Beginner's Guide on How to Start Playing Padel

Padel is one of the fastest-growing racket sports in the world. If you have been wondering how to get started playing padel, you are in the right place. This guide maps out everything from the basic rules and essential gear to booking your very first padel court session. 

What Is Padel?   

The sport was invented in Mexico in 1969 by Enrique Corcuera and eventually exploded in popularity across Spain and the rest of the world. Played exclusively as a doubles sport, padel emphasizes strategy and social interaction over raw power, making it welcoming for beginners.

A padel court is roughly 25 percent smaller than a tennis court and is enclosed by glass walls and mesh fencing, which are part of the game. Newcomers can enjoy padel right from their very first match, thanks to its gentle learning curve compared to traditional tennis. 

As of the end of 2023, the United States had a total of 227 padel courts across various states, supporting both recreational and competitive play, and infrastructure is expanding rapidly to meet the growing demand. Paddles differ from tennis in the following ways:  

• The racket is solid with holes rather than strung like a tennis racket.

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• Serves are always underhand to keep the ball in play longer.

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• The ball can bounce off the glass walls and remain in play.

Essential Padel Equipment for Beginners

Your First Padel Racket       

Choosing a padel racket can feel overwhelming for beginners, but a round-shaped racket is a great place to start. These offer a larger sweet spot and better control, which helps you build confidence. Most clubs offer rental options for a small fee, so you do not need to buy one immediately.

Padel Balls

While they look identical to tennis balls, paddles have slightly lower pressure to suit the smaller court and wall rebounds. A can of balls typically costs a few dollars, and recreational players can often reuse them for three or four matches before they lose too much bounce.

Footwear and Apparel

Proper footwear is critical because padel courts use artificial turf with sand. You need shoes with a specialized herringbone grip to prevent slipping and provide ankle support for quick lateral movements. Breathable, poly-mesh fabrics will also keep you comfortable during long rallies.

As you form a regular group, you might consider ordering custom shirts from Sports Gear Swag to match your club colors. You should also consider getting custom hats for playing on outdoor courts during the day.

Basic Padel Rules And Scoring Tips   

Scoring System          

Padel uses the same scoring system as tennis, meaning points go from 15 to 30 to 40 and then game. You need to win six games to take a set, and holding a two-game lead can provide crucial momentum in competitive matches.

Matches are usually best of three sets. If a game reaches 40 all, also known as deuce, many clubs play a golden point where the next point wins the game.

Service Box Basics              

Every point starts with an underhand serve. You must bounce the ball behind the service line and hit it at or below waist height diagonally into the opponent's service box. Unlike tennis, hitting the wire fence on a serve is considered a fault in padel. 

Ball In Play 

Once the ball is in play, it must bounce on the opponent's side before hitting the glass or wire. However, you can hit the ball against your own glass walls to send it over the net. The point ends if the ball bounces twice on one side or hits the wire fence on your own side.     

First Techniques and Strategy to Practice

Continental Grip and Contact Point

The most important habit to form is holding the racket with a continental grip, often called the hammer grip. This single grip works for serves, roundstrokes, and overheads, allowing you to react faster without changing your hand position. It offers roughly 90 percent coverage for all shots you will face and provides excellent control for shots at every skill level.

Using the Glass Walls Early    

Beginners often fear the glass, but you should embrace it early. A simple drill is to stand near the back and let a partner feed balls that hit the glass. Practice catching the ball after the rebound to learn the timing before you try hitting it back.   

Court Positioning and Partner Communication

In padel, you and your partner should move as a unit, generally staying up at the net or back at the baseline together. Communication is key, so use verbal cues like yours or mine to avoid confusion. Prioritize getting the ball over the net consistently rather than trying to hit winning power shots. Try these simple drills to improve your control and positioning:

• Volley Trap: Practice blocking balls at the net without swinging.

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• Wall Bounce Control: Hit gently against the wall to yourself to feel the rebound.
  
  

Understanding Padel Culture and Community

One of the biggest draws of padel is its friendly and inclusive atmosphere. It is common for players of mixed levels to rotate in games, and the sport discourages aggressive competitiveness in favor of fun. The tradition of staying after a match for a drink or snack is almost as important as the game itself.  

Clubs are popping up worldwide, creating hubs for social activity. In 2024, the United States Padel Association (USPA) reported a robust network of 53 member clubs across the country, highlighting the sport's growing popularity and providing more opportunities to meet new people.

Start Your Padel Journey with the Right Gear! 

Padel offers a unique combination of social fun, strategic depth, and physical activity that is hard to match. The barrier to entry is low, and the community is welcoming to newcomers of all ages. Go ahead and book a padel court this weekend to see why millions of people are falling in love with the sport.

At Sports Gear Swag, we offer a wide rnage of customizeable padel gear you need to play your best. Browse our selection of padel uniforms, breathable jerseys, comfortable shorts, and custom hats to suit your style on the court. Gear up today and elevate your game!