As a padel player, do you remember your first time stepping onto the court? The excitement of trying something new, the thrill of learning the game, and the curiosity of how to get started. You might have had a friend who guided you, or maybe you simply joined a game with some more experienced players. Yet one of the most common things I still hear is “I want to play, but I don’t know how to start.” If that sounds like you, don’t worry, here’s a simple guide by Padel with Holly to help you get on the court and the start of your padel journey.
Find a Court and Equipment
Before you can play, you’ll need a place to play. Use apps like Playtomic or Matchi to see which courts are near you. Alternatively, The Padel Directory offers an impressive club finder feature on their website. Most padel facilities offer rental equipment including rackets for hire and the opportunity to purchase balls, so you don’t need to invest in your own gear just yet. However, if you plan to play regularly, investing in a good padel racket and comfortable kit can make a difference—I’ll do another feature on the endless kit you can buy once you’re hooked.
Learn the Basics of the Game
Padel is a mix of tennis and squash, typically played in doubles. However, a few singles courts are now popping up more regularly in the UK. Here are a few basic things to know:
The Court: A padel court is enclosed by glass walls and a cage. The ball can bounce off the walls as long as it hits the floor before doing so. The cage is unpredictable, watch out for those dodgy change in direction shots that pop off there!
Scoring: The scoring system is the same as tennis, with points, games, and sets. Some people play golden point instead of deuce—my advice, if you’ve only got a 1-hour slot, this is a good idea.
The Serve: Unlike tennis, the padel serve is underhand and must bounce once in your half before crossing over.
Play with a Friend
The beauty of padel is that it’s a social sport. If you have a friend who already plays, ask them to join you for a friendly game. If none of your friends have played yet or are on a different schedules to you, lots of clubs are running intro to padel sessions or beginners classes. I started by joining beginners sessions at Padium where you spend 90 minutes with a coach and have a mix between exercises and games to put the new skills into practice. Those sessions are also a great way to meet new people, one of the guys I met through those sessions I play with regularly now.
Get Involved in the Community
Padel is known for its welcoming and inclusive community. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, you’ll find support and encouragement from fellow players. Joining open games, tournaments, or coaching sessions, can help you develop your skills and enjoy the game even more. Social platforms such as Instagram or TikTok now have loads of coaching content. Find a few people whose style you like and then go to the court and practice what you’ve learned. Note, I do not take responsibility for the endless padel videos that will pop up on your for-you page!
Start Playing
The best way to improve is simply by playing. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, I can guarantee even a year down the line I’m still making them, although I like to think I know what I’m doing wrong now, however that’s all part of the learning process. As you play, you’ll get a feel for the game.
As with any new sport, the more you practice, the better you’ll get. The great thing about padel is that it’s easy to pick up but difficult to master, which keeps the game exciting and motivating. Starting your padel journey can feel a bit overwhelming at first, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be hooked. So, grab a racket, find a court, and let me know how you get on.
