Welcome to padel – the fastest-growing sport in the world! Whether you're a tennis player looking for something new or a complete beginner to racquet sports, this guide will give you everything you need to step onto the court with confidence.

What is Padel?

Padel (pronounced "pa-DEL") is a racquet sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. It's played on an enclosed court about 25% smaller than a tennis court, with walls that are in play. The sport originated in Mexico in the 1960s and has since become hugely popular in Spain and Latin America, with the UK now catching up fast.

What makes padel special is its accessibility. The underarm serve, smaller court, and slower ball speed make it easier to pick up than tennis, while the walls add a strategic dimension that keeps the game interesting for experienced players.

The Court

A padel court measures 20m x 10m (about 66ft x 33ft), enclosed by walls and mesh fencing. Key features include:

Back walls: Solid glass panels (3m high) that the ball can bounce off
Side walls: Combination of glass and metal mesh
Net: Similar to tennis but slightly lower (88cm at centre)
Service boxes: Marked on each side, similar to tennis
Surface: Usually artificial grass with sand infill

Key Difference from Tennis

The walls are in play! If the ball bounces on your side and then hits the wall, you can still return it. This creates longer rallies and more exciting points.

Basic Rules

Serving

The serve must be underarm – the ball must be hit at or below waist height
You get two serves (like tennis)
The ball must bounce once before serving
Serve diagonally into the opponent's service box
The ball must bounce in the service box before hitting the back wall (not the side wall)

During Play

The ball must bounce once on your side before you can hit it (except volleys)
After bouncing, the ball can hit the walls and still be returned
You can hit the ball into the walls on your opponent's side
The ball cannot hit the mesh/fence directly (must bounce first)
You can leave the court through the side doors to retrieve a ball

Winning Points

You win a point when:

The ball bounces twice on your opponent's side
Your opponent hits the ball into the net
Your opponent hits the ball out (over the walls or into the mesh before bouncing)
The ball hits your opponent before bouncing

Scoring System

Padel uses the same scoring system as tennis:

Points in a Game

• 0 points: "Love"
• 1 point: "15"
• 2 points: "30"
• 3 points: "40"
• 4 points: "Game" (if leading by 2)

At 40-40 ("Deuce"), one team must win by 2 points. The next point is "Advantage" – win the following point to take the game.

Sets: First to 6 games wins the set (must win by 2). At 6-6, a tiebreak is played.

Match: Usually best of 3 sets for recreational play.

Essential Equipment

Getting started with padel doesn't require a huge investment:

Padel racket: Solid with no strings, perforated face. Beginners should choose a round-shaped racket for more control (£50-150 for a good starter racket).
Balls: Similar to tennis balls but with slightly less pressure. Most clubs provide these.
Shoes: Tennis shoes or specific padel shoes with good lateral support. Avoid running shoes.
Comfortable sportswear: Similar to what you'd wear for tennis.

Top Tips for Beginners

Start with control, not power

Focus on getting the ball back over the net consistently. Power comes later.

Use the walls

Don't be afraid to let the ball hit the back wall – it gives you more time to prepare your shot.

Stay at the net

The team that controls the net usually wins. Look for opportunities to move forward.

Communicate with your partner

Padel is always doubles. Call "mine" or "yours" to avoid confusion.

Take a lesson

Even one or two lessons can dramatically accelerate your learning curve.

Court Etiquette

Good etiquette makes the game more enjoyable for everyone:

Arrive on time for your booking
Warm up briefly before starting
Call balls "in" or "out" honestly
Don't walk behind courts during points
Return balls to the server promptly
Shake hands at the end of the match
Leave the court clean and tidy

Ready to Play?

The best way to learn padel is to get on court and play! Most clubs offer beginner sessions, group lessons, or "try padel" experiences. Don't worry about being perfect – everyone starts somewhere, and the padel community is famously welcoming to newcomers.

Beginner's Complete Guide to Padel: Rules, Scoring & Tips