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Padel for intermediates: the complete guide
Padel for Beginners: The Complete Guide
Updated June 2026 · Beginners Guide
What is padel and how do you start playing?
Padel is a doubles racket sport played on an enclosed glass-walled court, combining elements of tennis and squash. The serve is underarm, glass walls are part of play, and most beginners can rally within their first session. To start: book a beginner session, borrow a bat, and wear court shoes.
4
players per game
10m
to learn basics
£6
per player per hour
#2
fast growing sport
What’s in this guide
1. What is padel?
A padel court — smaller than tennis, enclosed by glass walls that stay in play after a bounce.
Padel is a racket sport played in doubles on an enclosed court roughly a third the size of a tennis court. Glass walls and metal mesh surround the playing area and are a central part of the game — after the ball bounces, players can play it off the glass.
The serve is underarm, the scoring follows tennis, and the doubles format means four players share the court. This combination makes padel unusually easy to start, highly social, and more tactically interesting than it first appears.
Padel at a glance
- Always played 2 vs 2 — doubles only
- Underarm serve, bounced below hip height
- Glass walls in play after the ball bounces
- Tennis scoring: 15, 30, 40, deuce, games, sets
- Smaller court — roughly 10m × 20m
- Solid bat with a perforated surface
2. How to get started with padel
The fastest route into padel is a beginner group session at a local club. Most clubs offer introductory sessions where a coach covers the rules, the serve and basic positioning before you start playing. Racket hire is usually available, so you do not need to buy anything upfront.
Your first session checklist
- Book a beginner group session or social doubles
- Hire a bat if you do not have one
- Wear court shoes or trainers with lateral support
- Wear lightweight, breathable sports clothing
- Focus on keeping the ball in play, not power
- Talk to your partner and move as a pair
- How do I get started playing padel? First session checklist & rules basics
- Is padel easy to learn for beginners? What feels easy, what takes time
- How long does it take to learn padel? Realistic timeline
3. Your beginner padel journey
Follow this path from complete beginner to confident club player. Each step links to a dedicated guide.
1
Learn the basics
Rules, scoring, court layout and what to expect in session one
2
Understand the rules
Serving, scoring, wall play, 45 rule, egg rule and faults
3
Choose your kit
What you actually need, what you can borrow and what to buy first
4
Shop beginner padel apparel
Browse the Corcuera range designed for padel players
4. Equipment, clothing and costs
Padel is one of the most accessible racket sports to get into. For your first few sessions you need nothing more than court shoes and a racket — most clubs will hire one. The total cost to start from scratch is typically lower than many racket sports.
- What equipment do you need to start playing padel?
- What padel racket should a beginner use?
- Is padel expensive to get into?
- What should beginners wear to play padel?
Ready to look the part?
Lightweight padel clothing designed for movement, comfort and understated style.
5. Padel vs tennis for beginners
Padel is generally easier to start than tennis. The underarm serve removes the biggest technical barrier for new players, the court is smaller so there is less ground to cover, and the doubles format means you share the work.
| Factor | Padel | Tennis |
|---|---|---|
| Serve technique | ✓ Underarm — easy to learn | — Overhead — takes longer |
| Rally length | ✓ Longer rallies from session one | — Shorter rallies until technique improves |
| Court coverage | ✓ Smaller court shared with partner | — Larger court |
| Social element | ✓ Always doubles | — Often singles |
Common Beginner Questions About Padel
Quick answers for new players
Padel is usually easier to start than tennis, more tactical than pickleball, and far more social than many racket sports. It can feel premium because many clubs are new and in demand, but the sport itself is designed to be accessible, social and beginner-friendly.
Is padel harder than tennis?
Padel is usually easier to start than tennis because the serve is underarm, the court is smaller and the doubles format makes rallies easier to sustain. Tennis is generally harder technically at the beginning, especially because of the overhead serve and larger court. Padel becomes more tactically complex as you improve because of the glass walls, positioning and partner movement.
Is padel a posh sport?
Padel has a premium club image in some countries because it grew through private clubs and resorts, especially in Spain and the Costa del Sol. But it is not only a posh sport. In many places, padel is popular because it is social, accessible and easier to learn than tennis. In the UK, the cost can still feel high where court supply is limited, but more public venues are opening each year.
Which is harder, pickleball or padel?
Pickleball is usually easier for a complete beginner to start because the court is smaller, the ball moves more slowly and the technique is simpler. Padel is more physically demanding and more tactically complex because of the glass walls, rebound angles and movement as a doubles pair. If you want the easiest first session, pickleball is simpler. If you want more athletic rallies and wall-play strategy, padel is harder but deeper.
What should you not do in padel?
Do not try to hit every ball hard. Do not stand still after your shot. Do not ignore your partner. Do not rush the net when your pair is out of position. Do not call balls out unless you are sure. Padel rewards patience, communication and positioning more than power.
What is padel etiquette?
Padel etiquette means respecting your opponents, partner and court. Call lines honestly, replay uncertain points in social matches, avoid walking behind active courts, apologise for lucky net cords, and keep warm-ups short when others are waiting. Good etiquette makes club padel more enjoyable for everyone.
6. Five beginner padel mistakes to avoid
Most new players improve significantly faster when they focus on these five things.
Mistake 01
Trying to hit too hard
Padel rewards control over power. Aim for height, depth and consistent placement before going for winners.
Mistake 02
Staying stuck at the back
Good positioning means moving forward when the opportunity arises and taking the net with your partner.
Mistake 03
Ignoring the glass walls
The glass is part of the game. Once the ball bounces, it can come off the back glass and still be played.
Mistake 04
Using the wrong grip
A continental grip works for volleys, serves, lobs and defensive shots.
Mistake 05
Playing as two individuals
Padel is a doubles game. Talk to your partner, move in sync and cover the court as a unit.
7. Padel culture and community
Padel is social by design. The doubles format means every game involves four people. The relatively short learning curve means players of different abilities can share a court enjoyably.
- Why is padel such a social sport?
- Why is padel growing so fast in the UK?
- Padel etiquette and unwritten rules
8. Padel origins and heritage
Padel was invented by Enrique Corcuera in Acapulco, Mexico in 1969. He built the first court in the garden of his home, adapting the space using existing walls as playing boundaries.
9. Beginner padel FAQs
What is padel?
Padel is a racket sport played in doubles on an enclosed glass-walled court. The serve is underarm, glass walls are part of play after a bounce, and scoring follows tennis.
Is padel easy for beginners?
Yes. Most beginners can sustain a rally within their first session. The underarm serve removes the biggest technical barrier, the smaller court reduces physical demands, and the doubles format means you share the work with a partner.
Is padel harder than tennis?
Padel is usually easier to start than tennis because the serve is underarm, the court is smaller and rallies are easier for beginners. Tennis is generally harder technically at the beginning, while padel becomes more tactical as players improve.
Is padel a posh sport?
Padel can have a premium club image, especially where courts are new or in high demand, but it is not only a posh sport. It is popular because it is social, accessible and easier to learn than tennis.
Which is harder, pickleball or padel?
Pickleball is usually easier for complete beginners because the court is smaller and the ball moves more slowly. Padel is more physically demanding and more tactically complex because of the glass walls and doubles movement.
What should you not do in padel?
Do not try to hit every ball hard, ignore your partner, rush the net from a bad position, stand still after your shot, or call balls out unless you are sure.
What is padel etiquette?
Padel etiquette means calling lines honestly, respecting opponents and partners, replaying uncertain points in social matches, avoiding walking behind active courts, and keeping warm-ups short when others are waiting.
How much does it cost to play padel?
Court hire typically ranges from £20–£40 per hour for the full court. With four players in doubles, that works out at £5–£10 per person per hour.
Where can I play padel near me?
Use the Playtomic app to find and book courts near you, or explore our UK padel venue guides through the Knowledge Hub.
Continue learning
Padel clothing for beginners and beyond
Lightweight, breathable and designed for court movement — from first session to regular club player.
CPC 26 Collection
-
CPC 26 On-Court Padel T-Shirt
Regular price £39.00 GBPRegular price -
CPC 26 Padel Court Vest — Men's
Regular price £29.00 GBPRegular price -
CPC 26 Padel Court Vest — Women's
Regular price £32.00 GBPRegular price -
CPC 26 Padel Sweatshirt — Unisex
Regular price £55.00 GBPRegular price
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How to Improve Your Padel Game for a Beginners ...
Playing a beginners padel tournament soon? Use this simple match plan: keep the ball in play, hit high-percentage shots, communicate, and win more points by reducing errors.
How to Improve Your Padel Game for a Beginners ...
Playing a beginners padel tournament soon? Use this simple match plan: keep the ball in play, hit high-percentage shots, communicate, and win more points by reducing errors.
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Why Does Padel Have Walls?
Why does padel have walls? Discover how the enclosed court design shapes padel’s strategy, accessibility, and unique playing experience.
Why Does Padel Have Walls?
Why does padel have walls? Discover how the enclosed court design shapes padel’s strategy, accessibility, and unique playing experience.
