Padel is a doubles racket sport that mixes tennis and squash: you serve underarm, score exactly like tennis, and can play the ball off the glass walls after it bounces. Beginners need only a bat, a ball, a partner and a court, and most venues hire bats and balls. The LTA's tip on kit is to start with a round bat, which gives the most control, and to wear court shoes with grip and side support rather than running shoes.
Padel is one of the easiest racket sports to enjoy in your first hour, which is a big part of its appeal to busy adults. Everything below about rules, courts and kit comes from LTA Padel, the governing body in Britain, so it's the official version rather than club folklore.
How padel works
The LTA describes padel as a fast, social racket sport, usually played as doubles with an underarm serve. Scoring follows tennis, but the court has glass walls, so you can play the ball off them, like in squash, after it has bounced. You can even hit the ball against the wall on your own side, as long as it lands on the other side of the net. That's where the creative shots come from.
| Padel | Tennis | |
|---|---|---|
| Usual format | Doubles, and around 90% of courts worldwide are doubles courts | Singles or doubles |
| Court size | Roughly 25% smaller than a tennis court | Full size |
| Walls | Glass walls in play after the ball bounces | No walls in play |
| Serve | Underarm | Usually overarm |
| Scoring | Same as tennis | Standard tennis scoring |
| Racket | A solid bat with holes, smaller but heavier than a tennis racket | Strung racket |
| Ball | Like a tennis ball with slightly less pressure | Standard pressure |
The kit you need, and what to skip
The LTA says all you'll need is a bat and a ball. A padel bat is smaller than a tennis racket but weighs a little more, because it has a thicker body made from EVA foam with holes drilled through the hitting surface. Bats come in three shapes, round, drop-shaped and diamond-shaped, and the LTA suggests beginners start with round because it gives the best control. Junior bats are lighter with shorter grips.
The ball looks like a tennis ball but has slightly less pressure, so it comes off the walls more slowly and gives you more time. There's no dress code. What does matter is footwear: the LTA recommends comfortable shoes with reliable grip and lateral support, and says to avoid running shoes because they're designed for forward movement. Most venues hire bats and balls, so you don't need to buy anything for your first game.
Your first session, step by step
- Find a court near you: the LTA says most are at tennis clubs, leisure centres and local parks.
- Book a lesson or a beginner session if you can, so someone shows you how the walls work.
- Hire a bat and balls from the venue, and wear court trainers with good grip.
- Learn the underarm serve first, then practise letting the ball come off the back glass before you hit it.
- Play a few points with tennis scoring, and don't worry about winning: your first game is about learning the angles.
Why so many people are taking it up
The LTA says padel is easy to pick up and much harder to put down, and that no matter your age or ability, everyone is welcome on court. You don't need to have played tennis or any other sport, and you won't be the only beginner there. It also reports a record 1.5 million adults and juniors playing padel in Britain, and it's easy to see why. For busy people the format helps: a doubles game is social, quick to organise and fits into a lunch break or an evening.
If you like learning a new sport as an adult, my guide to golf for beginners follows the same approach, and this round-up of home workout equipment for small spaces helps you stay fit between games.
My advice for padel beginners
Don't buy kit before your third session, and don't let anyone talk you into a pricey bat on day one. Hire a bat, play a few games and you'll soon know whether you like the feel of a round bat or want something different. Find three friends who are also starting out, because padel is far more fun with people at your level. And let the walls do some of the work: the moment you stop rushing the ball and let it come off the glass, the game opens up.
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Frequently asked questions
Is padel easy for beginners?
Yes. The LTA says padel is easy to learn, suitable for anyone and that you don't need to have played tennis or any other sport before.
Is padel scored like tennis?
Yes. The LTA says padel scoring is the same as tennis. The big differences are the walls, the underarm serve and the smaller court.
What padel racket should a beginner buy?
The LTA suggests starting with a round bat, because round bats offer the best control for beginners. Most venues also hire bats, so you can try before buying.
What shoes should I wear for padel?
Wear comfortable court shoes with reliable grip and lateral support. The LTA says to avoid running shoes, which are mainly designed for forward movement.
Can you play padel as singles?
Some courts are built for singles, but the LTA says around 90% of padel courts worldwide are doubles courts and most matches are played as doubles.
