How to Play Padel: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide.

Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and it’s easy to see why. It’s fun, social, and simple to pick up — but tough to put down. Whether you're new to the game or looking to sharpen your skills, this guide will help you get started.

At RHEO Clothing, we live and breathe padel. Let us walk you through everything you need to know to start playing, from the rules to the gear and everything in between.

 

How to Get Started Playing Padel

 

Quick Guide to Know How to Play Padel

Padel is a fast-paced doubles racket sport, like a mix between tennis and squash. It’s played on a smaller court surrounded by glass walls and a metal cage. The walls are part of the game, adding extra excitement and strategy.

To get started, all you need is a racket, a ball, and a partner — plus a court to play on. Most venues offer rental equipment, so you don’t need to buy gear right away.

Padel Goal

The goal of padel is simple: score more points than your opponents by winning rallies. Points are scored when the ball bounces twice on your opponent's side, or if they hit the ball out of bounds.

How Padel Points Work

Padel uses the same scoring system as tennis:

• 15 (1 point)
• 30 (2 points)
• 40 (3 points)
• Game (4 points, if you lead by 2)

If both teams get to 40, it’s called deuce. You need to win two points in a row to take the game.

Essential Rules of Padel

Here are the basics to get you playing:

• Serves: Start each point with an underarm serve, hitting the ball cross-court into your opponent’s service box. The ball must bounce once before hitting the wall. If it bounces and hits the cage, it’s out.
• Rallies: The ball must bounce before hitting the walls or cage. If it hits the walls directly without bouncing, the point goes to the other team.
• One Bounce Rule: The ball can only bounce once on your side. If it bounces twice, you lose the point.
• Playing Outside: If the ball flies out of bounds after bouncing, you can run out through the doors and try to hit it back! Check out our Instagram account for some great videos of pros in action. 

 

What You Need to Play Padel

Equipment - Essentials

You don’t need much to get started, but having the right gear makes a difference:

• Padel Racket: Smaller than a tennis racket, with holes in the surface. Beginners do best with a round-shaped racket for extra control.
• Balls: Similar to tennis balls but with less pressure for slower rebounds.
• Shoes: Regular trainers work, but specialist padel shoes offer better grip.

There’s no strict dress code. Wear comfy sports clothes and trainers with good grip. If you get serious about the game, consider investing in padel-specific shoes.

How to Choose a Padel Racket

Rackets come in three shapes:

• Round: Best for beginners, offering control and forgiveness.
• Drop-shaped: A mix of power and control for intermediate players.
• Diamond-shaped: More power, less control — perfect for advanced players.

 

Basic Padel Techniques

Basic Strokes

Learn these strokes to get started:

• Forehand & Backhand: Your bread-and-butter shots.
• Volley: Hitting the ball before it bounces.
• Smash: A powerful overhead shot to end the rally.
• Lob: Hitting the ball high to push opponents back.

For more advanced players, mastering shots like:

• Bandeja: A controlled overhead shot, like a smash but with less power, used to maintain position rather than end the point.
• Vibora: A sharp, angled shot with side spin to catch your opponents off guard.
• Chiquita: A soft, low shot to make your opponents play up from their feet.

 

Where to Play Padel

There are padel courts across the UK, often at tennis clubs, leisure centres, or public parks. Many offer lessons, social sessions, and tournaments, making it easy to jump into the community.

There are plenty of padel courts across the UK — especially in the North West of England. Here are some standout venues:

·       We Are Padel, Manchester: Indoor courts, coaching sessions, and a buzzing community vibe.

·       Liverpool Padel Club: Great for social games and competitive leagues.

·       Cheshire Padel Club: Scenic outdoor courts and top-notch facilities.

·       David Lloyd Clubs (Multiple Locations): Premium courts with great amenities, perfect for year-round play.

Indoor courts are great for consistent play, while outdoor courts add an extra challenge with the elements. Check out our previous blog here about Indoor vs Outdoor courts.

If you’re not sure where your nearest court is or don’t have any padel-like-minded friends yet, then jump on to Playtomic and you will find somewhere to play and someone to play with, within five minutes. 

 

FAQs About Playing Padel

Can Anyone Play Padel?

Yes! Padel is for everyone, regardless of age or experience. It’s easy to learn, and most people pick up the basics within one session.

Is Padel Harder Than Tennis?

Padel is generally easier to start playing than tennis, thanks to the smaller court, slower ball speed, and forgiving walls.

Do I Need Lessons to Play Padel?

Not necessarily, but lessons can help you improve faster. Many clubs offer beginner classes, and social games are a great way to learn as you play.

What Is RHEO?

RHEO is a UK-based padel clothing brand dedicated to creating high-performance, stylish gear for padel lovers. Follow us on Instagram to join our journey!

Why Choose RHEO for Padel Clothing?

We design our clothing with padel players in mind: breathable fabrics, unrestricted movement, and sleek designs to help you look and feel your best on court.