10 Essential Padel Tips For Beginners

Chris Sharp

If you want to start playing Padel but don’t know where to start, you’re in the right place. Padel tennis is a massively growing sport worldwide, and more people want to get involved and play.

I’ve been playing for nearly five years, and I’ve documented my top 10 padel tips for beginners to consider so you can get a foothold in the sport. Starting off right is really important so you can build and hone your skills while having a lot of fun along the way.

Am I A Professional Padel Player?

I’m by no means a professional Padel player. I started playing in 2021 and have played religiously ever since. I’ve played in tournaments, leagues, and, of course, with friends, playing weekly with a group of ‘Padel dads’. I consider myself an advanced player, and I feel my knowledge can help players of all skill levels enhance their game.

10 Padel Tips for Beginners to Flourish

Follow these 10 Padel tips for beginners below to improve your game. 

Choosing the Right Padel Racket

Your journey in Padel begins with selecting the right racket. As a beginner, you want to aim for a round, lightweight option to minimise strain on your elbow and shoulder and have a good sweet spot to hit off. It is unnecessary to leave the expensive rackets for now.

Experimenting with different rackets is a great way to find the right equipment that suits you. Play with friends and try various styles. Consider shape, grip, and weight to find what feels comfortable.

Selecting Proper Footwear

The proper footwear is essential for optimal performance and movement on the court. While running shoes are better than flip-flops, it is advisable to transition to Padel shoes as you progress. Padel shoes have excellent ankle stability and traction, allowing you to zip around the court.

Modern padel courts have less sand, so an all-court or clay-court tennis shoe can also work well. Whatever the shoe, ensure it supports quick lateral movements and has excellent support, and you will be golden.

Playing With The Right Group Of People

Connecting with a supportive group of players can do wonders for your development and make you a better player. Having a good, dedicated bunch of players around you will promote a healthy environment, allowing you to refine your skills and become more confident on the padel court.

Playing with varied skill levels can also enhance your understanding of the game. Engage in social matches where you can focus on improving rather than just winning.

Understanding Consistency in Play

Consistency is absolutely everything in Padel. As you practise, concentrate on returning your shots as much as possible rather than trying to strike that incredible winner. From beginners to professionals, everyone should focus on this basic.

Long rallies will boost your confidence and game, and they’re also fun. Prioritise keeping the ball in play with your shots; your total performance will improve dramatically.

Controlling the Speed of the Ball

Many players, especially those transitioning from tennis, try to hit the ball too hard. Instead, focus on varying your shots.

Play more soft shots, high lobs, and quick strikes strategically. This variety will keep your opponents guessing and help improve your gameplay as you get more confident.

10 Padel Tips For Beginners

Mastering the Serve

The serve is an important part of your game. Take your time when preparing to serve; rushing can put you on the defensive from the start. A composed serve will give you a good foothold in the point.

Practice your serve technique regularly. Focus on your stance, bounce, and target to develop a reliable serve to set the tone for the rest of the point. You can serve with a forehand shot or a backhand, although I always recommend a forehand.

Effective Return of Serve

Your primary goal is to ensure that your return lands in the court. You don’t need to hit a powerful return immediately; ensuring that it gets over the net into your opponent’s court is more important.

Focus on getting the ball in play. This strategy allows you to establish your position on the point without taking unnecessary risks. Once you’re comfortable with your return, you can look for opportunities to place the ball strategically.

Once you’re confident in your return, you can aim for low-trajectory shots over the net. This makes it harder for your opponent to attack your return. Some key padel shots, like a slice or a topspin, will keep your opponent guessing.

Earning Your Winners

Earning your winners means setting up your shots and creating opportunities rather than just trying to hit a winner from any position. Understand that a well-placed shot can be more effective than a powerful one.

Work on moving your opponents around the court. You can set yourself up for a more favourable shot by creating space and forcing them into difficult positions. Patience is vital; wait for the right moment for that winning shot.

Remember, hitting a winner from a poor position is often high risk. Focus on building the point and only go for the winner when you have a clear advantage.

Choosing a Good Teammate

Having the right teammate will make Padel a lot more enjoyable. Look for someone who encourages you and creates a positive atmosphere on the court. A supportive partner will help you relax and focus on improving your game.

Always communicate openly with your partner. Discuss strategies and support each other during matches. Padel is a team sport; working together can lead to better performance.

Additionally, be a good partner yourself. If your partner struggles, offer encouragement. This mutual support fosters a better playing environment and enhances both players’ experiences.

Seeking Coaching Advice Early

Getting coaching advice early in your padel journey can save you from developing bad habits. Many players wait until they have played for years before seeking help, making correcting mistakes harder.

If local resources are limited, consider online coaching options. Many platforms offer video analysis and personalised feedback, making improving your skills from home easier.

Investing in coaching early allows you to build a solid foundation and develop effective techniques. This proactive approach will offer more padel tips for beginners as well as enhance your overall game and enjoyment of Padel.

10 Padel Tips For Beginners

FAQ

What essential equipment do I need to start playing Padel Tennis?

A quality padel racket is your main investment, typically costing between $50 and $150 for beginner models. Choose a racket with a round shape and balanced weight distribution for better control.

You’ll also need non-marking court shoes with good lateral support, comfortable sports clothing, and padel tennis balls (slightly lower pressure than tennis balls). Many courts offer racket rentals for newcomers, letting you test different models before purchasing.

How long does it take to learn basic padel techniques?

Most beginners can grasp fundamental padel rules and techniques within 4-6 weeks of regular play. The glass walls make the game more forgiving than tennis, allowing longer rallies and more opportunities to develop skills. Within 2-3 months of consistent practice, most players can confidently participate in casual matches and begin developing more advanced strategies.

Do I need a partner with the same skill level to practice Padel Tennis?

While playing with someone of similar ability helps create balanced matches, varying your partners accelerates learning. Beginners benefit from playing with peers and occasionally partnering with more experienced players who can offer guidance. Many Padel clubs organise rotating partner systems and social games specifically designed for mixed skill levels.

What are the essential padel tips for beginners to avoid common mistakes?

Keep your eyes on the ball and maintain proper distance from the glass walls. Avoid overcomplicating shots early on – focus on consistency over power. Common mistakes include poor positioning, incorrect grip pressure, and trying to hit winners too often.

Practice basic defensive shots and court movement patterns before attempting more advanced techniques. Remember that patience and controlled play typically win more points than aggressive shots.

Can Padel improve my overall fitness level?

Absolutely! Padel tennis provides an excellent full-body workout, combining cardio with strength training elements. A one-hour session can burn 400-600 calories while improving agility, balance, and coordination.

The sport’s social nature and lower impact compared to tennis make it easier to maintain regular practice sessions, contributing to consistent fitness improvement.

Author

I'm Chris, and I have been playing Padel for years; I've had the chance to train with some of the best coaches in the UK. This has helped me get better at the game I love. I'm a dad with two kids and enjoy playing on the court with friends. It's a great way to combine my love for Padel and socialising. I've always been into sports and stayed active. Still, Padel excites me, and I'm sharing what I've learnt about this fantastic sport.