Padel for Beginners: Your Complete Guide to Getting Started

Padel is taking the world by storm, and if you're curious about this exciting racquet sport, you've come to the right place. Whether you've never picked up a racquet or you're transitioning from tennis or squash, this guide will help you understand everything you need to know to start playing padel.

What is Padel?

Padel is a racquet sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. Invented in Mexico in the 1960s and popularized in Spain, padel is now one of the fastest-growing sports globally, with millions of players across Europe, Latin America, and beyond.

The game is played on an enclosed court about one-third the size of a tennis court, surrounded by glass walls and wire mesh fencing. Unlike tennis, the walls are part of the game—you can play balls off them, similar to squash. Padel is always played in doubles, making it an inherently social sport that's perfect for building friendships and community.

The sport uses solid, perforated racquets (no strings) and a depressurized tennis ball, which travels slower than in tennis. This makes padel more accessible for beginners while still offering plenty of strategic depth for advanced players.

How to Play Padel?

Padel shares many similarities with tennis but has its own unique characteristics:

• The Court: A padel court measures 10 meters wide by 20 meters long, enclosed by walls that are 3-4 meters high. The court is divided by a net, and the service boxes are marked similarly to tennis.

• Scoring: Padel uses the same scoring system as tennis—15, 30, 40, deuce, and advantage. Matches are typically played as best of three sets, with each set going to 6 games (with a tie-break at 6-6).

• Serving: The serve is underhand, bounced once before striking, and must be hit below waist level. The server stands behind the service line and must hit the ball diagonally into the opponent's service box. The ball can hit the side wall after bouncing in the service box, but it cannot hit the back wall directly.

• Rallies: After the serve, players can hit the ball either on the volley or after one bounce. The ball can hit the walls on your side of the court after bouncing, adding an exciting strategic element. You can also hit the ball after it bounces off the walls, creating longer rallies and dynamic exchanges.

• Winning Points: You win a point when your opponent fails to return the ball properly—hitting it into the net, out of bounds, or letting it bounce twice on their side.

Padel Rules for Beginners

Understanding the basic rules will help you enjoy the game from day one.

Service Rules

• The serve must be underhand with at least one foot on the ground

• The ball must bounce once before being struck

• It must land in the diagonal service box

• If the ball hits the net and lands in the correct service box, it's a let and you re-serve

• You get two attempts to make a valid serve

During Play

• The ball can only bounce once on the ground before being returned

• You can hit the ball on the volley (before it bounces) or after one bounce

• The ball can hit your side walls after bouncing on the ground, and you can still play it

• You cannot hit the ball into the walls on your opponent's side before it bounces on the ground

• If the ball goes over the back wall or side walls without bouncing on your opponent's side first, you lose the point

• Balls that hit the wire mesh (above the glass walls) are considered out

Teamwork

• Either player on a team can hit the ball

• Partners should communicate and cover different areas of the court

• Strategic positioning is key—typically one player near the net and one at the back

Padel Tips for Beginners

Ready to improve your game? Here are five essential tips to help you progress quickly:

1. Master the Basics Before Getting Fancy

Focus on consistency over power. Padel rewards controlled play and strategic positioning more than aggressive hitting. Work on making clean contact with the ball and keeping it in play. Practice your underhand serve until it becomes reliable, and focus on hitting your groundstrokes to the center of the court. Once you're comfortable with basic rallies, you can start experimenting with angles and wall play.

2. Use the Walls to Your Advantage

The walls are your friend! One of the most distinctive features of padel is wall play. Practice hitting balls that come off the back wall—position yourself between the wall and where you expect the ball to land, let it bounce off the wall, and then make your shot. Similarly, learn to use the side walls strategically. You can hit the ball against your own side wall to create difficult angles for your opponents. Watch how experienced players use the walls and try to incorporate these tactics into your game.

3. Join a Community and Learn from Others

Padel is a social sport, and joining a club or community can accelerate your learning. Consider connecting with groups like Howzit or Expat Padel Club, which brings together players of all levels and nationalities. These communities organize regular games, social events, and often provide coaching opportunities. Playing with more experienced players will expose you to different playing styles and strategies that you can incorporate into your own game.

4. Watch and Learn from Quality Resources

Take advantage of online learning resources to improve your technique and understanding of the game.

The Padel School offers excellent video tutorials covering everything from basic techniques to advanced strategies. These videos break down the mechanics of serves, volleys, smashes, and positioning in easy-to-understand formats. Additionally, platforms like Everything Padel provide comprehensive guides, equipment reviews, and tactical advice that can help you develop a well-rounded understanding of the sport. Spending 10-15 minutes watching instructional content before or after playing can significantly improve your game.

5. Stay Positioned at the Net

In padel, controlling the net is crucial. Unlike tennis where baseline play is common, padel rewards players who move forward and dominate the net position. After serving or returning, try to move toward the net as quickly as possible. When both you and your partner are at the net, you control the point and force your opponents into defensive positions. Practice your volleys and overhead smashes, as these are the shots you'll use most often when at the net. Remember: the team that controls the net usually wins the point.

What Gear Do I Need for Padel as a Beginner?

One of the great things about padel is that you don't need much equipment to get started.

• Padel Racquet: Unlike tennis racquets with strings, padel racquets are solid with perforations. As a beginner, look for a round-shaped racquet with a larger sweet spot, which offers more control and forgiveness. Expect to spend between €50-150 for a quality beginner racquet. Avoid extremely cheap racquets (under €40) as they may break easily or provide poor feel.

  
  

• Balls: Padel uses depressurized tennis balls that are specifically designed for the sport. They're slightly softer and slower than regular tennis balls. Most clubs provide balls, but if you're buying your own, they typically cost €5-8 per can of three balls.

  
  

• Shoes: Proper footwear is essential. Look for court shoes with non-marking soles that provide good grip and lateral support. Tennis or indoor court shoes work well. Avoid running shoes, as they don't provide the lateral stability needed for the quick direction changes in padel. Budget €60-120 for quality court shoes.

  
  

• Clothing: Wear comfortable athletic clothing that allows free movement. Many players wear tennis-style clothing—shorts or skirts with moisture-wicking shirts. Since padel is often played outdoors, consider sun protection like a hat or visor.

  
  

  Optional Accessories

  • Overgrip: Adds cushioning and absorbs sweat for better grip control (€5-10)

  • Racquet bag: Protects your racquet and carries your gear (€30-60)

  • Wristbands: Helps keep sweat off your hands and racquet

  • Sunglasses: For outdoor courts (look for sports-specific glasses that won't slip)

  
  

Many clubs offer racquet rentals for your first few sessions, so don't feel pressured to buy everything immediately. Try out the sport first, and once you're hooked (and you will be), invest in your own equipment.

Looking for more tips? Check out the best padel clubs in Amsterdam.

Final Thoughts

Padel is an incredibly fun and addictive sport that's easy to learn but offers a lifetime of improvement. The social nature of the game, combined with its accessibility for all ages and fitness levels, makes it perfect for beginners. Don't be intimidated—everyone was a beginner once, and the padel community is welcoming and supportive. Grab a racquet, find a court, and discover why millions of people around the world are falling in love with padel!