How to get into padel

Start here

Tactically it rewards positioning and patience over raw power, which is why mixed-ability groups play together happily.

The right first step in padel is smaller than most beginners assume. Do these things in order.

• Book a court with three friends and rent rackets first
• Take one group lesson to learn the serve and the wall bounce
• Play at the net — padel is won at the net, not the baseline
• Learn to let the ball come off the glass instead of rushing it
• Join a club Americano night to meet regular partners

What to buy — and what to skip

Buy the minimum, use it for a month, then upgrade what actually limits you.

• Padel racket (solid, no strings)
• Padel balls
• Court shoes
• Sportswear

Where to train

These are the venue types to search for locally. Clubs and gyms in the SportConnect directory list their sports, levels and session times, so you can filter for beginner-friendly options.

• Enclosed glass padel courts
• Racket clubs
• Sports centres
• Rooftop and pop-up courts

Pick the right format

Beginners who choose the wrong format usually decide the sport isn't for them. Start with Doubles (standard), or an easier variant.

• Doubles (standard)
• Americano
• Mexicano
• Club leagues
• Open tournaments

Why it's worth it

What people get out of padel once they're past the first month.

• Genuinely playable and fun within one session
• Doubles format makes it social by default
• Lower impact on the body than singles tennis
• Courts are indoor or covered in most cities — year-round play
• Easy to find a fourth through club groups and apps

Find people to train with

Nothing keeps a new sport going like other people expecting you. Create a free profile with padel as your sport and your level, then browse players, coaches and clubs in your city and message the ones running beginner sessions.

Your first month

1. 01

   Week 1 — first court booking

   Rent rackets, play a casual match, don't worry about technique. Learn how the walls behave.

2. 02

   Week 2 — one coached session

   A single lesson on the underarm serve and the bandeja fixes most beginner habits before they set.

3. 03

   Week 3 — play a social night

   Americano or Mexicano formats rotate partners so you play everyone and meet the club.

4. 04

   Week 4 — find regular partners

   Lock in a weekly slot with three players at a similar level. Regularity is what makes you improve.

Frequently asked questions

Find a padel coach

A few sessions with a coach shortcuts months of guesswork. Every coach on SportConnect lists their sport, location, session formats, rates and availability, so you can compare before you message.

Keep reading

Keep exploring SportConnect