Padel 101: Everything You Need To Know Before Your First Game

Apr 28

Introduction: What Is Padel Anyway?

If you’re hearing about padel everywhere lately, you're not alone. Padel is the sport that’s sweeping across the world—and for good reason. It’s easy to pick up, incredibly fun, and perfect for players of all fitness levels. Think of it as a mix of tennis and squash: you play on a smaller enclosed court, you can use the walls, and the paddle feels natural in your hand from the very first swing.

Before you dive in and book your first session, here's a quick, friendly guide to everything you should know about padel.

The Basics: How Padel Works

Padel is almost always played in doubles, meaning it's 2 vs 2.

The game starts with an underhand serve into a diagonal service box (like tennis), and after that—the rally is on.

The ball can bounce off the walls after touching the ground, adding a whole new layer of fun and strategy.

The scoring system? It’s exactly like tennis: 15, 30, 40, game.

The essentials you need to know:

Serve underhand, waist height or lower.
Ball can hit the ground once, and then the glass walls can be used.
Keep it fast, fun, and smart—positioning matters as much as power.

What Gear Do You Need?

Padel Racket (Pala)
A padel racket is smaller than a tennis racket, solid (no strings), and easier to handle. For beginners, look for something light with a larger sweet spot to make contact easier.

Shoes
Court shoes or specific padel shoes are best. You’ll need good grip because of the quick lateral movements.

Clothing
Go for breathable athletic wear. Comfort is key—you’ll be moving a lot!

Balls
Padel balls look like tennis balls but are slightly less pressurized to fit the smaller court and wall play.

Is Padel Beginner-Friendly?

One of the biggest reasons padel is exploding in popularity is because it’s genuinely easy to start playing.
You don’t need to be super fit, super strong, or super skilled on day one. A simple underhand serve, some smart footwork, and a willingness to try new shots are all it takes.

Plus, the walls make rallies longer. Instead of chasing endless loose balls, beginners get to stay in the action longer—meaning more fun, less frustration.

First Game Tips: How To Make It Awesome

Before your first match, keep these tips in mind:

Stay light on your feet. Small quick steps are better than big lunges.
Play smart, not hard. Placement beats power, especially for beginners.
Communicate with your partner. Talk, call shots, and encourage each other.
Use the walls. It feels weird at first, but the walls are your friends!
Have fun. This sounds obvious, but padel is one of the most social and laughter-filled sports you can play. Lean into it.

What To Expect During Your First Session

If you’re taking a beginner padel class or just joining a casual game, here’s what usually happens:

You’ll get a quick rundown of the rules from a coach or an experienced player.
Expect lots of rally practice, simple drills, and mini-games.
Everyone’s learning! It's common to miss shots, get tangled with your partner, or accidentally slam the ball into the glass. Laugh it off—that’s part of the fun.

Final Thoughts: Ready To Play?

Starting something new can feel intimidating, but padel makes it ridiculously easy to jump right in. The vibe is welcoming, the game is addictive, and before you know it, you’ll be sliding across the court, celebrating winning points with a fist bump.

Ready to serve up some fun? We’ll see you on the court.

Rahul Khadke