How to play Padel in 2024?

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So, you're curious about playing padel? You're not alone! Padel is one of those sports that has exploded in popularity, and it’s easy to see why. It combines the best parts of tennis and squash but with its own unique twist. 

Whether you’ve seen it played at your local club or heard friends rave about it, 2024 is a great year to jump into the game. It's fast-paced, social, and—best of all—super fun! If you're wondering how to get started, don't worry. In this article, we'll break it down, from the rules to the gear you need, so you can hit the court with confidence.

Is the scoring in padel exactly the same as for tennis?

The short answer? Yes, but with a few tweaks. In padel, the scoring system is almost identical to tennis, which makes it easy to grasp if you’re already familiar with the sport. Games are played to the usual 15, 30, 40, and game points, and a set is won by the first team to take six games with a two-game lead. If both teams reach 6-6, just like in tennis, you’ll head into a tiebreaker.

However, padel matches are generally played as doubles, and the court size adds a new dynamic. The walls are in play, so a well-placed shot can bounce off the wall and still be good. This gives padel an extra layer of strategy, making it just as much about placement and teamwork as power. Overall, if you know tennis scoring, you’ll feel right at home with padel!

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Necessary material

Getting started with padel doesn’t require a ton of equipment, but having the right gear can make all the difference. Here's what you need:

• Padel racket: Unlike tennis rackets, padel rackets are smaller, solid, and have perforated holes to reduce air resistance. They’re designed for control and maneuverability. Look for a racket that suits your level—whether you want more control as a beginner or power as an experienced player.

• Padel ball: These look almost identical to tennis balls but are slightly less pressurized. This difference in pressure affects how they bounce, which is ideal for the fast-paced, enclosed nature of the padel court.

• Footwear: Padel-specific shoes have excellent grip to help with quick changes in direction on the sand-covered court surface. Proper shoes make a big difference in performance.

• Sportswear: Comfortable, breathable clothing is a must. You’ll be moving a lot, so make sure your gear doesn’t restrict your range of motion.

And that’s it! With these essentials, you’re ready to hit the padel court and start playing.

Basic strokes

Mastering the basic strokes in padel is essential to getting the hang of the game. Luckily, they’re not too different from tennis, though the unique court setup and walls add an extra layer of strategy. Here are the keystrokes you’ll need to know:

• Forehand: This is your go-to shot for rallying and hitting the ball with control. The motion is similar to a tennis forehand, but since the ball often comes off the wall, you’ll need to adjust your timing and positioning. Keep it smooth and consistent, aiming to place the ball rather than relying on power.

• Backhand: The backhand is just as important as the forehand in padel, especially in defensive situations. Like the forehand, the key is control. Try to hit the ball with a steady swing, staying relaxed and not forcing it.

• Volley: This is where padel really shines. You’ll use volleys frequently, and they’re often a mix of quick reflexes and touch. Since the ball can come at you fast, especially in doubles, mastering the volley is all about reacting swiftly and keeping the ball in play.

• Lob: The lob is a strategic stroke used to push your opponents back toward the baseline or catch them off guard. It’s a great way to buy yourself some time and create an opening to take control of the point.

• Smash: When you’re in the perfect position at the net, the smash is your power move. A well-timed smash can be difficult to return, but keep in mind that in padel, smashes often bounce off the walls, so placement is key.

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The grip on the padel

Getting the grip right is one of the first things to master in padel. A proper grip can improve your control, power, and overall feel for the game. The most commonly used grip in padel is the continental grip, and it’s fairly simple to learn.

To achieve the continental grip, imagine you're holding the racket as if you were shaking hands with it. Your index knuckle and the heel of your hand should be aligned with the top bevel of the handle. This neutral grip allows you to easily switch between forehands, backhands, and volleys without needing to adjust mid-game. It’s versatile and works for almost every shot in padel.

Another tip is to maintain a relaxed grip. Many beginners tend to hold the racket too tightly, which can reduce your control and tire out your arm quickly. Instead, keep your grip firm but relaxed—this will help you generate more spin and place your shots with precision.

With a solid grip, you’ll find it easier to develop your strokes and respond quickly during fast-paced rallies. It’s a small detail that can make a huge difference in your game.

Essential rules

Padel is relatively easy to pick up, especially once you get a handle on the basic rules. Here are the most important ones you need to know before stepping onto the court:

• Serving: The serve in padel is underhand, and you must hit the ball below waist height. The serve is diagonal, like in tennis, and the ball has to bounce in your opponent’s service box before they can return it. You get two attempts to get the serve in.

• Walls in play: One of the biggest differences between padel and tennis is that the walls are part of the game. After the ball bounces on the ground, it can hit the walls, and the rally continues as long as the ball doesn't hit the ground again. Use the walls to your advantage, especially in defensive plays.

• Scoring: The scoring follows the same structure as tennis—15, 30, 40, and game. Matches are usually played best out of three sets, with each set going to six games. If both teams reach 6-6, a tiebreaker is played.

• Ball in play: Once the ball is in play, it can only bounce once on the ground on your side. If it bounces twice, your opponent wins the point. The ball can hit the walls after bouncing on the ground but cannot touch the net or go out of bounds directly.

• Doubles format: While padel can be played as singles, it’s almost always played as doubles. This makes the game more social and requires strong teamwork. Communication with your partner is key to winning rallies and setting up strategic plays.

Good luck!

Friska 🐨

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