HOW TO PLAY PADEL

Published: 20/08/25. By: Dylan Jones

Fast-paced, social, and incredibly fun, padel is taking the sports world by storm. Often described as a mix between tennis and squash, this dynamic racket sport is easy to pick up and addictive to play. If you’ve heard of it but don’t know what it is, don't worry, this guide is going to help you. From what it is to how to play it, we’ve got you covered.

Popular across Europe and Latin America, and now rapidly expanding worldwide, padel is capturing the interest of both seasoned athletes and complete beginners alike.

In this article, we’ll break down what padel is, how it’s played, everything you’ll need, and why it’s becoming a global sensation. Whether you’re curious about trying it yourself or just want to understand what the buzz is about, this guide will get you up to speed.

WHAT IS PADEL?

Padel is a racket sport played in doubles on an enclosed court that's about one-third the size of a tennis court. It combines elements of tennis and squash, featuring fast rallies, clever angles, and the use of glass walls to keep the ball in play.

GETTING TO KNOW THE PADEL COURT

To master padel, you have to view the court as a 360-degree arena. The court features glass back-and-side walls and wire mesh sections. Understanding the geometry is the secret to moving from a beginner to a pro.

The glass provides a predictable, clean bounce, allowing you to play defensive "lobs" or "off the glass" shots to reset a rally. The wire mesh, however, is unpredictable; if the ball hits the mesh after a bounce, it can kick off at any angle, making it a nightmare for your opponents to return. The service boxes are identical to tennis but feel much smaller due to the surrounding walls, requiring precision over power. Learning to use these angles is essential for anyone learning how to play padel.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SERVING

The serve is the start of every point. But what are the key rules for serving in padel?

Unlike the overhead power-serve in tennis, padel requires an underhand delivery, making it much more accessible.

To execute a legal serve:

• Stand between the service line and the back wall

• Drop the ball and hit it below waist height after its first bounce

• Aim to send it diagonally into your opponent’s service box

• A let is called if the ball hits the net and lands correctly in the box, allowing you to retake the serve

• The serve is out if it hits the wire mesh directly after the bounce

Tactically, aim for the side glass on your serve. If the ball bounces and then hits the wall, it forces your opponent into a cramped, difficult return.

PADEL VS TENNIS

Unlike tennis, players use solid, stringless rackets and serve underhand, making the game more accessible to beginners. The ball used is similar to a tennis ball but with slightly less pressure, which helps keep rallies going longer.

What makes padel stand out is its emphasis on strategy and teamwork rather than just power. It’s easy to learn, incredibly fun, and suited to all ages and skill levels.

PADEL VS PICKLEBALL

Pickleball is typically played on an open, smaller court with no walls. It uses a lightweight plastic ball with holes, while paddle-style rackets made from composite or plastic materials. The game is faster paced at the net, with shorter rallies and less overall movement. Serves are also underhand, but unlike padel, the ball doesn’t need to bounce before it's returned.

HOW TO PLAY PADEL

The objective is simple: work with your partner to win points by outplaying your opponents and making the ball bounce twice on their side of the court.

The game begins with an underhand serve, which must bounce in the opponent’s service box and can then hit the surrounding walls. From there, the rally continues with players allowed to play the ball after one bounce or directly off the walls, much like in squash.

PADEL SCORING SYSTEM

You might be asking: How is padel scored, and how does it differ from tennis scoring?

Essentially, the system is identical to tennis (15, 30, 40, game), and matches are typically played as the best of three sets. However, the strategic "Golden Point" (sudden death at deuce) is often used in professional circuits to keep games fast-paced. While the numbers are the same, the way you earn them involves much more cagework and patience.

WHAT'S IN

Learning how to play padel effectively means knowing exactly what the "active" boundaries are. In padel, the lines on the court are only considered "in" during the initial serve. Once the rally is live, the lines are irrelevant; it’s all about where the ball bounces.

A ball is in play if it hits the ground on the opponent's side first. Crucially, you are permitted to play the ball off any of the walls on your own side of the court to get it back over the net. This "rebound" rule is what keeps rallies alive for so much longer than in traditional racket sports, contributing to that addictive, social flow the sport is known for.

WHAT'S OUT

To keep the game fair, you need to know when the point is over. The opposition wins a point if:

• The ball bounces twice in any area on your side of the court

• The ball strikes you or your teammate while in play

• The ball hits the wire fencing, posts, or any other fixture before going over the net or landing on the opponent's court

• The ball hits the wire fence or walls before bouncing on the opponent's side of the court (this is a common error for beginners)

Staying alert to these boundaries ensures you don't waste energy on "dead" balls and helps you focus on your positioning.

HOW TO PLAY PADEL SINGLES

While you will almost exclusively see padel played as a 2v2 doubles game, which fosters the social atmosphere the sport is famous for, learning how to play padel singles is becoming a popular way to improve fitness.

Padel singles is typically played on a narrower court specifically designed for one-on-one play. If you only have access to a standard doubles court, you can still play "cross-court" singles (where only half the court is active) to practice your accuracy. However, doubles remains the heart of the sport because the teamwork and tactical communication are what make padel truly special.

WHAT PADEL EQUIPMENT IS NEEDED

One of the great things about padel is that you don’t need a lot of gear to get started. Here’s what you’ll need to play:

• Padel Racket: Unlike tennis rackets, padel rackets are solid, perforated, and shorter, designed to give better control and manoeuvrability. They come in different shapes and weights depending on your skill level and playing style.

• Overgrips for extra comfort and control.

• Padel Balls: These look similar to tennis balls but have slightly less pressure, making them bounce a bit slower, perfect for longer rallies and controlled shots.

• Padelbag: A good padelbag helps you carry your racket, balls, shoes, water bottle, and any extras.

Many padel clubs offer racket hire and balls, but as you get more into the game, you might want to buy your own gear tailored to your style of play.

WHAT TO WEAR

Wearing the right padel clothing can help you move comfortably and play your best.

• Top and Bottoms: Choose lightweight, breathable sportswear such as a moisture-wicking t-shirt or tank top paired with shorts, a skirt, or leggings. Look for materials that allow freedom of movement and help keep you cool on the court.

• Footwear: Proper court shoes are essential. Tennis or padel-specific shoes with good grip and lateral support will help you move quickly and safely.

Wearing functional, comfortable padel clothing makes a big difference, especially during long rallies and fast-paced games.

For more information on what you can wear to padel, check out our guide here.

INFO ON WHERE YOU CAN PLAY IN THE UK

While it was once limited to a handful of clubs, you can now find places to play in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds, Bristol, and many more locations.

Leading sports clubs like David Lloyd and The Padel Club have invested in state-of-the-art facilities, while independent padel centres are popping up in parks, gyms, and leisure centres.

The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) officially governs padel in the UK and provides a list of clubs on its website, making it easier than ever to find a court near you.

Whether you’re a total beginner or looking to join a local league, the UK’s padel scene is open, welcoming, and expanding fast.