Bill Bell improvised a game using ping pong paddles and a perforated plastic ball after failing to find traditional rackets. To make it work, they lowered a badminton net, creating the foundation for what would become pickleball.
In 1967, the first permanent pickleball court was built in the backyard of Joel Pritchard’s friend and neighbor, Bob O’Brian. By 1972, a corporation was formed to protect and promote the sport, marking a significant milestone in its development.
Today, pickleball is the fastest-growing racket sport in the United States. It’s played in all 50 states and has gained a global following, with 5 million players across 37 countries.
Have A Question?
Find Answers Here.
Find answers to all your questions about Smash Padel & Pickle Club, from membership details to game rules and more
What is Smash?
Smash Padel & Pickle Club is a premier facility in Branford, CT, offering luxury courts, expert coaching, and a vibrant community for padel and pickleball enthusiasts of all skill levels.
When is Smash opening?
Smash Padel & Pickle Club is set to open in Winter 2025.
Do I need to bring my own equipment?
While you're welcome to bring your own gear, we also offer high-quality rackets and balls for rent or purchase at the club.
Can beginners play padel or pickleball?
Absolutely! Both sports are beginner-friendly, and we provide coaching sessions to help you get started.
Are memberships required?
Memberships are recommended for full access to our courts, events, and amenities, but we also offer pay-as-you-play options.
What amenities does Smash offer?
In addition to top-tier courts, Smash features lounge areas, a pro shop, and spaces for socializing and community events.
What’s the difference between padel and pickleball?
Padel is played with a stringless racket on a walled court, blending elements of tennis and squash, while pickleball uses paddles and a perforated ball on a badminton-sized court.
How do I sign up?
You can sign up online through our website or visit us in person once we open. Stay tuned for early-bird promotions!
What is the height of the roof?
The roof height is 33 feet.
Are these the official dimensions of the court?
Yes, the official dimensions of a padel court are 20 meters (65.6 feet) in length and 10 meters (32.8 feet) in width, enclosed by walls.
