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What is padel?
The sport in plain English — the court, the glass walls, and why it is so easy to pick up.
ReadPadel for beginners
Everything you need to go from never having held a racket to confidently playing your first match — in plain English, with no jargon.
Padel is one of the easiest sports in the world to start. Most people are rallying within their first hour, you need no tennis experience, and clubs will lend you a racket. This hub walks you through everything, in order, so you arrive at your first game knowing exactly what to expect.
Start here
Your first-game guide, in four steps
Read these in order. Fifteen minutes and you are ready to play.
Common questions
Padel beginner FAQ
The questions new players ask us most.
Is padel hard to learn?
No. The court is small, the racket is solid and forgiving, and the serve is hit underarm. Most beginners are rallying and enjoying points within their very first session.
Do I need to be good at tennis first?
Not at all. Padel technique is different and simpler, and no racket-sport background is needed. Lifelong tennis players often have a few habits to unlearn, so a complete beginner is not behind.
Do I need my own racket to start?
No. Almost every padel club hires out rackets and sells balls, so you can try the sport a few times before buying anything of your own.
How many people do I need?
Four. Padel is played as doubles, two against two. Book a court with three friends, or join a club social session and they will pair you up.
What should I wear to play padel?
Comfortable sportswear and supportive shoes. Clean trainers are fine for your first games; dedicated court shoes help once you play regularly.
How long does a game of padel take?
A casual hour on court usually covers a couple of sets. A full best-of-three match runs roughly 60 to 90 minutes.
Is padel the same as pickleball?
No. Both are easy-to-learn racket sports, but padel is played on a larger court enclosed by glass walls that are part of the game. Pickleball courts are smaller and have no walls.
How much does it cost to play padel?
You usually pay to hire the court for an hour, split between four players, plus racket hire if you need it. That makes padel one of the cheaper racket sports to try.