Padel Tips for Beginners

Jul 15

Just starting out with padel? You’re in for a treat. Padel (pronounced pa-dell) is often described as a mix of tennis and squash, played on a smaller court surrounded by glass walls. It's usually doubles-only and emphasizes quick reflexes, teamwork, and clever strategy over brute force. No wonder it’s considered the world’s fastest-growing sport. Once you try it, you’ll be hooked! At Padel United Sports Club, we’ve introduced many new players to this exciting game, so we’ve gathered our top tips to help beginners hit the ground running on the court.

1. Get the Right Gear

Having the proper equipment makes a huge difference for new players. You don't need the most expensive pro racket, but choose gear that’s suitable for beginners:

Padel racket: Opt for a round racket shape with a large sweet spot for better control. A lightweight racket (around 340–360 g) is easier to handle and reduces the risk of injury.
Balls: Always use official padel balls. They look like tennis balls but have slightly lower pressure, which ensures a consistent bounce. Using the right balls prevents unpredictable bounces and frustration on the court.
Shoes: Wear court shoes with good lateral support and grip. Regular running shoes won’t stabilize your ankles during the quick side-to-side moves of padel. Padel-specific or tennis shoes will give you the traction and support you need.
Comfortable attire: Choose light, quick-drying, flexible clothing so you can move freely. If playing outdoors, consider a cap or visor and don’t forget sunscreen for sun protection.

Starting with the right gear helps you play safely and confidently from day one.

2. Learn the Basic Rules and Scoring

Before jumping into play, take a moment to understand padel’s basic rules. Padel is always played 2 vs 2 (doubles), and the scoring system is just like tennis (points go 15, 30, 40, game). A few key rules for beginners:

Underhand start: Every point begins with an underhand stroke (the ball is bounced once on the ground and hit below waist height) diagonally into the opponent’s service box. You have two tries to put it in play, just like in tennis.
Let it bounce: The ball must bounce once in the service box before the return. The returner can’t hit that first ball out of the air. Let it bounce, then play on.
Use the walls: After the initial shot, the ball can hit the glass walls and still be in play (just not the fence directly). This adds a fun twist to gameplay and means you can play shots off the walls, much like in squash.

Don’t worry about memorizing every rule at once. You'll pick them up quickly as you play. Our staff and regulars at Padel United Sports Club are always happy to explain if you’re unsure about something during a game.

3. Focus on Fundamental Techniques

With the basics in mind, practice the core shots and strokes of padel. Good technique beats raw power in this game. Work on these fundamentals:

Serving: Develop a consistent underhand motion. Stand diagonally behind the service line, drop the ball and swing your racket from low to high. Aim for accuracy over power. Even a slower, well-placed first shot is tougher to return than a fast one that misses the box.
Groundstrokes (forehand & backhand): Use a continental grip (similar to a handshake on the racket) which works for all shots. Focus on making clean contact in the center of your racket. It’s better to hit a controlled shot that stays in play than a wild swing. Keep your swings compact and use your whole body (rotate your shoulders and hips) for better control.
The lob: Beginners quickly learn that the lob is your friend! A high, well-placed lob can push your opponents off the net and give you time to reset the point. Practice lobbing toward the back corner of the court when you’re under pressure to regain control of the rally.
Volleys and smashes: At the net, use softer volleys to apply pressure without over-hitting. For smashes, technique is key. Don’t always try to crush the ball. In padel, a smash hit too hard can rebound off the back wall and come right back to your side! Aim your smashes thoughtfully (for example, downward or toward an empty spot) so that you or your partner can finish the point.

By focusing on control and consistency with these shots, you’ll build a strong foundation for your padel game.

4. Use the Walls to Your Advantage

One of the biggest differences between padel and other racket sports is the use of the walls. It can feel tricky at first, but learn to embrace the walls:

Anticipate the rebound: Watch how the ball bounces off the glass. With practice, you’ll get a sense for the angles and where the ball will go. Often it’s best to take a step back and let the ball come off the wall toward you, then hit your shot.
Practice wall drills: Spend a few minutes of your practice just tossing or lightly hitting the ball against the back wall and trying to return it. You can even practice solo: hit the ball into the wall and attempt to play it after it rebounds. This builds your confidence in using the walls.
Turn defense into offense: When your opponents hit a strong shot, sometimes the best reply is off the back wall. Instead of panicking, run back and let the ball hit the wall, then calmly return it (often a lob is a good choice here). You’ll not only save the point, but you might put your opponents on the defensive if they weren’t expecting you to retrieve it.

Using the walls effectively is a game-changer in padel. Instead of fearing the glass, learn to treat it as a helpful tool to keep the ball in play and set up clever shots.

5. Positioning and Teamwork

Padel is a team sport, so working with your partner is essential. New players often make the mistake of each person doing their own thing. Instead, think of you and your partner as a single unit moving around the court. Here are some tips for good teamwork:

Stay side by side: Generally, you and your partner should stay at the same depth on the court. Whether you’re both at the baseline or both up at the net, keep that side-by-side formation so you cover the court evenly. If one of you is too far back while the other is too far forward, you’re leaving a huge gap for opponents to exploit.
Move as a team: If you need to shift position on court, coordinate with your partner. For example, when you hit a high lob and push opponents back, you both should move up to take the net. Conversely, if the opponents lob over you, both players should retreat back to defend. By moving in sync, you maintain good coverage and support each other’s play.
Communicate: Talk to your partner during points. Use simple calls like “mine!” or “yours!” to avoid confusion over who will take a shot. If a ball is about to bounce off the wall, yell “wall!” or “bounce!” to alert your partner. Good communication prevents both players from lunging for the same ball or, worse, watching the ball drop because each thought the other had it.
Cover the middle: A large percentage of shots in doubles go toward the center between players. Decide early on who will take balls down the middle. For instance, usually the player with the forehand in the middle will take those shots. Trust each other and stick to your plan, so there’s no hesitation when a ball comes between you.

Keep in mind, your partner is your biggest ally. Beginner pairs that learn to coordinate and support each other will win more points and, most importantly, have more fun.

6. Think Placement, Not Power

Padel rewards strategy and placement more than sheer power. Many newcomers (especially those coming from tennis) initially swing too hard at everything. Instead:

Hit smart shots: Use angles and aim for open spaces. A soft shot angled low at your opponent’s feet can be more effective than a hard drive hit straight at them.
Keep the ball in play: Consistency forces your opponents to hit one more shot, increasing the chance they’ll make a mistake. Often the rally is won by the team that makes the fewest errors, not the one that hits the most winners.
Add spin: Try adding topspin or slice to your shots. A little topspin can make the ball bounce lower off the glass, and a bit of slice can keep the ball low and skid forward instead of sitting up. These make your shots trickier to return without needing extra power.
Be patient: Build the point with your partner and wait for the right opportunity (like a weak pop-up from your opponents) to go for a winning shot. Padel points often last longer than tennis points due to the walls and the slightly slower ball, so patience pays off. There’s no need to try to end the point on every swing.

By prioritizing control, placement, and tactics, you’ll often outwit players who rely only on power. As the saying goes in padel, “the best shot is the one that your opponent isn’t ready for,” not necessarily the one hit the hardest.

7. Stay Positive and Keep Learning

Your mindset matters in padel. As a beginner, you will make mistakes, such as missed smashes, misjudged wall bounces, confusion over who should take a shot. That’s okay! Every player has been there, and the key is to learn and laugh it off:

Have fun: Padel is incredibly fun and social. Enjoy the exchanges, celebrate great shots (from both sides), and don’t get too upset by errors. If you’re smiling, you’re doing it right.
Be patient with yourself: Improvement comes with time. Focus on the progress you’re making rather than the mistakes. Maybe last week you struggled to hit walls, and this week you returned one. That’s a win!
Learn from losses: If you lose a point or a match, think of it as experience gained. Maybe you picked up a new tactic from the other team or noticed an area you want to practice more. Use it as motivation to improve.
Support your partner: Encourage each other, especially after miscues. A quick high-five or a “shake it off, next one!” can boost your partner’s confidence. Staying positive as a team can often turn a match around.

Our Padel United Sports Club coaches always remind beginners that progress comes by showing up and practicing. As Coach Jamie Levine from our club likes to say, “It’s not about being perfect. It’s about showing up, pushing yourself, and getting stronger every time.” Keep a positive attitude and you’ll improve faster than you think.

8. Join a Clinic or Social Game

Finally, the best way to get better at padel is to play regularly and learn from others. Don’t be shy. The padel community is welcoming and full of people who were beginners not long ago. At Padel United Sports Club, we offer a few ways to jump in:

Beginner clinics: These group sessions are perfect for new players. You’ll learn fundamentals like grip, stance, footwork, and basic shots (forehands, volleys, etc.) from our expert instructors, in a fun, low-pressure setting. It’s also a great way to meet other beginners and practice in a group.
Social play events: We host open play sessions and friendly round-robins where players of all levels mix in for casual games. This gives you a chance to apply your skills in real game situations and pick up tips from more experienced players. Plus, you’ll get to experience the friendly community vibe that padel players share.
Private coaching: If you want extra help on specific skills, our certified coaches are available for one-on-one lessons. A few personalized pointers on your technique can accelerate your progress dramatically.

Beyond our club offerings, don’t hesitate to invite friends or family to play and just enjoy the game. The more you play, the more comfortable you’ll get.

Starting out in padel can feel a bit daunting, but keep in mind that every expert was once a beginner. With the right gear, a grasp of the basics, and a willingness to practice, you’ll be rallying and scoring points in no time. Padel United Sports Club is here to support you every step of the way from your first clinic to your first tournament. So grab your racket, bring your enthusiasm, and get out on the court. We promise, you’ll be hooked on padel from the very first game. Good luck, and see you on the courts!