If you’ve been hearing whispers about a fun, fast-paced sport called padel and you’re wondering whether it’s for you, you’re in the right place. Padel for beginners can feel a little overwhelming at first, but I promise—it’s one of the most accessible and enjoyable sports to pick up.
I was a total newbie not long ago, and now I’m completely hooked. Whether you’re looking for a new way to get fit, have fun with friends, or challenge yourself mentally and physically, this post will walk you through everything I wish I knew when I started.
What is Padel?
Before diving deeper, let’s clear something up: padel is not the same as tennis or squash, although it borrows elements from both. Padel is usually played in doubles on an enclosed court about one-third the size of a tennis court. The walls come into play—much like in squash—and the rules are similar to tennis, but with a unique twist.
The rackets are solid with no strings, and the balls look similar to tennis balls but are slightly less pressurised. And here’s the best part: the learning curve is surprisingly gentle, which makes padel for beginners so appealing. I was able to rally back and forth in my first session, which was something I couldn’t say for tennis when I started!
Why I Chose Padel (and Why You Might Too)
When I first looked into padel for beginners, it was mostly out of curiosity. A friend of mine invited me to try it at a local sports club, and although I was hesitant (mainly because my coordination isn’t exactly Olympic level), I decided to give it a go.
What I found was a sport that’s incredibly welcoming. You don’t need to be super fit or have years of racket sport experience. It’s social, energetic, and easy to learn, which ticks all the boxes for a fun new hobby.
If you’re looking for a sport that combines teamwork, cardio, skill-building, and laughter, you’re going to love this. Plus, it’s low-impact on your joints, which makes it ideal for all ages. You and I both know that sticking to a fitness routine is easier when it’s genuinely fun—and padel makes that easy.
Getting Started with Padel for Beginners
1. Gear Up (But Don’t Overthink It)
When you’re just getting into padel for beginners, you don’t need to invest in high-end gear right away. I started with a rental racket and a basic pair of tennis shoes, and that worked just fine for my first few games.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Padel racket: Lightweight and easy to handle.
- Padel balls: They look like tennis balls but are designed for the sport.
- Court shoes: Non-marking soles with good grip are essential.
- Comfortable clothes: Anything you’d wear to the gym will do.
Once you’ve played a few matches and know you’re in it for the long haul, you can upgrade your equipment. Trust me—you’ll be itching to choose your own racket in no time!
2. Learn the Basic Rules
Understanding the basic padel rules is a crucial part of any beginner’s journey. I found that once I grasped the core ideas, the game flowed much better. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- You serve underhand (below the waist) and the ball must bounce once before hitting the wall.
- Points are scored just like in tennis: 15, 30, 40, game.
- The ball can bounce once on your side and may hit the walls—but not the metal fence.
- The serve must land diagonally into your opponent’s service box.
Don’t worry if this sounds confusing—it made more sense once I got on the court and tried it. You’ll learn quickly through playing, just like I did.
3. Master the Basics First
When exploring padel for beginners, it’s tempting to jump straight into power shots and dramatic smashes. I made that mistake early on and ended up hitting the walls more than the court!
Instead, focus on:
- Consistency over power: Keep the ball in play and aim for long rallies.
- Positioning: Stay close to your partner and move together as a team.
- Wall rebounds: Learn how the ball reacts after hitting the glass. This took me a few games to get used to but made a huge difference.
One of the best things I did was book a beginner lesson with a coach. You might want to do the same—it gave me confidence and helped me avoid some frustrating rookie errors.
What Makes Padel So Fun?
One of the biggest surprises about padel for beginners is how quickly it becomes addictive. I used to dread workouts, but now I actually look forward to my weekly matches. There’s something incredibly satisfying about a good rally, a strategic shot off the back wall, or a high-five from your partner after a point.
Here are a few reasons I think it’s so much fun:
- It’s social: You always play in doubles, so you’re constantly interacting with teammates and opponents.
- It’s fast-paced: There’s never a dull moment, and the small court keeps you engaged.
- It’s forgiving: Mistakes happen, but they don’t ruin the game. Every rally is a fresh chance.
I’ve also made new friends through the sport, which is a bonus I didn’t expect. When you’re new to a city or just looking for a fresh community, padel can open surprising doors.
Related Reading | Tennis vs Padel: Which Sport Is Right for You?
Helpful Padel Tips for Beginners
When I look back at my early days, I realize how useful a few simple padel tips for beginners can be. These aren’t just theoretical—they genuinely helped me improve quickly and start winning games.
- Watch others play: Even just observing other beginners helped me understand what to expect.
- Communicate constantly: Use simple calls like “mine” or “yours” to avoid confusion with your partner.
- Positioning is key: Don’t hang back too far—move up when you’re attacking and retreat together when you’re defending.
- Master the serve: Underhand serves are required, but there’s still a lot of technique to develop.
- Practice the walls: It’s the biggest difference from other racket sports and one of the most satisfying to master.
These basics made me feel much more confident in matches. You don’t need to be perfect—you just need to be consistent and aware.
Joining a Local Padel Community
One of the most exciting parts of getting into padel for beginners is discovering how friendly and welcoming the community is. I found a local padel club nearby that offers group coaching sessions, social nights, and beginner-friendly tournaments.
It’s been one of the best ways to stay motivated and improve my game. Plus, you get to meet people of all ages and backgrounds who are just as enthusiastic as you are. If you’re nervous about showing up solo, don’t be! Most clubs are used to welcoming newcomers and will help you feel comfortable right away.
Staying Motivated and Improving
It’s easy to stay motivated with padel for beginners because every session feels fresh and different. The more I played, the more I wanted to learn. I began watching padel highlights online, trying new shots in practice, and even getting feedback from more experienced players.
Here are a few things that helped me stay on track:
- Play regularly: Consistency helps build muscle memory and confidence.
- Celebrate small wins: Whether it’s your first successful volley or winning a set—acknowledge your progress.
- Set fun goals: Like playing in a local tournament or improving your serve accuracy.
Before I knew it, I was not only enjoying the sport—I was getting better and genuinely looking forward to every match.
More on Padel for Beginners:
Is Padel Easy for Beginners?
Yes—honestly, that’s one of the main reasons I fell in love with it. I remember walking onto the court for the first time thinking I’d be totally out of my depth, but within ten minutes, I was rallying and having a laugh.
The rules are simple, and you don’t need to be super fit or ultra-coordinated to start enjoying it. Sure, there’s a learning curve (especially with the walls), but that’s part of the fun. If you’ve ever picked up a tennis or squash racket, you’ll feel right at home. Even if you haven’t, it’s still a fantastic beginner-friendly sport that makes you feel good right away.
Which Padel Racket Is Good for Beginners?
Great question—I spent way too long researching this when I started! For beginners, I found that a lightweight, round-shaped racket with a large sweet spot is the best option. Mine had a soft core, which helped with control and comfort. You don’t need anything fancy or expensive when you’re starting out.
I actually rented a racket for my first few games, just to get a feel for it. Once I committed, I went with a beginner-friendly model from a brand like Bullpadel or Adidas, and I’ve never looked back. Just look for something labelled “control” or “beginner”—it’ll give you more confidence from day one.
Is Padel Harder Than Pickleball?
Ah, the ultimate showdown! I’ve played both, and I’d say it depends on what you’re looking for. Pickleball is a bit simpler in terms of movement and court size—it’s definitely easier on the body. But padel has more depth and variety, especially because of the walls and team dynamics.
For me, padel is a bit more physically demanding and strategic, which keeps things interesting. It’s not harder in a bad way, but it definitely feels more intense at times. That said, both are fun and beginner-friendly—you can’t go wrong with either.
Is Padel Hard on Knees?
This was something I worried about too, especially since I’ve had the occasional knee twinge from running. The good news? Padel is actually quite joint-friendly—more so than tennis or squash in my experience
The movements are quick but short, and you’re playing on a smaller court with less sprinting.
That said, like any sport, the right shoes make a massive difference. I made the mistake of wearing running shoes during my first match (oops), but once I switched to proper court shoes with good grip and cushioning, my knees were much happier. Stretch, warm up, and listen to your body—you’ll be fine.
Final Thoughts: Give Padel a Try
If you’re still hesitating about trying padel for beginners, take it from me—it’s one of the most rewarding and fun things I’ve started as an adult. You’ll laugh, you’ll sweat, and you’ll challenge yourself in the best way possible.
Padel offers everything I wanted in a sport: easy entry, quick progress, great people, and a fantastic workout without feeling like one. Whether you’re in it for the social side, the fitness benefits, or just looking to try something new, this is your sign to grab a racket and hit the court.
So why wait? Try padel for beginners, follow the basic padel rules, and don’t forget to apply those handy padel tips for beginners. I’ll see you on the court!
