Learn How to Play Padel in 10 Easy Steps

New to padel? Or maybe you’re getting back into the court after a long-long break? Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned player, our quick guide below has you covered! To really get into the game, you’ll need to know a few basics, key elements, and rules. 

Once you’ve got those down, no more rookie mistakes, and you’ll be playing like a pro in no time (with enough practice, of course). If you’re ready to jump in and have some fun, let’s get started!

1. The goal of the game

Let’s start with the basics: scoring and the objective. In padel, you play in pairs, and your aim is to win points by making the ball bounce twice on your opponent’s side or by forcing errors. Scoring in padel is similar to tennis: games, sets, and matches. 

Games are scored similarly to tennis, with points of 15, 30, 40, and game point. Each set is won by the first team to reach six games, but you must lead by at least two games to do it. Matches are generally played as best-of-three sets. There’s a rest period between sets or when players are granted a change of side. 

2. Padel court

Understanding the layout of a padel court will help you learn where to position yourself and anticipate the ball’s movement. A padel court is a rectangle, smaller than a tennis court, enclosed with walls and fencing that keep the ball in play. It measures 10 meters wide by 20 meters long and is divided by a net in the center.

Each side of the court has a back wall and side walls, usually made of glass or similar material, which can be used strategically. You can use these walls for rebounds, which are a critical part of the game.

3. How points are won

Winning a point in padel follows these main conditions:

• When your opponent misses, and the ball bounces twice on their side. 
• When the ball hits your opponent’s body directly.
• When the ball lands on the opponent’s side and goes out.
• When a player hits the ball more than once with the racket.
• When the ball hits the net before bouncing on the opponent’s court.

4. Point lost

Just as there are ways to win points, there are also ways to lose them. According to the FIP or the International Padel Federation, there are 17 ways to lose a point in padel. But don’t sweat it; here are a few ways to lose a point in padel you must know:

• You touch the net or any part of your opponent’s court with your racket or your body.
• You let the ball bounce twice on your side of the court, a.k.a. you fail to return it.
• You hit the ball twice or double hit.
• You hit the ball out of bounds, directly into the opponent’s wall, or into the net.
• You hit the ball by throwing a racket at it.
• Any player jumps over the net while the point is being played.
• Both players simultaneously or consecutively hit the ball.

You can see the rest of them in the FIP Regulations of the Padel Game (Rule. 13).

5. Serving Rules

All padel games start with a service, and if your first service is not valid, you are allowed a second service. Like tennis, you first need to stand behind the service line and must remain there until the ball has been served.

You hit the serve diagonally across the net into the opponent’s service box. The height of the ball being served must be at or below the waist level at the moment of hitting and you must let the ball bounce before striking it.

A service fault occurs if:

• You miss the ball when trying to hit it.
• The ball bounces outside the receiver’s service box.
• The ball hits the net and lands outside the opponent’s service box.
• The ball is hit directly out of bounds or into the net.

There are also rules about “let” and “net” services in padel. A let serve occurs when the ball hits the net during the serve but still lands within the opponent's court. In this case, the serve is considered a fault, and the server gets another chance. A net serve, on the other hand, happens when the ball hits the net and fails to land within the opponent's court. A net serve results in a point for the receiver.

6. Choice of sides and change of sides

The choice of sides, who serves first, and who receives is usually decided by the flip of a coin or a similar method. The pair who win may choose between serving or receiving first, which side of the court for the first game, or they can request that the opponents choose first.

After the first, the third, and every subsequent odd game in the set, players must change sides. The players also will change sides after every 6 points in a “tie-break.” 

7. Essential equipment

Racket and shoes are two essential pieces of equipment in your game. You want to pick the right gear that fits your physique and your game's style so you can move comfortable and confidently around the court.

First is rackets. Padel rackets come in different shapes and sizes. There are the round type, the diamond type, and the teardrop type — each possesses a set of advantages and disadvantages, depending on how you wield or use it.

• The round-shaped rackets are ideal for beginners and players who prioritize control over power. The sweet spot, as in the area where the ball should land, is typically larger and more centrally located, so it’s easier for you to hit some clean shots.
• Diamond-shaped rackets are designed for more advanced players seeking maximum power. Their sweet spot is smaller and higher-up, rewarding every precise strike with explosive power. However, they can be less forgiving on off-center hits.
• Teardrop-shaped rackets offer a balance between control and power, a mixture of both round-shaped rackets and diamond-shaped rackets. They have a slightly larger sweet spot than diamond rackets, making them ideal for players who already have some experience in the game.

8. Attire

Padel has no strict requirements when it comes to attire. However, there are some good options you can opt to give you a better experience. First is lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing. This type of clothing allows you to stay comfy when playing. 

Clothing like flexible shorts also offer a full range of motion, which will be a game changer when you play aggressively. Lastly, a well-fitting cap or headband can also help keep the sweat and hair out of your face, letting you stay focused on the game.

9. Bouncing balls off the walls

One of the unique aspects of padel is that you can play off the walls, much like in squash. If the ball bounces on your side first and then hits the back or side wall, you can still return it as long as it hasn’t bounced twice. This wall play adds a whole new layer of strategy, as you can use the walls to set up shots that catch your opponent off guard.

The key to mastering wall play is to anticipate the angle and rebound. Start practicing hitting the ball off the back and side walls during rallies, and you’ll develop a sense of how the ball reacts. Before long, you’ll be able to use the walls to your advantage.

10 Running out of court

Unlike tennis, in padel, players are allowed to exit the court to return the ball, provided they can get back in time to continue the rally. However, this is a high-risk maneuver and is generally used in extreme situations when a ball has been lobbed far out of reach. When you’re out of the court, the playing area changes drastically, so only attempt this if you’re comfortable with the game dynamics and confident in your return shot.

11 Strategies and tips

Now that you know the rules, let’s talk strategy. Padel is as much about positioning and tactics as it is about skill.

1. First, play close to the net, put pressure on your opponents, and control the pace.
2. Since padel is played by pairs, communicating with your partner is essential. Call out shots, switch sides when necessary, and always be aware of your partner’s position.
3. The lob is one of the most effective shots in padel. A well-placed lob can force your opponent's back, giving you and your partner control of the net.
4. Practice wall rebounds and use them to your advantage. If your opponent is not experienced with wall play, a strategic wall shot can catch them off guard.

In conclusion, padel is a game of strategy, precision, and a lot of teamwork. Hopefully, with these 11 steps, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the game and improving your skills even more. Remember, practice makes perfect! The more time you spend on the court, the quicker you’ll pick up on the nuances of the game. So, grab your racket, hit the court, and enjoy the game!