How to Play Padel Tennis: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

The basics of padel tennis

It’s suggested to know the fundamentals of padel tennis before beginning the game. The sport features a court size smaller than the tennis one surrounded by glass walls and a wire mesh fence. To play, you need solid rackets and a slightly pressurized tennis ball for good shots.

The scoring is very different and there are very specific rules about serving, faults and boundaries. Familiarizing yourself with how to play padel will help you lay a strong foundation and stay one step ahead in your journey to mastering the game.

Getting started with padel tennis

Grasping the fundamentals of padel requires adopting proper posture and gripping. If you want to learn how to play padel, work on achieving the ideal body positioning. You are in a “ready position” with a slightly bent knee, holding balance and keeping weight on the balls of your feet.

With this, you can make for swift court movements. Talking about the grip, it’s the universal continental one. Diligently practicing helps establish a solid groundwork for your gameplay and improves your skills.

Mastering the art of padel shots

Padel includes different shots, each having a specific purpose during the game. Developing an in-depth understanding of these shots and sharpening your skills with practice will greatly improve your performance on the court. Let’s check them:

• The forehand and backhand shots: These shots are great for smooth swinging motions and help focus on precision and command
• Volleys: These shots are executed near the net to swiftly return the ball
• The smash: It is an aggressive overhead shot great for high-flying balls

Smart moves and strategies

Only by growing your strategic thinking and game awareness, you can learn how to play padel tennis. Tactical carefulness improves your gameplay. By effectively communicating and coordinating with your partner, you can excel in doubles.

The lob shot is great for disrupting your competitors’ rhythm. Correctly positioning yourself on the court and assessing when to be forceful or defensive are signs of successful tactics. Integrating these strategies into your game will enable you to outplay the player on the other side and acquire an edge on the court.

Padel tennis equipment checklist

To thoroughly engage in the thrill of padel, one must have the right equipment. From padel rackets to padel shoes, with proper gear, you’re ready to play and make the most of your experience. This checklist in the table below puts light on the essential items you’ll need before entering the court.

Common mistakes to avoid in padel

You are sure to have a great time if you avoid making some common mistakes during your game:

• Poor grip
• Bad footwork
• Overhitting the ball
• Lack of communication
• Too close to the walls
• Ignoring the Lob
• Unstable serving
• Lack of adaptability
• Wrong shot selection
• Overlooking practice

Poor grip

A wrong grip can impede your control and power so have a proper continental grip for versatility in different shots.

Bad footwork

If you neglect your footwork, you’ll have difficulty in reaching shots.

Overhitting the ball

Hitting every shot with full power is not right. Always adjust your swing according to the situation.

Lack of communication

Failure to coordinate strategies with your partner leads to confusion and missed opportunities.

Too close to the walls

Being very close to the glass walls restricts your shot options and reduces court coverage.

Ignoring the Lob

The lob is a defensive shot that helps you regain control so it shouldn’t be avoided.

Unstable serving

Bad serve provides the challengers with opportunities to attack so have a reliable serve technique.

Lack of adaptability

Not being flexible in your approach won’t let you exploit your opponent’s weaknesses.

Wrong shot selection

Choosing the wrong shot for a given situation will lead to missed opportunities.

Overlooking practice

Failing to dedicate adequate time to practice hampers skill development.

Padel tennis: Play smart for a good game

It’s time to discover the joy and fellowship that padel brings. Face the challenges, celebrate your little progress each time and treasure your time on the court. Play for fun or something bigger, padel will bring you a great experience. Collect your gear, find a mate and en route on this exciting adventure. Get ready to create lasting memories while developing your skills!