Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports – and happily one of the easiest to pick up. These seven tips help you skip the classic beginner mistakes.
Before your first game
All you need is court shoes and a borrowed racket; most clubs rent them. Play your first time with friends or take one lesson for the basics.
“Padel is about teamwork and patience, not the hardest hit.”
Drills
Rent a racket first
Don’t buy straight away; try a rental to feel what weight and shape suit you.
Use the continental grip
One grip for everything – forehand, backhand and volley – with no switching.
Stay level with your partner
Move as a pair left and right; never leave a gap down the middle.
Return the ball, don’t kill it
Aim to play safe and deep. Points often come from your opponent’s errors.
Use the wall
Don’t panic on a ball toward the glass – wait and play it back after the bounce.
Serve underarm and safe
Aim for the service box with control, not power.
Get to the net when you can
The net wins most points; take that position and hold it.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need my own gear?
No, court shoes are enough; most clubs rent rackets and sell balls.
How many people play?
Padel is almost always played four (two vs two) on a small court with glass walls.
Do I need tennis experience?
No. Padel is popular precisely because you can enjoy it quickly without experience.
What’s the biggest beginner mistake?
Trying to hit too hard. Control and placement win far more points.
Struggling with the bandeja too? Got a drill that works for you? Share it below!
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