New to padel? This complete beginner hub covers how to start playing, the rules that matter, what equipment you need, typical costs, what to wear, and why padel is so social. Follow the guides below for a confident first session and faster progress.
How to get started playing padel
The simplest way to start is to book a beginner-friendly session, borrow a bat if needed, and play doubles. Padel uses an underarm serve, you can play balls off the glass after a bounce, and rallies build quickly. If you can keep the ball in play and move with your partner, you will enjoy your first game immediately.
- Best first step: a beginner group session or social doubles.
- What you need: a round beginner bat, court shoes, and padel balls (clubs often provide).
- What to focus on: control, height, and positioning, not power.
Getting started with padel
If you’re completely new to padel, begin with these step-by-step guides. They explain what to expect in your first session, how the rules work, and how quickly most beginners progress.
- How Do I Get Started Playing Padel? First session checklist, rules basics, and beginner tips.
- Is Padel Easy to Learn for Beginners? What feels easy, what feels tricky, and how to improve fast.
- How Long Does It Take to Learn Padel? A realistic timeline from first rally to confident matches.
- Do You Need Lessons to Start Playing Padel? When coaching helps most, and how to choose the right session.
Equipment, clothing and costs
Padel is one of the most accessible racket sports. These guides explain what you actually need, what you can borrow, and where it’s worth investing as you improve.
- What Equipment Do You Need to Start Playing Padel? Bats, balls, shoes, and beginner-friendly choices.
- Is Padel Expensive to Get Into? Typical UK costs and how to start without overbuying.
- What Should Beginners Wear to Play Padel? Comfort, grip, and what matters most for movement.
Padel culture and community
Padel is social by design. Doubles, quick learning curves, and inclusive match formats create a sport that people stick with. These guides explain why the community aspect matters, and why growth is accelerating in the UK.
- Why Is Padel Such a Social Sport? The doubles format, etiquette, and why it feels welcoming.
- Why Is Padel Growing So Fast in the UK? The factors driving adoption, clubs, and participation.
Padel origins and heritage
Understanding where padel comes from explains why it feels different from tennis and squash. These guides cover the origins, the reasoning behind the walls, and the sport’s early history.
- Who Invented Padel and Why? Origins, intent, and the sport’s original principles.
- Padel Origins: Acapulco, 1969 The defining moment that shaped the modern game.
- Why Does Padel Have Walls? How walls change rallies, tactics, and enjoyment.
Why learn padel with Corcuera
Corcuera Padel Club is inspired by the origins of the sport and the values that shaped it: accessibility, community, and understated excellence. This guide exists to help new players discover padel properly, with the confidence to enjoy your first match and the clarity to improve quickly.
If you want a clean starting point, begin with How Do I Get Started Playing Padel? and then move through equipment and costs once you’ve played your first session.
Beginner FAQs
Is padel easy for beginners?
Yes. Many people find padel easier to start than tennis because it is usually doubles, the court is smaller, and the walls keep rallies going. A short beginner session or a few social games is typically enough to serve, rally and score comfortably.
Do I need lessons to start playing padel?
No, but lessons help. A beginner session teaches positioning, the underarm serve and wall timing. It also prevents common habits that slow progress, so you improve faster and enjoy matches sooner.
What equipment do I need for my first padel session?
You need a padel bat, padel balls and stable court shoes. Many clubs lend bats and provide balls for beginner sessions, so you can try padel before buying your own kit.