The Complete Beginner's Guide to Padel: Start Playing Today
Want to start playing padel but don't know where to begin? This comprehensive guide covers everything from equipment and rules to techniques and common mistakes. Whether you've never held a racket or you're a tennis player looking to try something new, you'll be playing your first game with confidence in no time.
Why 25 Million People Are Obsessed With Padel
Before we dive into the how-to, let's talk about why padel has become the world's fastest-growing sport. Here's what makes it so addictive:
Social & Fun
Always play with 3 other people. It's incredibly social and less intimidating than singles tennis. Perfect for making friends!
Easy to Learn
Unlike tennis, beginners can rally within their first session. The walls keep balls in play, making it accessible for all fitness levels.
Amazing Workout
Burn serious calories while having fun. Constant movement, quick sprints, and lateral shifts provide excellent cardio and muscle toning.
Fastest Growing Sport
Over 25 million players worldwide and growing exponentially. Courts are popping up everywhere, making it easy to find games.
Lower Impact
Smaller court means less running than tennis. Easier on knees and ankles, making it perfect for players 40+ or recovering from injuries.
Competitive Opportunities
Local, regional, and national tournaments for beginners to pros. Even recreational players can compete at their level.
What Equipment Do You Actually Need?
Good news: Getting started with padel is relatively inexpensive compared to sports like golf or skiing. Here's exactly what you need (and what you don't):
Padel Racket
EssentialStart with a control-oriented round or teardrop shape. Weight: 360-370g. Budget: $80-150 for beginners.
Court Shoes
EssentialIndoor court shoes with non-marking soles. Good lateral support is crucial for quick direction changes.
Eye Protection
EssentialSports glasses or goggles. Mandatory in many clubs due to close-range play and potential ball strikes.
Comfortable Clothing
RecommendedBreathable athletic wear. Padel is intense cardio—you'll sweat! Moisture-wicking fabrics recommended.
Padel Balls
RecommendedOfficial padel balls (slightly less pressure than tennis balls). Buy a tube of 3 for practice.
Bag
OptionalA simple sports bag or dedicated padel bag to carry your gear. Racket protection is important.
Total Beginner Investment: $150-300
For a beginner racket ($80-150), proper shoes ($50-100), and basic gear, expect to spend around $150-300 total. Many clubs rent equipment for your first sessions, so you can try before investing.
Understanding The Rules: Simpler Than You Think
If you know tennis, you're already 70% there. Padel uses the same scoring system with a few unique twists. Here are the essential rules you need to know:
Court & Teams
Padel is always doubles (2 vs 2) on a 20m x 10m enclosed court with glass/mesh walls. The walls are IN PLAY.
Scoring System
Same as tennis: 15, 30, 40, game. Best of 3 or 5 sets, 6 games per set. No-ad scoring often used.
The Serve
Underhand serve below waist height. Ball must bounce in your service box before hitting. One serve only (no second serve).
Using the Walls
After the bounce, you can hit balls off any wall on YOUR side. Ball can hit opponent's walls after crossing net.
The Net
Net is lower in the middle (0.88m) than at sides (0.92m). Ball must clear the net—touching it is a fault.
Winning Points
Win a point when opponents: hit the net, hit out, double bounce, or fail to return the ball.
The #1 Rule Beginners Get Wrong
The serve must bounce in the opponent's service box BEFORE it can hit anything else. If it hits the fence or side wall first, it's a fault. After the serve, balls can hit walls immediately—but not on the serve itself.
8 Fundamental Techniques Every Beginner Must Learn
Master these techniques in order, and you'll progress from absolute beginner to competent player in just a few months. Don't try to learn everything at once—focus on one skill at a time.
The Continental Grip
EasyHold the racket like you're shaking hands with it. This versatile grip works for most shots and is perfect for beginners.
Ready Position
EasyKnees slightly bent, weight on balls of feet, racket at chest height. Face the net with your body turned slightly.
Forehand & Backhand
MediumKeep your arm extended but not rigid. Follow through across your body. Watch the ball hit the racket face.
The Volley
MediumShort, punching motion at the net. Don't swing—just block and redirect. Keep racket face slightly open.
The Lob
MediumHigh, arcing shot to push opponents away from the net. Open racket face and lift smoothly through the ball.
Reading Wall Bounces
HardLearn to predict where the ball goes after hitting walls. This is padel's most unique skill.
The Bandeja
HardPadel's signature defensive overhead. Hit with an open racket face using a 'windshield wiper' motion.
Positioning & Movement
HardMove together with your partner. Maintain formation. Both players should be at net or both at back.
8 Mistakes Every Beginner Makes (And How to Avoid Them)
Learn from others' mistakes instead of making them yourself. These are the most common pitfalls that slow down beginner progress—avoid them and you'll improve much faster.
Buying a Power Racket First
Playing Too Far From The Net
Hitting Too Hard, Too Early
Ignoring Your Partner
Wrong Footwear
Skipping the Warm-Up
Learning From YouTube Only
Neglecting Fitness
Your 6-Month Learning Path: Week-by-Week Progression
Here's a realistic timeline for going from complete beginner to intermediate player. Everyone progresses at different speeds, but this gives you clear milestones to work toward.
Week 1-2: Foundation
Equipment, rules, basic grip, and court awareness
Week 3-4: Ball Control
Consistency over power, basic shots, positioning
Month 2: Building Skills
Volleys, lobs, serving, and defensive play
Month 3-4: Intermediate Game
Partner coordination, strategy, shot selection
Month 5-6: Competitive Ready
Advanced shots, mental game, tournament play
Realistic Expectations
Most people can play enjoyable games within 2-3 weeks. You won't be good yet, but you'll have fun. After 3-6 months of regular play (2-3 times per week), you'll be competent enough to play in beginner tournaments. The key is consistency—playing regularly beats occasional marathon sessions.
6 Pro Tips to Accelerate Your Learning
These insider tips from experienced players and coaches will help you improve faster than 90% of beginners:
Play With Better Players
You improve fastest by playing with people slightly better than you. Don't be afraid to ask higher-level players for games—most are happy to help beginners.
Watch Professional Matches
Watch WPT (World Padel Tour) on YouTube. Notice how pros position themselves, when they attack vs. defend, and how they use the walls strategically.
Consistency Over Hours
Playing 3 times per week for 90 minutes beats one 5-hour marathon session. Consistent practice builds muscle memory better than sporadic intense sessions.
Record Your Games
Film yourself playing (even just on your phone). You'll spot mistakes you can't feel during play, like poor positioning or inefficient footwork.
Find a Regular Partner
Having a consistent partner accelerates learning. You develop chemistry, understand each other's strengths/weaknesses, and improve together.
Focus on One Skill at a Time
Don't try to master everything at once. Spend one session focused only on volleys, the next on serves, etc. Targeted practice is more effective.
Where to Find Courts and Players
One of padel's biggest advantages is its exploding popularity. Finding courts and players is easier than ever:
- Padel clubs: Dedicated facilities with multiple courts, coaching, and organized events
- Tennis clubs: Many are adding padel courts to meet demand
- Fitness centers: Larger gyms increasingly include padel facilities
- Apps like Playtomic: Find courts, book times, and connect with players at your level
- Facebook groups: Local padel communities organize games and welcome beginners
Pro tip: Most clubs offer "open play" sessions where you can show up and be matched with players at your level. This is perfect for beginners without a regular group.
Health Benefits: Why Padel Is Great Exercise
Beyond the fun and social aspects, padel delivers serious fitness benefits:
- Cardiovascular health: 60-90 minutes of padel significantly improves heart health and endurance
- Full-body workout: Engages legs, core, arms, and shoulders with every rally
- Burns 600-900 calories per hour: More than most gym activities, and way more fun
- Mental sharpness: Quick decision-making and strategy keep your brain engaged
- Stress relief: The social aspect and focus required help you disconnect from daily worries
Perhaps best of all, padel doesn't feel like exercise. You're so focused on the game and enjoying yourself that you barely notice you've been sprinting around for an hour.
Tennis Players: Why You'll Love Padel
If you play tennis, you already have a huge advantage. Your ball sense, racket skills, and court awareness transfer directly to padel. However, be prepared to unlearn some habits:
- Power isn't everything: Tennis rewards hard hitting; padel rewards placement and patience
- The walls are your friends: Learning to use walls strategically takes time but opens up the game
- It's always doubles: Singles tennis skills don't fully translate—teamwork is essential
- Court coverage is different: The smaller court and walls change positioning dynamics
- Overhead technique differs: The bandeja (padel's defensive overhead) has no tennis equivalent
Most tennis players become competent at padel within just a few weeks, but mastering the unique aspects takes months. The good news? Many tennis clubs now offer both sports, so you can enjoy variety in your game.
The Mental Game: Strategy for Beginners
Once you've mastered basic technique, padel becomes a chess match. Here are key strategic concepts to understand early:
- Control the net: The team at the net has a massive advantage. Your goal after every serve return is to advance forward.
- Target the feet: Balls at opponents' feet are hardest to return aggressively. Aim low when they're at the net.
- Lob to survive: When opponents are at the net and you're back, use lobs to push them away and buy time to advance.
- Patience wins: Don't try to end the point with every shot. Build pressure through consistency and wait for the right opportunity.
- Communicate constantly: Call "mine" or "yours" on every ball. Confusion causes more lost points than bad technique.
Ready to Choose Your First Racket?
Browse our comprehensive database of over 1,000 padel rackets. Filter by price, shape, weight, and skill level to find the perfect beginner-friendly racket for your game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is padel hard to learn?
No—padel is one of the easiest racket sports to learn! Unlike tennis, you can rally with others within your very first session. The walls keep balls in play, making it more forgiving for beginners. Most people can play enjoyable games within 2-3 weeks of starting.
How much does it cost to start playing padel?
Initial investment is $150-300 for equipment (racket, shoes, basic gear). Court rental varies by location but typically costs $20-40 per hour split among 4 players ($5-10 per person). Many clubs rent equipment for first-timers, so you can try before buying.
Do I need to be fit to play padel?
No—padel accommodates all fitness levels. The smaller court requires less running than tennis, and you can play at your own pace. That said, padel IS a great workout that will improve your fitness over time. Players from ages 8 to 80+ enjoy the sport.
What's the difference between padel and paddle tennis?
They're different sports. Padel (also called "padel tennis") originated in Mexico/Spain, uses solid rackets with holes, and is played on an enclosed court with glass walls. Paddle tennis is an American sport played on a smaller open court with mesh fencing and uses solid paddles.
Can I play padel if I've never played tennis?
Absolutely! Many top padel players never played tennis. In fact, having no tennis background means you won't have to unlearn certain habits. Padel's unique wall play and doubles focus make it a completely different strategic game.
How often should beginners practice?
Aim for 2-3 times per week. Consistent practice builds muscle memory better than occasional long sessions. Even 60-90 minute sessions are enough. If you're serious about improving, consider taking 3-5 lessons with a certified coach to build proper technique from the start.
What type of racket should a beginner buy?
Round or teardrop shape, 360-370g weight, control-oriented. Avoid diamond-shaped power rackets—they're too difficult for beginners to control. Budget $80-150 for a quality beginner racket from brands like Bullpadel, Head, Adidas, or Wilson. Use our racket finder to compare options.
Is padel popular in my country?
Padel is exploding globally with 25+ million players. It's huge in Spain, Argentina, and throughout Europe. It's rapidly growing in the USA, UK, Scandinavia, and Middle East. Check apps like Playtomic or Google Maps for "padel courts near me"—you might be surprised how close the nearest facility is!