How Do I Get Started Playing Padel?

While padel is an easy game to play, it requires some dedicated equipment and infrastructure to make it work

With time, games evolve and even some entirely new ones are created. It all depends on the evolving preferences of the new generation. A relevant example in this context is the padel game, which is essentially a mix of tennis and squash. Padel is gaining popularity and many enthusiasts want to give it a try. Let’s get more details to help you out.

How do I get started playing padel? – Understanding the basics

Padel is played in a specially designed court, around 20 meters long and 10 meters wide. The court is enclosed by glass walls, something similar to what we use for squash. Mesh is also used for the walls. At the rear, the court height is around 3-4 meters tall. The net used in padel game is lower than tennis, around 88 cm in the center. The surface is usually synthetic, although sand/clay can also be used.

The scoring system of padel is similar to that of tennis. Points start at 0 (love) and increase to 15, 30, 40 and game. There are 6 games in each set and the winner must have a lead of two games to secure a set win. A best of three sets is often used for padel. Most other rules like deuce and tiebreak are largely the same as tennis.

Essential equipment needed for padel

You will need a padel racket to start playing the game. This racket has a round shape and soft EVA foam core. The weight is ideally in the range of 340 to 365 grams. The racket is designed to allow good control and a large sweet spot to hit the ball. The padel ball is similar to a tennis ball, but has slightly lower pressure. This makes the overall experience something similar to that of a squash game.

Apart from the racket and balls, you will also need special shoes to play padel. There are padel-specific shoes available, although the ones you use for tennis can also work. Padel players should avoid regular running shoes, as these can create risk for ankle injury. Other items you need for padel include comfortable clothing, towel, wrist strap, grip tape, bag, etc.

Learning basic techniques for padel

For beginners, it is important to first understand the grip used for padel. In most cases, the continental style grip is preferred. This is similar to a tennis volley grip. It is the most versatile, especially for beginners. The body should also be positioned in a specific way. For example, the knees should be bent and the racket should be positioned at the front.

Beginners need to practice primary padel shots such as forehand and backhand groundstrokes, simple underhand serve, volleys at the net and lobbing techniques. Since padel is a strictly doubles game, one player needs to be at the front and the other at the back initially. Players need to develop effective communication and work as a team. The focus should be on keeping the ball in play.

Key rules of padel game

Padel is a doubles game format. The serve is done underhand. You have to bounce the ball once behind the service line and hit it below the waist line. The ball should land in the diagonal service box. Similar to tennis, you get two serves. The ball must take one bounce on the opponent’s court before it touches any wall.

When the bounce is completed correctly, the walls can be used fully. In your own court, the ball needs to bounce once before you can strike to return it. If the ball bounces twice in your court, you lose the point. You may play the ball off your own back or side wall after it bounces. It is always better to watch videos to properly understand the padel game.

Finding a padel court and partners

You can approach the local clubs in your area to see if they have padel courts. This game is becoming more common across locations such as Latin America, Middle East, Europe, UK and US. You also need to find a partner who will be part of your two-member team. You can search on various platforms such as housing societies, Google Maps, local club websites, local directories, etc.