What To Expect At Your First Padel Class
If you’ve been hearing about padel and wondering what all the excitement is about, your first class will make it clear. The sport blends the best parts of tennis and squash: quick movement, teamwork, and strategy, but with a faster learning curve and an immediate sense of fun. At Padel United Sports Club, beginners experience that firsthand in a friendly, structured environment that emphasizes both movement and mindset.
Whether you’re a Bergen County local or making the quick trip from the Upper West Side, your first class offers more than just instruction. It’s a full introduction to the game’s rhythm, community, and athletic flow, supported by a state-of-the-art wellness center that helps you play and recover smarter.
Before The Class
No Experience Needed
Every beginner session is built for absolute newcomers. You don’t need racquet sport experience, fancy gear, or a fitness background, just a willingness to move and have fun. Instructors keep things light and encouraging, so new players feel successful within minutes. The class begins with a quick warmup, focusing on balance, coordination, and getting used to the feel of the racket.
Players are introduced to the game’s doubles format and learn how teamwork drives the sport. Even if you’ve never played tennis or pickleball, padel’s smaller court and underhand serve make it easy to rally and enjoy right away.
Gear
All you need is a padel racket, available to rent or borrow at the club, and athletic clothing you can move in comfortably. Court shoes with lateral support are ideal for quick side steps, while breathable layers keep you comfortable indoors. Avoid investing in expensive professional gear early on. The key is comfort and familiarity, not power or precision.
Mindset
Come ready to laugh, miss shots, and learn fast. Every mistake becomes a lesson in timing and control. The social energy of padel is part of what makes it special: upbeat music, light banter, and plenty of encouragement create an atmosphere where progress feels effortless.
During The Class
Rules And Court Basics
Your instructor will walk you through the essentials: how to serve underhand, how to score, and when the glass walls come into play. Padel’s scoring system mirrors tennis: 15, 30, 40, game, but the shorter court and slower ball speed make rallies longer and more strategic. You’ll quickly see that the game rewards patience and smart placement more than strength.
Fundamental Techniques
You’ll begin with foundational shots:
Underarm Serve – A simple bounce and hit below the waist.
Forehand – Compact and steady with the racket face open for control.
Backhand – Smooth and balanced, perfect for defensive shots.
Volley – Short and sharp, used near the net to redirect pace.
Each skill is taught through repetition and feedback. Coaches break down body positioning and timing so players can feel how small adjustments create better consistency.
Drills And Games
Expect fast-paced, engaging drills that focus on ball control, footwork, and anticipation. You’ll rally through short cooperative games that teach spacing, angles, and communication. By the halfway mark, most players are connecting multiple shots and moving fluidly with their partners.
The emphasis is on fun and flow, not competition. You’ll rotate through courts, meet new players, and experience how the glass walls add new dimensions to each point.
Wall Play
One of padel’s most exciting differences from other racquet sports is the use of the walls. You’ll learn how to let the ball bounce and rebound off the glass before returning it; a move that adds both time and strategy. Coaches explain when to use the wall defensively to reset a point and how to attack by using the rebound to change direction.
At first, it feels unusual, but after a few drills, it becomes one of the most satisfying parts of the game. The wall transforms defense into opportunity.
Positioning And Tactics
Padel rewards smart teamwork. Instructors show how to move as a pair, such as covering the middle, calling switches, and recovering after each shot. You’ll learn when to move forward for volleys and when to retreat to defend lobs.
The game is as much about communication as it is about skill. Calling “mine” or “yours,” maintaining awareness of your partner, and anticipating their movements make rallies smoother and more enjoyable.
Focus On Control
Beginners often expect padel to be about power, but control is the real foundation. Coaches emphasize touch, direction, and patience. By focusing on placement over pace, players gain confidence faster and start constructing real points within the first session.
After The Class
Cooldown And Reflection
Classes close with a relaxed cooldown and quick discussion. You’ll review what you learned, celebrate small wins, and set goals for the next session. Most players are rallying comfortably after their first 90 minutes and eager to play again.
The Four-Week Beginner Progression
Padel United offers a structured four-week clinic that expands each week:
Week 1: Off the Wall – Learn to read rebounds and time your responses.
Week 2: Volleys – Build coordination and quick reactions at the net.
Week 3: Overheads – Practice timing, placement, and controlled power.
Week 4: Combined Skills – Integrate walls, volleys, and overheads into real match play.
Each stage reinforces what came before, turning first-timers into confident players ready for social or competitive matches.
The Wellness Center Experience
What sets Padel United Sports Club apart is its integrated Wellness Center, a complete environment for training, recovery, and relaxation. After class, players can recharge in the sauna, stretch in the recovery lounge, or schedule one-on-one personal training.
The facility includes:
Sauna and Recovery Lounge for post-session rejuvenation
Strength and Mobility Zones to build core stability and balance
Professional Training Programs tailored for padel’s rotational movements
Locker Rooms and Showers designed for comfort and convenience
This approach reflects a simple idea: playing better comes from feeling better. By pairing physical instruction with thoughtful recovery, Padel United helps every player sustain progress while preventing fatigue and strain.
Key Takeaways For Beginners
Teamwork comes first: Communication with your partner makes rallies last longer and more rewarding.
Control beats strength: Soft hands and placement win more points than raw power.
Use the glass: Learning to play off the wall is both tactical and fun.
Enjoy the energy: Padel thrives on community and connection. Embrace it.
Questions New Players Ask
Do I need racquet sport experience to join?
No. Classes are designed for newcomers and move at an easy pace with clear instruction.
How long is a beginner session?
Most first classes run 60 to 90 minutes, enough time to drill, rally, and play short games.
What should I bring to my first padel class?
Comfortable athletic wear, shoes with grip, and water. Rackets and balls are usually provided for a first visit.
What are the most important rules I should know now?
Serve underarm below the waist into the diagonal box, the ball can hit the back glass and remain live after the bounce, and scoring follows tennis.
When should I use the walls?
Use them on defense to reset, or on offense to change angles after the bounce. Start with calm, centered swings, then add pace as timing improves.
What racket shape should I start with?
Start with round for control and comfort. You can try teardrop later if you want more pop after your timing settles.
Should I practice smashes right away?
Not yet. Build volley control, serve placement, and wall timing first. Overheads come next once positioning feels natural.
How fast will I improve?
Most beginners can rally in the first class. If you play once or twice a week and take notes on one or two focus points, progress stacks quickly.
Join The Community
Padel United Sports Club combines world-class courts, expert coaching, and a focus on overall wellness. Every first class is designed to make players feel welcome, supported, and ready to learn. From the moment you step on court to the moment you step into the sauna, everything is about helping you move better and enjoy the game.
To book your first beginner session, visit Padel United Sports Club or call (201) 328-0006.
