Beginner's Guide to Padel

Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, combining elements of tennis and squash in a fun, social, and easy-to-learn format. This guide will help you understand the basics and get started on your padel journey.

What is Padel?

Padel (sometimes called padel tennis) is a racquet sport typically played in doubles on an enclosed court about one-third the size of a tennis court. The walls are part of the game, similar to squash, allowing for exciting rallies and strategic play.

The sport originated in Mexico in the 1960s and has exploded in popularity across Europe and South America. It's now rapidly growing in the United States, especially in Florida, with new courts opening regularly.

The Court

A padel court has these key characteristics:

  • Size: 10m (33ft) wide by 20m (66ft) long
  • Enclosed: Surrounded by walls of glass and mesh
  • Surface: Usually artificial turf with sand
  • Net: Similar to a tennis net (88cm high at center)

The court has a service line parallel to the net at each end. The area between these lines and the net is divided into two service boxes, just like in tennis.

Essential Equipment

Padel Rackets

Unlike tennis rackets, padel rackets (also called padel bats or paddles) are solid with no strings. They typically have:

  • A shorter handle (for better wrist control)
  • A foam core covered by carbon fiber, fiberglass, or other materials
  • Perforations in the hitting surface to reduce air resistance
  • A safety cord that attaches to your wrist

For beginners, look for a racket with:

  • Round shape (more control, larger sweet spot)
  • Medium weight (360-380g)
  • Soft or medium core (more forgiving)

Balls

Padel balls look similar to tennis balls but have a little less pressure, making them slightly softer. This helps them bounce well off the walls of the court.

Footwear and Clothing

Wear comfortable sports clothing and shoes with good lateral support and non-marking soles. Tennis or court shoes work well. Many players choose specific padel shoes designed for the movements and surface of padel courts.

Basic Rules

Scoring

Padel uses the same scoring system as tennis:

  • Points: 15, 30, 40, Game
  • Deuce at 40-40, with "advantage" scoring
  • Sets: First to 6 games (with a 2-game difference)
  • Tiebreak usually played at 6-6

Serving

The serve in padel differs from tennis:

  • The server must bounce the ball behind the service line
  • The serve must be hit underhand at or below waist height
  • The serve is diagonal, like tennis
  • The ball must land in the opposite service box and can bounce once before hitting the glass
  • If the ball hits the net and then lands in the correct service box, it's a "let" and the serve is retaken
  • Unlike tennis, you only get one serve attempt (no second serve)

Wall Play

The distinctive feature of padel is using the walls:

  • After a ball bounces in your court, you can either hit it directly or let it hit the wall first
  • You can hit the ball directly at any wall on your side
  • The ball can hit any wall on your side after bouncing, but must then go over the net
  • Once the ball crosses the net, it must bounce on the ground before or after hitting a wall
  • The ball can only bounce once on the ground on each side

Out of Bounds

A ball is out if:

  • It bounces twice on the ground
  • It hits any wall or fence on your opponent's side before bouncing on their court
  • It hits a wall on your side but then fails to go over the net
  • It hits any part of the metal fencing directly without bouncing first
  • It goes over the walls (balls that hit the walls and stay in play are valid)

Basic Techniques

Grip

Most players use the continental grip (like holding a hammer) as it works well for both forehand and backhand shots without having to change grip.

Ready Position

Stand with your knees slightly bent, weight on the balls of your feet, and racket out front. In doubles, position yourself diagonally across from your partner.

Basic Shots

Forehand and backhand: Similar to tennis but with shorter swings due to the enclosed space.

Volley: A shot hit before the ball bounces, usually executed near the net.

Bandeja: A defensive high shot, similar to a lob, but hit with more control.

Vibora: A shot hit with heavy topspin that drops quickly after clearing the net.

Chiquita: A low shot played close to the net to keep the ball low and difficult to attack.

Using the Walls

Learning to use the walls effectively is key to good padel:

  • Use the back wall defensively when receiving powerful shots
  • Use side walls to create difficult angles for your opponents
  • Practice shots off the wall to gain familiarity with ball trajectories

Strategy for Beginners

Positioning

In doubles (the most common format):

  • One player typically stays at the back while their partner plays at the net
  • When defending, both players might drop back
  • When attacking, try to advance to the net position
  • Move together with your partner (like accordions) to cover the court efficiently

Basic Tactics

  • Aim for consistency rather than power as a beginner
  • Target the space between opponents
  • Use lobs to push opponents back from the net
  • Direct shots toward the weaker player when possible
  • Communicate clearly with your partner about who takes which balls

Etiquette

Padel has a friendly, social atmosphere. Basic etiquette includes:

  • Greet and shake hands with all players before and after the match
  • Call your own lines honestly
  • Don't disturb players on adjacent courts
  • Say "sorry" for net cords and lucky shots
  • Be considerate with court reservations and time

Where to Play in Florida

Florida has a growing number of padel facilities. Check our Courts Directory for venues near you. Many clubs offer:

  • Court rentals (typically $20-40 per hour)
  • Beginner lessons and clinics
  • Racket rentals for newcomers
  • Social events and introductory sessions
  • Leagues and tournaments for all levels

Tips for Beginners

  • Take lessons: Even just 1-2 sessions with a coach will accelerate your learning
  • Play with better players: You'll improve faster by challenging yourself
  • Focus on placement, not power: Accuracy matters more than strength in padel
  • Be patient: Wall play takes time to master
  • Watch matches: Viewing professional matches online helps understand tactics
  • Play regularly: Consistent practice is key to improvement

Common Beginner Mistakes

  • Hitting too hard instead of focusing on control
  • Poor positioning (too far back or too close to the walls)
  • Failing to communicate with your partner
  • Not utilizing the walls effectively
  • Using a tennis-style grip instead of continental
  • Hitting upward instead of forward (causing balls to go out)

Ready to Play?

Padel is incredibly addictive once you start! It's easier to learn than tennis, provides great exercise, and offers a fun social environment. Check out our Courts Directory to find a facility near you in Florida, and don't hesitate to book a beginner's lesson to get started.

For more specific techniques and strategies, browse our Blog for detailed articles about different aspects of the game.

Welcome to the world of padel – we're confident you'll love it as much as we do!