Learn the basic rules, techniques, and simple strategies to kickstart your journey.
New to padel? You can learn enough to enjoy a real match in a single session. This guide covers the basic rules, the three shots worth learning first, and a simple strategy that will help you win more points from day one.
The basics in two minutes
Padel is played in doubles on a court about a third smaller than a tennis court, surrounded by glass walls. Scoring works like tennis. Serves are hit underhand after one bounce, diagonally into the opponent’s service box. The ball may bounce once on your side and then hit the walls, and you can play it off the glass before returning it.
Three shots to learn first
Start with the underhand serve, which is easy to control and keeps the rally going. Next, practise the volley at the net with a short, firm punch instead of a big swing. Finally, learn the lob: a high, soft ball over your opponents that pushes them back and gives your team time to take the net.
Simple strategy that wins more points
Move with your partner as one unit, side by side. Get to the net whenever you can, because that is where most points are won. When you are pushed back, stay patient, let the ball come off the glass, and reset with a lob. Consistency beats power in padel, so keep the ball in play and let your opponents make the mistakes.
