How to Play Padel Tennis: A Beginner’s Guide
9 November 2025 · Padel Court Finder
If you’ve seen a padel court for the first time and thought “that looks fun but… what are the rules?”, you’re not alone. Padel (most people just say “padel”) is exploding in the UK because it’s genuinely easy to start and very social. You can have proper rallies in your first session, even if you’ve never played a racket sport before.
Here’s a beginner-friendly walkthrough of how to play, what you actually need, and a few tips that make your first game feel smooth rather than chaotic.
What is padel?
Padel sits somewhere between tennis and squash. It’s played on a smaller, enclosed court with glass and metal walls. Most games are doubles, but singles is possible too. The key twist is that the walls are in play, which keeps rallies going and adds fun angles.
The court (what to notice on day one)
- Size: A standard padel court is 20m x 10m (see official padel court dimensions).
- Walls: Back and side walls are part of the game. The ball can rebound off them after a bounce.
- Net: Slightly lower than tennis, at 88cm in the centre.
You don’t need to cover a massive area, so padel is easier on beginners and great for fitness.
The equipment (you can start with the basics)
- Padel racket: Solid, perforated, and smaller than a tennis racket.
- Padel balls: Similar to tennis balls but slightly less pressure (here’s why they’re different).
- Shoes: Court shoes with good grip — running trainers aren’t ideal.
You don’t need expensive gear to start. Many clubs offer rental racquets and balls for your first few sessions.
Basic rules (quick and clear)
- Serving: Underarm only, diagonally across the net, bouncing once in the service box.
- Scoring: Same as tennis (15, 30, 40, game).
- Walls: After the ball bounces on the ground, it can hit walls and stay in play.
- Rally: Play continues until the ball bounces twice, hits the net and doesn’t go over, or goes out of bounds.
- Doubles: Most games are 2v2, which keeps the rallies fast and social.
How to play (your first session)
- Start simple: Keep the ball in play rather than trying to finish points early.
- Use the walls: Let the ball bounce, then learn the rebound. That’s where padel gets fun.
- Move as a team: In doubles, stay side‑by‑side and call who takes the ball.
- Serve smart: Place the ball with control instead of going for power.
Padel is as much about strategy as power. Angles, placement, and patience often win points more than brute force.
Tips for beginners (the stuff people wish they knew)
- Don’t panic when the ball hits the wall. It’s supposed to.
- Let the ball bounce. Rushing the rebound is the most common beginner mistake.
- Play doubles first. It’s more forgiving and more social.
- Keep your serve consistent. A reliable underarm serve wins more points than a risky one.
Why people stick with padel
- Easy to learn: You can have real rallies in your first hour.
- Social: It’s designed for doubles, so it feels like a team sport.
- Fast-paced: Points move quickly without feeling frantic.
- Accessible: Smaller courts mean less running but plenty of action.
Where to play in the UK
If you want to find padel courts near you, check out Padel Court Finder. You can filter by city, facilities, and even courts that allow singles play (see padel singles options).
Final thoughts
Padel is one of the most welcoming racket sports out there. The rules are simple, the court is smaller, and the walls keep the fun going. If you’re curious, book a court, grab a rental racket, and give it a go.