Padel: Your Essential Beginner’s Guide

Padel is one of the fastest-growing racket sports in the world. Combining elements of tennis, squash, and pickleball, it’s accessible yet exciting.
Originating in Mexico in 1969, padel has evolved into a uniquely social game—one that’s gaining traction from the UK to New Zealand and beyond. 

• Court & Setup
  The court is enclosed and smaller than a tennis court. Glass or polycarbonate walls are part of the game.
   
• Racket & Ball
  Padel rackets are lightweight and perforated. The ball resembles a tennis ball in size.
   
• Service Rules
  Serves must be underarm, bounce first, and be struck below the waist into the diagonal service box.
   
• Returns & Walls
  After the bounce, the ball can hit the walls. You can return shots off the walls, making for fast-paced, dynamic action.
   
• Scoring & Play Style
  It’s usually played in doubles, with strategy hinging on court positioning: defending from the back, attacking up front.
   
• Ease of Learning
  Many players comment that padel is easier to pick up than tennis—and very addictive once you start.

• Cardio & Fat Burn
  The continuous movement—especially in short bursts—boosts cardiovascular fitness and helps with weight loss.
   
• Agility & Reflexes
  The confined play area demands quick footwork and responsive reflexes.
   
• Strength & Coordination
  Using walls, volleys, and varied shots develops core strength, hand-eye coordination, and balance.
   
• Fun Over Effort
  Because the game is fun and social, many players stick with it more loyally than with solo workouts.

• Built-in Social Network
  Playing doubles means you’re naturally interacting with others. Many people meet new friends within just a few sessions.
   
• Romance on the Court
  In places like Spain, padel is ingrained in social life—even wedding parties sometimes include a padel match.
   
• Mixed Tournaments & Community
  Clubs often organise mixed-ability and mixed-gender competitions. These provide opportunities to connect, bond, and perhaps find more than a match.
   
• Stories of Connection
  Some courts have seen couples meet, get engaged, or simply grow closer through shared play and passion for the sport.

• Find a local padel club or court in your area.
   
• Borrow or rent gear initially—see how it feels before buying your own.
   
• Take a lesson or join a beginner session to cover rules, footwork and strategy.
   
• Play socially—invite others, join group sessions, make it part of your regular routine.
   
• Stay open—you might just pick up fitness, friendships or even romance along the way.