How to Play Padel - Rules for Beginners
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Time to read 5 min
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Our Easy How To Play Padel Guide
Fast-paced, easy to learn and social - we can see why Padel has become the fast-growing sport in the UK. Born in Mexico in the late 1960s, Padel is more than just a sport. It's a smash hit global phenomenon that's gaining popularity at an astonishing rate.
A mix of tennis and squash, it's played as a doubles game on it's own Padel court. The scoring and rules are practically the same as tennis, but just like in squash you can hit balls off the walls for your advantage.
Whether you’re a seasoned athlete looking for a new challenge or a beginner wanting to explore a new hobby, padel is a unique and exciting way to stay active. Learning a new sport is all fun and games - literally. We recommend the Dunlop Fort Padel Tube for pro gameplay. But here is our easy how to play Padel guide to get you started!
Why Padel is Perfect for Beginners
One of the reasons for Padel's growing popularity is its accessibility. Beginners of any ages can pick up a Padel racquet and start playing on the court.
Easy to Learn
We mean it when we say that the rules of Padel are easy to pick up. The game is so straightforward, it's simple for people who've never even played a racquet sport before.
Low Physical Demand
As Padel courts are on the smaller size, it means there is less running during gameplay. This makes Padel a low physically demanding sport and it's much easier on the body compared to tennis or squash.
Social & Fun
Padel is not a solo sport, but played in doubles. This makes it the perfect social activity, as you can play with family and friends.
Inclusive
Thanks to it's low intensity and simple rules, Padel is a game that can be played by anyone regardless of their age or fitness level.
Aim
The aim of the game is simple - try to win the most sets (typically two out of three) and games within each set. Games are similar to tennis, with points scored at either 15, 30, 40 and game. What makes Padel different is it utilises a “golden point” system when there is a deuce (40-40), the team that wins the next point, wins the game.
Setting Up the Game
All you need is to grab a partner, some basic equipment and a court - then it’s time to start playing!
Your Court
Padel is played on what looks like a smaller sized tennis court, measuring 10x20 metres. With a net dividing both sides and surrounded by glass walls - you can play the ball off the walls to try and win the point.
With over 450 Padel courts dotted across Britain, this new and exciting game is at your doorstep. There are also Padel clubs in major cities to join, where you can play alongside other beginners.
The Equipment
First things first, you need a Padel racquet. This essential piece of equipment is solid with no strings, perforated with holes, and shorter than a tennis racquet. Don’t forget to attach the wrist strap for safety when you play.
It’s advised to play Padel with an official Padel ball, as they have slightly less pressure which makes them slower and easier to control. If you play with a tennis ball, this could potentially damage your Padel racquet, which is engineered to absorb the impact of only a Padel ball.
Your Teams
Padel is only played as a doubles game. The small court size means less running, meaning there’s plenty of room for four players to battle it out together.
Game Play Basics
Now that you’ve got your Padel equipment and court all set up, it’s time to dive into the basic rules of the game.
Serving
The official Padel rules states that each serve has to be an underhand. Also, the ball must bounce in your service box before hitting diagonally into your opponent’s service box.
Using the Walls
One of the unique aspects of Padel is how you can use the walls of the court to score points. After the ball bounces on the court, it can hit the surrounding walls and still be in play. Learning to do this strategically is one of the key ways to master the game.
Scoring
Padel follows the same scoring system as tennis, with points scored at either 15, 30, 40 and game. But when there is a deuce (40-40) there are two possibilities. There’s the typical deuce and advantage, where you must be two points ahead to win the game.
Or you can play a golden point - a tiebreaker used to speed up the game at a deuce. The receiving pair gets to choose which player returns the serve, and the team that wins the point wins the game! This rule was introduced to make matches shorter by avoiding the need for multiple deuces, and add a high-pressure moment for extra gameplay excitement.
Matches are the best of three sets, and you need to win two sets in order to win. Scoring a point happens when a team fails to return a valid shot or commits a fault. Faults include serving incorrectly, hitting the ball out of bounds, before it bounces or in the non-volley zone.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
As with any sport, it’s common for beginners to fall into all sorts of traps. Developing your Padel skills requires learning proper technique and avoiding common pitfalls. Here are the most frequent mistakes beginners make on the Padel court to avoid:
Overhitting
Many newcomers to Padel try to hit the ball way too hard. Our tip is to focus on having control over the ball, rather than power.
Poor Footwork
Good footwork is a key part of being a great Padel player, as you always have to be ready to take a shot and stay light on your feet.
Neglecting the Walls
One of the unique aspects of Padel is that you can use the walls of the court to score points. After the ball bounces on the court, it can hit the surrounding walls and still be in play. Learning to do this strategically is one of the key ways to master the game.
Lack of Communication
As Padel is a doubles game, you and your partner always play as a team. You need to communicate and pay close attention to where you are both on the court, as your positioning is a key factor in controlling the game.
Swing Into Padel Fun
After all, Padel isn’t just about hitting balls over a net. It’s a game of strategy and teamwork, where precision and tactics intertwine with some family-friendly competition. This how to play Padel walkthrough will have you become a Padel pro in no time, as Padel is easy to pick up. All you need is one of our Padel Balls, a good quality Padel racquet and a court.
