How to Play Padel: A Complete Beginner's Guide

Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK, offering an exciting mix of tennis and squash. Whether you're completely new to the game or looking to improve your skills, this guide will take you through the rules, techniques, and strategies to get started with padel.

What is Padel?

Padel is a racket sport played in doubles on an enclosed court about one-third the size of a tennis court. It's played with a solid racket and a depressurized tennis ball, with walls in play, similar to squash. The game is designed to be easy to learn, making it a fun and accessible sport for all ages.

Basic Rules of Padel

1. Scoring System

Padel follows the same scoring system as tennis:

• 15, 30, 40, game.
• A game must be won by at least two points.
• Matches are typically best of three or five sets.

2. Serving Rules

• The serve must be underhand and hit diagonally into the opponent's service box.
• The ball must bounce once behind the service line before being struck.
• The serve must land in the opponent's service box and can hit the glass but not the metal fence.
• You get two attempts for each serve, just like in tennis.

3. Ball in Play

• The ball must bounce once on the court before hitting the walls.
• You can volley (hit the ball before it bounces) except on the return of serve.
• Players can use the glass walls to play shots, but the ball cannot hit the metal fence before crossing into the opponent's side.
• If the ball bounces twice before an opponent returns it, the point is won.

Padel Equipment You Need

1. Padel Racket

Padel rackets are shorter than tennis rackets, with a solid hitting surface and perforations for control. They come in various shapes:

• Round – Great for control and beginners.
• Teardrop – A balance of power and control.
• Diamond – Best for power players but requires skill.

2. Padel Balls

Similar to tennis balls but with lower pressure, padel balls allow for longer rallies and better control.

3. Footwear & Clothing

• Non-marking shoes with good grip (tennis or padel shoes are ideal).
• Comfortable sportswear that allows free movement.

Basic Padel Strategies

1. Positioning

• Stay close to the net when attacking to put pressure on your opponents.
• Move back when defending to allow more reaction time.

2. Shot Selection

• Volley – Quick, controlled shots near the net.
• Lob – Lifting the ball high to push opponents back.
• Bandeja – A defensive smash to maintain control.
• Chiquita – A soft shot to force opponents into awkward positions.

3. Communication

Since padel is always played in doubles, communication with your partner is key. Decide in advance who covers which shots and always call out plays.

Where to Play Padel in the UK

There are padel courts across the UK, from London to Manchester and beyond. Some of the top locations include:

• Padium London – A premium padel experience.
• Club de Padel Manchester – A popular venue for players of all levels.
• Rocket Padel Bristol – Offers great facilities and coaching.
• The Social Padel Club – Ideal for casual and competitive play.

Find & Book Your First Padel Game

Ready to start playing? Use ThePadelCourts.co.uk to find and book a padel court near you. Whether you're looking to improve your fitness, meet new people, or compete at a high level, padel is an excellent choice.