What You Should Know to Start Playing Padel

outdoor padel court with blue grass

So, you’ve decided to join the fastest-growing sport in the world? Smart choice. Padel is social, fast-paced, and incredibly fun. But before you step onto the court and start smashing balls, there are a few things that will make your transition from beginner to enthusiast a whole lot smoother. Here is our essential guide to starting your padel journey.


1. The Court and the Walls

Unlike tennis, padel is played in a "cage" of glass and mesh. The court is smaller (20×10 meters), and the walls are your friends.

  • The Glass: If the ball hits the ground first and then the glass, it’s still in play. Learning to let the ball pass you and hit the glass is the biggest hurdle for beginners, but once you master it, the game becomes much easier.

  • The Mesh: If the ball hits the metal mesh after bouncing, it often takes an unpredictable path. Use this to your advantage when attacking!


2. Choosing Your First Racket

Don't make the mistake of buying the most expensive "Pro" racket right away. Professional rackets (like the Head Extreme Pro) are often stiff and heavy, making them hard to control for a beginner.

  • Shape: Look for a Round or Teardrop shaped racket. These have a larger "sweet spot," meaning you'll get a clean hit even if you don't strike the ball perfectly.

  • Weight: Start with something lighter (around 350-360g) to avoid strain on your elbow and wrist while you learn the technique.

[Check out all our Padel Rackets here]


3. Footwear: Don't Slip!

This is the most important piece of safety gear. Do not play in regular running shoes. Padel courts are often covered in fine sand (even if it’s "invisible" Mondo turf), making them slippery.

  • Padel-Specific Shoes: These have an outsole (often a herringbone/clay pattern) designed to give you grip during quick lateral movements and rotations. Good grip prevents ankle injuries and helps you reach the ball faster.

[Explore All Men's Shoes] | [Explore All Women's Shoes]


4. The Basics of the Game

  • The Serve: You always serve underhand. Bounce the ball on the ground behind the service line before hitting it, and make sure contact is at or below waist level. The ball must land in the opponent's diagonal service box.

  • The Service Bounce: During the serve, if the ball bounces in the box and then hits the wire mesh, it’s a fault. If it hits the glass wall, it’s in play.

  • During Play: Once the point is live, the walls are your friends. You can let the ball hit the glass (after it bounces) to give yourself more time. Unlike the serve, during a regular rally, the ball is allowed to hit the wire mesh after bouncing in the court.

  • Scoring: Padel follows the tennis scoring system (15, 30, 40, Game). Most casual matches use the "Advantage" rule at deuce, while tournaments often use the "Golden Point" (Punto de Oro) to speed up the game.


5. Padel Etiquette and Tactics

Padel is almost always played as doubles (2 vs 2). Communication is key!

  • Talk to your partner: Shouting "Yours!" or "I have it!" prevents collisions and missed balls.

  • Positioning: As a general rule, you and your partner should move together. When one goes to the net, the other should follow. Padel is won at the net, but defended from the back.


Ready to hit the court?

Starting padel is all about having fun and getting the ball over the net. You don’t need the perfect smash on day one—you just need the right attitude and the basic gear to keep you safe and consistent.

 



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