Padel

Padel for Beginners: A Complete Guide to Getting Started

Camille Vaillancour 2024-10-02

Padel is a fast-growing sport that blends elements of tennis and squash, offering a fun and dynamic way to stay active.

Whether you’ve never picked up a racket or are transitioning from tennis, this beginner-friendly guide will help you get comfortable with the game of padel.

We’ll cover the rules, scoring system, basic strategies, and essential gear to set you up for success. By the end, you’ll have all the knowledge needed to step onto the padel court with confidence along with right rackets from all for padel to ace the game.

 

What is Padel?

 

Padel is a racket sport typically played in doubles on an enclosed court that’s smaller than a tennis court. The sport is played with a solid racket and a perforated surface, with a low-compression ball similar to a tennis ball. What makes padel unique is its use of the court walls, similar to squash, allowing for more strategic play. It’s a fast-paced game that’s easy to learn, making it perfect for players of all ages and skill levels.

 

Essential Padel Gear for Beginners

 

Before diving into the rules and strategies, it’s important to have the right equipment. Here are three top recommendations for beginner and intermediate players from All for Padel:

 

1. Racket for beginners

 

Adidas BT Metalbone Team H24 Red , racket is ideal for beginners who want control and power. Its hybrid shape allows for a perfect balance between handling and strength, making it easier to hit precise shots as you develop your skills.

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2. Racket for Improvers:

 

Adidas BT Metalbone Team H24 Green is a great option for players looking to improve their control, this racket offers a unique design that enhances maneuverability, helping beginners maintain consistency on the court.

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3. Racket For Intermediate Players:

 

Adidas BT Adipower H14 designed for intermediate players, this racket delivers power and precision, making it a good choice for those who want to enhance their attacking play as they progress.

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Padel Rules: The Basics

 

Court and Setup

 

Padel is typically played in doubles, though singles are also possible. The court measures 20 meters long and 10 meters wide, enclosed by walls. The walls are an integral part of the game, as balls can bounce off them during play, similar to squash. The net divides the court into two halves, with a height of 88 cm in the center and slightly higher at the sides.

 

Serving

 

  • How to Serve: The serve in padel is underhand, and players must allow the ball to bounce once before hitting it. The ball must be struck below waist height, and it must land diagonally in the opponent's service box, much like in tennis.
  • Service Faults: A player gets two chances to serve. If both serve attempts fail, it results in a double fault, and the point goes to the opposing team.
  • Let Serve: If the ball touches the net during a serve and still lands in the correct box, it’s a "let" and the server gets another attempt without penalty.

 

Scoring System

 

Padel follows the traditional tennis scoring system:

  • Points: 15, 30, 40, and game.
  • Tiebreaks: If both teams reach a score of 6-6 in games, a tiebreak is played, where the first team to reach 7 points (with a two-point margin) wins the set.
  • Match: Matches are typically played best-of-three sets, with the first team to win two sets declared the winner.

 

Game Flow

  • After the serve, the ball can bounce once on the court before being returned, and players can also hit the ball off the walls.
  • Players are allowed to volley (hit the ball before it bounces), but the ball must not bounce more than once on their side before being returned.
  • The ball can only hit the ground once, but can bounce off the walls before it must be returned over the net.

 

Basic Strategies for Padel Beginners

 

1. Master the Serve and Return

 

Since padel’s serve is underhand and slower than tennis, mastering your serve is key to gaining an early advantage. Focus on placement rather than power, aiming for your opponent's weaker side. When returning serves, try to anticipate the bounce and use the walls to your advantage.

 

2. Use the Walls to Your Advantage

 

Unlike tennis, the walls in padel are in play. Learning how to use them effectively can be a game-changer. If the ball is coming toward the back wall, let it bounce off and use the extra time to position yourself for a more controlled return.

 

3. Play Consistently at The Net

 

In Padel, Controlling the Net Is a Winning Strategy. Once You and Your Partner Have Established Your Position at The Net, It’s Easier to Pressure Your Opponents Into Mistakes. Aim to Play Volleys and Overhead Smashes when At the Net to Keep the Opposition on Their Toes.

 

4. Communicate with Your Partner

 

Since Padel Is Often Played in Doubles, Communication Is Crucial. Always Talk to Your Partner About Who’s Taking the Shot, and Practice Switching Positions Seamlessly. Staying in Sync with Your Partner Can Turn Defense Into Attack Quickly.

 

5. Focus on Placement Over Power

 

Unlike Tennis, Where Power Is Often a Dominant Force, Padel Rewards Precision and Placement. Focus on Placing Your Shots Strategically, Aiming for The Corners or Using the Walls to Your Advantage, Rather than Trying to Overpower Your Opponents.

 

Common Mistakes Beginners Make (And How To Avoid Them)

 

1. Overhitting the Ball

 

It’s Common for Beginners to Try to Hit the Ball Too Hard. Padel Is More About Control than Power. Focus on Accuracy and Timing Rather than Sheer Force.

 

2. Neglecting the Net

 

Some Beginners Stay Too Far Back on The Court, Leaving the Net Wide Open for The Opposing Team. Once the Opportunity Arises, Move Forward to Take Control of The Net and Keep Your Opponents on The Defensive.

 

3. Forgetting to Use the Walls

 

The Walls Are an Essential Part of Padel, and Beginners Often Forget to Use Them Strategically. Practice Using the Back and Side Walls to Return Difficult Shots and Keep the Rally Going.

Padel Is a Fun, Accessible Sport that Offers a Great Mix of Strategy, Fitness, and Teamwork. as A Beginner, Focusing on Mastering the Basic Rules, Understanding the Scoring System, and Practicing the Core Strategies Will Set You on The Path to Success. Remember, Consistency, Communication, and Control Are Key to Improving Your Game. and With the Right Gear from All for Padel Like the Adidas BT Metalbone Team H24 Red, Adidas BT Metalbone Team H24 Green, and Adidas BT Adipower H14 you’ll be well-equipped to elevate your padel skills in no time. Now, grab your racket, hit the court, and start having fun with padel!