Padel for Beginners: A Guide to the Fastest-Growing Racket Sport
Padel, a doubles racket game played on a compact court, is experiencing swift popularity growth across Europe, the US, and the UK. The sport involves an underarm serve, walls made of glass and mesh, and a scoring system akin to tennis. New players require minimal gear: a padel racket, padel balls, and appropriate court shoes. Most facilities provide racket rentals, meaning only shoes need to be purchased. Learning the underarm serve is straightforward, and the walls facilitate playable shots, necessitating a shift in mindset. Initial sessions typically concentrate on fundamental positioning and serve practice, with a focus on consistency. Introductory lessons can enhance progress, and the continental grip is advisable. Many beginners can achieve basic rallies within a few sessions, while advanced techniques develop over time.
Key facts
- Padel is played in doubles on an enclosed court measuring roughly 20 by 10 meters, about a third the size of a tennis court.
- The sport features an underarm serve, which is easier to learn than the overhead tennis serve.
- Glass and mesh walls are part of the game, allowing balls to be played after bouncing off them.
- Padel scoring follows tennis: 0 (love), 15, 30, 40, game.
- Beginners are advised to use a round-shaped racket with a soft EVA foam core for control.
- Padel balls have lower internal air pressure than tennis balls, producing a lower bounce.
- Court shoes with herringbone or omni soles are recommended for lateral movement.
- Most clubs offer racket rental, so the only required purchase for a first session is appropriate footwear.
- The continental grip, or 'hammer grip,' is recommended as a versatile default for beginners.
- Beginners typically feel comfortable with basic rallies within their first several sessions.
Entities
Locations
- Europe
- US
- UK
Sources
- Quartz —