How Do I Get Started Playing Padel?
If you’re wondering how to start playing padel as a beginner, you’re not alone.
Padel is the world’s fastest-growing racquet sport, and thousands of new players join every week.
The good news is that getting started in padel is simple, accessible, and incredibly fun, even if it’s your very first time
holding a racket.
This guide explains step-by-step how to start playing padel as a complete beginner—from finding partners,
to choosing your equipment, booking a court, and progressing quickly.
1. Find a Coach or a Playing Partner (Your First Step as a Beginner)
The very first step for anyone asking how to start playing padel as a beginner is finding someone to play with.
Padel is a doubles sport, so you need at least one partner. A coach can also help you master the basics quickly.
The easiest way to find a partner or coach is through Padelist.net, the global padel community active in 72 countries.
Here you can :
- Find padel partners of your level
- Book beginner-friendly coaches
- Join local groups and meet other new players
This is the fastest way for first-time players to enter the sport confidently.
2. Check If the Club Provides Rental Rackets
Most beginners prefer renting equipment for their first padel session. Call the club or check online to see if they rent rackets.
- If yes: just bring sports clothes and shoes.
- If not: you will need to buy an entry-level racket.
To choose the right beginner padel racket, check the best padel racket rankings on Padelist.net.
3. Learn the Basic Rules Before Your First Padel Match
Every beginner should learn a few essential rules before stepping onto the court.
- The serve is underhand and below waist height.
- You can play the ball after it bounces off the glass walls.
- Positioning and teamwork matter more than power.
On each member account of Padelist.net, you’ll also find quick coach-led video guides that help beginners understand the rules instantly.
4. Book a Court for Your First Beginner Session
- Padel clubs
- Multi-sport centers
- Tennis clubs with padel courts
Courts fill quickly in the evenings and weekends, so book ahead when planning your first beginner padel session.
5. Wear the Right Clothing for Beginner Padel Players
Wear comfortable sportswear, preferably:
- Breathable athletic clothing
- Padel or tennis shoes for better grip
- Optional: wristbands, cap, or sweatband
To choose the right shoes, explore the best padel shoes ranking for beginners and intermediate players.
6. Take a Beginner Lesson to Learn Proper Technique
Your first beginner lesson usually covers:
- Grip and basic strokes
- Using the walls correctly
- Positioning and teamwork fundamentals
A single lesson with a padel coach dramatically accelerates your progress.
To find your padel coach, you can check here on Padelist.net : https://padelist.net/listing-item/?type=Padel%20Coaches
7. Join the Local Padel Community and Play Regularly
- Join amateur matches
- Find new players your level
- Try social tournaments for beginners
Padel is social, friendly, and easy to enjoy even as a new player.
8. Upgrade Your Equipment Once You Gain Confidence
After several sessions, beginner players usually upgrade to:
- Their own padel racket
- Better shoes
- Padel balls and bags
Final Thoughts: Starting Padel as a Beginner Is Easy
Learning how to start playing padel as a beginner is simple: find a partner, rent or buy a racket, learn the basics, and play regularly.
The hardest part is stopping once you start.
Beginner Padel FAQ
How do I start playing padel as a beginner?
To start playing padel as a beginner, find a partner or coach using Padelist.net, book a court, rent or buy a racket, and learn the basic rules. A short beginner lesson also helps you progress much faster.
Do I need lessons to start playing padel?
No, lessons are not required, but a single beginner lesson can dramatically improve your technique, understanding of the walls, and on-court positioning.
What equipment do beginners need to start playing padel?
Beginners only need a padel racket, comfortable sports clothing, and tennis or padel shoes.
You can rent a racket at many clubs or consult Padelist.net’s racket rankings before buying one.
Is padel easy to learn for complete beginners?
Yes, padel is one of the easiest racket sports to learn. Most beginners can rally and enjoy matches during their first session thanks to the simple rules and beginner-friendly racket design.
No Comments