Padel for beginners
Thinking about trying padel but not sure where to start? I've been there. Here's everything I wish someone had told me before my first time stepping on court. Samantha x
Find a padel club near you đ
Padel courts are popping up everywhere. Use the club finder below to see whatâs near you. Most clubs run a range of classes, including beginner ones, so have a look at where youâd like to start.
How to play padel in 60 seconds â±ïž
The teams: itâs always doubles, so thereâs two of you on each side. Youâre never out there on your own, which makes it so much less scary.
The serve: forget a big tennis serve. You serve underarm, below your waist, diagonally into the box opposite. Easy.The walls: this is the fun bit! The ball can bounce once on your side, then you can play it off the glass walls. It keeps the rallies going, and you get more goes at hitting it.The scoring: just like tennis, 15, 30, 40, game. If you donât know tennis, donât worry, someone will always help you keep count.Honestly, thatâs all you need to get on court. The rest comes naturally as you play, and youâll be hooked before you know it. Every single person on that court was a beginner once. Youâve got this.
Your first padel session: what to expect
What to wear: something you feel amazing in. Comfy gym kit and trainers are perfect. When you feel good, you play good, so bring that confidence with you before you even step on court. Padel or tennis shoes are great, but donât rush out and buy any yet.Racket: no need to buy one! Most clubs and coaches have rackets you can hire or borrow, so just ask when you book.Cost: itâs cheaper than you think. Lessons and social sessions are usually a set price per person, and if youâre booking a court to play, itâs split between the four of you. Check your clubâs website for prices.Arrive about 10 minutes early so you can settle in, warm up and say hello.Joining a game? Just let the others know itâs your first time. Padel people are a friendly bunch and everyone remembers their first game.Whether itâs your first lesson or your first match, nobody expects you to be good straight away, I promise. Every single person on that court started exactly where you are now. Turn up, have a laugh, enjoy every minute and be proud of yourself for showing up. Youâve got this.
Playing on your own? Start here đ
This was me. I walked in not knowing a single person, and itâs honestly one of the best things Iâve ever done. If youâre going solo, hereâs how to get started:Book a beginner class: everyoneâs new, everyoneâs nervous, and youâll be laughing together in no time.
Try a social session: these are made for meeting people, so just turn up and youâll be paired with others.
Join an open match: booking apps like Playtomic let you join games that need one more player. Pick one marked beginner and jump in.
Chat to the people you play with: thatâs exactly how I found my padel family. One game can turn into a whole new group of friends.Taking that first step on your own takes guts, and you should be proud of yourself for even thinking about it. Youâve got this.
How booking apps work đ±
Booking padel is easier than you think, and most of it happens on your phone.Playtomic: this is the app most UK padel players use. Download it, add your level as beginner, and you can book courts, sign up for classes and join open matches that need one more player.
Club systems: some clubs use their own booking website or app instead. Check your clubâs website and itâll tell you how they do it.
Not sure? Just message the club. They get asked all the time and are always happy to help.Once youâve booked your first game, the hardest part is done. The rest is just turning up and having fun. As always you can do this!