Padel is quick to pick up, which is exactly why it’s booming. Once you understand the court, the scoring and the serve, you can play your first match within an hour.
Court and players
Padel is almost always played four players (two vs two) on a small court with glass walls. The ball may come off the wall after the bounce – that’s the fun of it.
Scoring
Scoring is like tennis: 15-30-40-game, six games per set (win by two, otherwise a tiebreak), usually best of three. The serve is underarm, below waist height, and must land diagonally in the service box after one bounce.
“Play with the walls: wait for the ball, let it come back and return it calmly.”
How to start
All you need is court shoes and a rented racket. Play your first time with friends or take one lesson for the basics – after that you learn most by playing a lot.
Drills
Learn the court
Small court with glass walls; the ball may come off the wall after the bounce.
Use the continental grip
One grip for forehand, backhand and volley – no switching.
Serve underarm
Below waist height, after one bounce, diagonally into the service box.
Use the walls
Don’t panic on a ball toward the glass – wait and play it back after the bounce.
Play as a pair
Move together left and right; never leave a gap down the middle.
Keep the rally going
Aim to play safe and deep; points often come from your opponent’s errors.
Frequently asked questions
How many people play padel?
Almost always four: two vs two on a small court with glass walls.
How does scoring work?
Like tennis: 15-30-40-game, six games per set (win by two), usually best of three.
How do you serve in padel?
Underarm and below the waist: let the ball bounce once and hit it diagonally into the service box.
Do I need tennis experience?
No. Padel is popular precisely because you can enjoy it quickly without experience.
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