The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Padel: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re looking for a fun and exciting sport to try, then padel should definitely be on your radar. Padel is a racket sport that combines elements of tennis, squash, and badminton. And even better, it’s beginner-friendly!

In this ultimate beginner’s guide to padel, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get started.

What is Padel?

Padel originated in Mexico in the 1960s and has since grown in popularity across the world. It’s a fast-paced sport that’s played on an enclosed court that’s about a third of the size of a tennis court.

Players use paddles to hit a small ball back and forth over a net. The court has walls that can also be used to return the ball, making for some exciting rallies.

The Rules of Padel

Here are the basic rules of padel:

• Each game is played to 6, with a tiebreak at 6-6.
• The server must hit the ball underhand and hit it into the opposite service box, similar to tennis.
• The ball must bounce once on each side of the court before it can be hit off the walls.
• If the ball hits the walls or the net on the serve, it’s considered a fault and the serve is lost.
• The ball can only be hit after it has bounced on the ground or walls. Volleys are not allowed.
• If the ball hits the walls or ceiling and goes over the net, it’s still in play.
• If the ball hits the players or their clothing, the point goes to the other team.
• The team that wins the point serves for the next point.

Equipment Needed for Padel

To play padel, you’ll need the following equipment:

• A padel racket
• A padel ball
• Appropriate footwear (court shoes with non-marking soles)

You can rent or borrow padel rackets and balls at most padel clubs if you’re just starting out.

Getting Started with Padel

Here are some tips for getting started with padel:

• Take a lesson or two to learn the basics and get a feel for the game.
• Practice hitting the ball against the walls to get a sense of the court boundaries.
• Focus on positioning and footwork to improve your game.
• Play with someone slightly better than you to challenge yourself and learn from their skills.

Joining a Padel Club

If you’re really enjoying padel and want to play regularly, consider joining a club. Padel clubs offer court rentals, lessons, leagues, and social events for players of all skill levels.

Try searching for “padel club” or “padel court” in your area to find options near you.

Conclusion

Padel is a fun and exciting sport that’s accessible to beginners. With its combination of speed, skill, and strategy, you’ll quickly fall in love with this unique racket sport.

Hopefully, this beginner’s guide to padel has given you the information you need to get started. So grab a friend, a racket, and a ball, and start playing today!