Padel looks a little like tennis, but the smaller court, glass walls, and doubles format make it a different experience. If you’ve watched people playing padel and wondered how to get started, the good news is that you don’t need previous racket-sport experience.
So, gimana sih cara mulai main padel? Start by learning the basic rules, finding three other players, and practicing simple shots on a regulation padel court. You’ll need a padel racket, suitable court shoes, and padel balls. Focus on serving underhand, controlling the ball, using the walls, and communicating with your partner before worrying about advanced techniques.
What Is Padel and Why Is It Popular?
Padel is a racket sport typically played in doubles on an enclosed court measuring 20 meters long and 10 meters wide. It combines elements of tennis and squash, but has its own rules, equipment, and playing techniques.
The sport originated in Mexico in 1969, when Enrique Corcuera developed an early version of the modern game. It later became especially popular in Spain and Argentina before expanding internationally.
The International Padel Federation (FIP) governs international competition and maintains the official rules.
How Is Padel Different From Tennis?
Although the two sports share some features, they offer noticeably different playing experiences.
| Feature | Padel | Tennis |
|---|---|---|
| Court size | 20 × 10 meters | 23.77 × 8.23 meters for doubles |
| Typical format | Doubles | Singles or doubles |
| Racket | Solid, perforated face | Stringed racket |
| Serve | Underhand, after a bounce | Usually overhead |
| Walls | Part of gameplay | Not part of standard play |
| Scoring | Tennis-style scoring | Tennis-style scoring |
| Learning curve | Often approachable for beginners | Serve and groundstrokes can take longer to develop |
One reason beginners enjoy padel is that the smaller playing area and slower, more controlled rallies can make it easier to participate without exceptional strength or speed.
However, padel is not automatically easier at every level. Reading wall rebounds, coordinating with a partner, and positioning yourself correctly require practice.
gimana sih cara mulai main padel? Your First Steps
You don’t need an expensive racket or professional coaching to try padel. A simple first session with other beginners can help you understand how the game works.
Step 1: Find a Padel Court
Look for a dedicated padel facility, sports club, or recreational center that offers regulation courts.
A standard padel court includes:
- A net dividing the playing area
- Glass or other permitted rebound walls
- Metal mesh fencing
- Service lines and service boxes
- A suitable artificial-turf or approved playing surface
Some facilities provide rental rackets and balls, which can be useful for your first few sessions.
Step 2: Gather Four Players
Padel is normally played two against two.
For your first game, try playing with people who have similar experience levels. If one player already understands the rules, they can help explain serving, scoring, and wall rebounds.
Choose partners who are comfortable practicing rather than focusing entirely on winning.
Step 3: Choose Basic Padel Equipment
You only need a few essential items to get started.
| Equipment | Beginner recommendation | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Padel racket | Lightweight, round shape | Easier control and maneuverability |
| Padel balls | Proper padel balls | Designed for padel play |
| Court shoes | Good lateral support and court-appropriate grip | Helps with stability |
| Sportswear | Comfortable, breathable clothing | Allows free movement |
| Water bottle | Bring enough for your session | Supports hydration |
| Racket overgrip | Optional | Helps maintain a secure grip |
Avoid using a tennis racket because padel rackets have a different construction and playing characteristics.
Step 4: Learn the Basic Rules
Before starting a match, understand where the ball can bounce, when the walls can be used, and how to serve legally.
You don’t have to memorize every technical regulation. Learning the basic rules is enough for an enjoyable first session.
Step 5: Practice Before Playing a Match
Spend the first 15–20 minutes hitting simple shots.
Start with gentle forehands and backhands, then practice underhand serves and basic wall rebounds.
Once everyone feels comfortable, begin a casual doubles game.
Understanding the Basic Rules of Padel
Padel has several rules that make it different from conventional tennis. Understanding them early helps prevent confusion during your first match.
How Do You Serve in Padel?
Every point begins with an underhand serve.
To perform a legal serve:
- Stand behind the service line, on the correct side of the center service line.
- Bounce the ball on the ground.
- Hit the ball at or below the permitted waist-level contact point.
- Direct the ball diagonally across the net.
- Make sure it lands inside the opponent’s correct service box.
You have two attempts to complete a valid serve.
If your first serve is a fault, you may try again. Two consecutive service faults lose the point.
After a legal serve bounces in the receiving service box, it can rebound off the glass. However, a serve that hits the metal fence after bouncing in the service box is a fault.
These distinctions are covered in the International Padel Federation’s official rules.
Padel FIP
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Can You Hit the Ball Against the Glass?
Yes. Using the walls is one of padel’s defining features.
Suppose an opponent hits the ball toward your back glass. If the ball first bounces on your court, you can allow it to rebound off the glass and then return it before its second bounce on the floor.
You can also deliberately hit the ball against your own glass wall so it rebounds over the net, provided the resulting shot is otherwise legal.
However, when sending the ball toward your opponents, it generally must land on their court before contacting their walls or fence.
When Do You Lose a Point?
Common situations that result in losing a point include:
- The ball bounces twice on your side before you return it.
- You hit the ball into the net without completing a legal return.
- Your shot directly hits the opponent’s wall or fence before landing on their court.
- You or your equipment touch the net while the ball is in play.
- You hit the ball twice in a way that does not constitute one continuous stroke.
- Your return lands outside the permitted playing area.
A ball touching the boundary line is generally considered in.
Remember that padel also has specific rules for rebounds, out-of-court play, and unusual situations, so beginners should consult the official rulebook when a disputed point occurs.
How Does Padel Scoring Work?
Padel uses a scoring structure similar to tennis.
A standard game progresses through four main scores:
Love
0 points
15
1 point
30
2 points
40
3 points
Traditional game scoring before deuce or the deciding-point system.
For example, if your team wins the first two points while your opponents win one, the score is 30–15.
What Happens at 40–40?
Under traditional advantage scoring, 40–40 is called deuce.
A team must then win two consecutive points to win the game. Winning the first point gives that team advantage. If the opposing team wins the next point, the score returns to deuce.
Some competitions and clubs use alternative deciding-point formats. The 2026 FIP regulations also introduced the Star Point system for applicable competitions, so confirm which scoring format is being used before playing.
Padeli
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How Many Games Make a Set?
Under conventional set scoring, a team needs six games with at least a two-game advantage to win the set.
Examples include 6–2 and 6–4.
At 5–5, play normally continues until one team leads 7–5, or a tie-break is played if the score reaches 6–6.
Matches are commonly played as the best of three sets.
For recreational beginners, shorter practice sets can make early sessions less tiring and easier to manage.
Essential Padel Shots Every Beginner Should Learn
You don’t need an extensive range of shots to enjoy padel. A few reliable techniques are much more useful than attempting advanced moves too early.
1. Forehand
The forehand is often the first shot beginners learn.
For a right-handed player, a conventional forehand is played on the right side of the body.
To practice:
- Hold the racket comfortably.
- Turn your shoulders toward the incoming ball.
- Keep your backswing relatively compact.
- Contact the ball slightly in front of your body.
- Follow through smoothly toward your target.
Start by hitting toward the center of the opposing court.
Consistency matters more than speed.
2. Backhand
The backhand allows you to return balls arriving on the opposite side of your body.
A simple one-handed backhand is common in padel, although techniques vary.
Rotate your shoulders, maintain a stable racket face, and make a controlled swing.
Avoid trying to generate maximum power. Focus on making clean contact and keeping the ball in play.
3. Volley
A volley is a shot played before the ball bounces on your side.
Volleys are especially useful near the net.
Keep the racket in front of your body and use a short, firm movement rather than a large swing.
Good volleys often depend on positioning and timing rather than strength.
4. Lob
The lob is one of the most valuable defensive shots in padel.
It sends the ball high over your opponents, potentially forcing them away from the net.
A successful lob can give you and your partner time to recover or move forward.
Practice hitting the ball high and deep without sending it beyond the back boundary.
5. Wall Rebound
Learning to defend using the back glass is essential.
Instead of rushing toward every incoming ball, watch its trajectory and decide whether letting it rebound off the glass will produce an easier return.
Stand far enough from the wall to allow room for your racket swing.
6. Bandeja and Vibora
As your skills improve, you may encounter two popular overhead techniques.
The bandeja is a controlled overhead shot often used to maintain a favorable court position.
The vibora is a more aggressive overhead shot that uses spin and angle to create a difficult rebound.
Neither technique is essential for your first game. Beginners should develop reliable groundstrokes, volleys, and lobs before spending significant time on advanced overhead shots.
Padel Court Positioning and Doubles Strategy
Padel is a team sport. Good positioning and communication often matter more than powerful hitting.
Where Should Beginners Stand?
During defensive rallies, players commonly position themselves around or behind the service line, adjusting according to the ball’s trajectory.
When attacking, both partners generally move closer to the net.
The key principle is to move together.
If one player moves forward while the other stays deep without a tactical reason, opponents may exploit the space between them.
Why Is Net Position Important?
Controlling the net can create opportunities to volley downward, apply pressure, and force opponents into defensive shots.
However, rushing forward at the wrong moment can leave you vulnerable to a lob.
A useful beginner strategy is to approach the net after hitting a sufficiently deep or difficult shot that limits the opponents’ attacking options.
How Should Partners Communicate?
Simple communication prevents many avoidable errors.
Useful calls include:
- “Mine” when taking responsibility for a ball.
- “Yours” when your partner has the better position.
- “Leave” when a ball appears likely to go out.
- “Switch” when changing coverage positions.
- “Back” when retreating to defend a lob.
Partners should agree on who handles balls traveling through the middle of the court.
Clear communication also reduces the risk of collisions.
Common Padel Mistakes Beginners Should Avoid
Beginners often make similar mistakes, regardless of their previous sporting experience.
| Common mistake | Why it causes problems | Better approach |
|---|---|---|
| Hitting every ball hard | Reduces accuracy and control | Use compact, controlled strokes |
| Standing too close to the glass | Limits movement and swing space | Maintain room for rebounds |
| Ignoring the lob | Makes it difficult to recover net position | Practice defensive lobs |
| Using oversized swings | Causes late contact | Shorten the backswing |
| Moving independently of your partner | Creates gaps in coverage | Move forward and backward together |
| Rushing toward the net | Exposes the back court | Approach after a suitable shot |
| Watching only the ball | Reduces awareness of opponents | Observe court positioning between shots |
One particularly useful lesson is that you don’t have to win every point with a spectacular shot.
Often, returning one additional ball forces your opponents to make the mistake.
This patient, control-focused approach is also emphasized in beginner guidance from LTA Padel and other instructional resources.
Beginner’s guide
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How to Choose Your First Padel Racket
Padel rackets vary in shape, balance, weight, and playing characteristics.
Understanding these differences helps you choose equipment suited to your ability.
Round, Teardrop, and Diamond Rackets
Round racket
Generally offers a forgiving feel and accessible control. Often a suitable starting point for beginners.
Teardrop racket
Often balances control and power. Can suit developing players who want versatility.
Diamond racket
Often has a higher balance and emphasizes attacking power. Usually more demanding for new players.
Shape alone does not determine performance. Weight, balance, materials, and construction also matter.
What Racket Weight Is Best?
Many adult padel rackets weigh approximately 350–375 grams, although lighter and heavier options exist.
Beginners may find a relatively lightweight racket easier to maneuver.
However, the ideal weight depends on physical strength, comfort, technique, and personal preference.
Trying several rental rackets before choosing your own can help you understand what feels comfortable.
Why Does the Wrist Strap Matter?
Padel rackets include a safety cord or wrist strap.
The strap helps prevent the racket from flying out of your hand during a swing.
Wear it properly whenever you play. The safety cord is a required element under official padel rules.
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Your First 60-Minute Padel Practice Session
A structured beginner session helps you learn without becoming overwhelmed.
The following plan is suitable for four beginners sharing a court.
0–10 min
Warm-up and movement
Walk, perform gentle dynamic movements, and practice side steps.
10–20 min
Forehand and backhand
Hit controlled groundstrokes with a partner, aiming for consistency.
20–30 min
Serve practice
Practice legal underhand serves into both diagonal service boxes.
30–40 min
Wall rebounds and volleys
Learn to wait for glass rebounds and practice short volleys.
40–55 min
Casual doubles game
Play with relaxed scoring and focus on communication.
55–60 min
Cool-down
Walk gently, hydrate, and discuss what to improve next time.
You can extend the session to 90 minutes once you feel comfortable.
New players should take breaks when necessary, especially in hot or humid conditions.
How Long Does It Take to Learn Padel?
The time needed to learn padel varies with your previous experience, fitness, coordination, and practice frequency.
Many beginners can participate in simple rallies during their first session. Developing reliable wall defense, shot selection, and doubles positioning generally takes longer.
A practical progression might look like this:
| Stage | Main learning goal |
|---|---|
| First session | Understand the court, serve, and scoring |
| Sessions 2–3 | Improve groundstroke consistency |
| Sessions 4–5 | Practice wall rebounds and basic positioning |
| Following weeks | Develop lobs, volleys, and teamwork |
| Following months | Improve tactical decisions and advanced techniques |
This is an illustrative learning plan, not a guaranteed timeline.
Playing regularly and receiving occasional feedback can be more useful than playing long sessions without a clear objective.
Should Beginners Take Padel Lessons?
Lessons aren’t mandatory, but a qualified instructor can help you establish correct technique.
A beginner group lesson may cover racket grip, movement, serving, wall rebounds, and court positioning.
It can also help identify mistakes before they become habits.
If formal coaching isn’t available, structured practice with more experienced recreational players is another option.
Is Padel Suitable for People Who Have Never Played Tennis?
Yes. Previous tennis experience is not required.
Padel uses a shorter, solid racket and an underhand serve, which many newcomers find more approachable than the overhead serve used in tennis.
The enclosed court also creates opportunities to continue rallies after a ball rebounds from the glass.
However, padel still requires coordination, quick changes of direction, and physical effort.
Is Padel Physically Demanding?
Padel can provide moderate to vigorous physical activity depending on the intensity of play.
A casual beginner session may involve gentle rallies and frequent breaks, while competitive matches can involve rapid acceleration, lunging, twisting, and repeated changes of direction.
Warm up before playing, use supportive footwear, and increase playing time gradually.
Anyone returning from an injury or managing a condition that affects exercise tolerance should seek appropriate professional advice before intensive play.
Can You Practice Padel With Only Two People?
Yes, two people can practice groundstrokes, serves, volleys, and wall rebounds.
However, the standard competitive format is doubles, with four players.
Singles variations and specially designed singles courts also exist, but they are less common.
For beginners, two-person practice is useful for building technique before joining a full match.
How to Improve Your Padel Skills Faster
Improvement usually comes from focused repetition rather than simply playing more matches.
Practice Consistency Before Power
Choose a large target area near the center of the opposing court.
Try to return 10 consecutive balls without making an error.
Once you can do that consistently, practice changing direction and depth.
Learn to Read Wall Rebounds
Ask a partner to send controlled shots toward your back glass.
Watch how the ball changes direction and speed after contact.
Practice waiting for the rebound rather than swinging too early.
Over time, you’ll become better at judging where the ball will arrive.
Develop Better Footwork
Padel involves frequent small adjustments.
Practice moving sideways while keeping your knees slightly bent and your racket ready.
Avoid crossing your feet unnecessarily during quick defensive movements.
A balanced ready position makes it easier to react to unexpected shots.
Use the Continental Grip
The continental grip is commonly taught as a versatile starting grip for padel.
It allows players to perform several basic shots without constantly changing hand position.
A coach can demonstrate the correct hand placement and help ensure the grip feels comfortable.
Play Against Different Opponents
Once you understand the rules, practicing against players with different styles can improve your decision-making.
Some opponents rely on powerful shots, while others use placement, lobs, and defensive wall play.
Experiencing different playing styles helps you develop a more adaptable game.
gimana sih cara mulai main padel? Final Beginner Tips
Starting padel is straightforward when you focus on the fundamentals.
You don’t need advanced equipment, years of racket-sport experience, or perfect technique. A suitable court, three other players, basic equipment, and an understanding of the rules are enough to begin.
For your first few sessions, concentrate on legal serves, controlled groundstrokes, simple wall rebounds, and teamwork. As your confidence grows, gradually introduce lobs, volleys, improved positioning, and more advanced tactics.
The most useful next step is to arrange a beginner-friendly practice session and spend your first hour learning how the ball moves around the court. With regular practice and patience, you’ll build the skills needed to enjoy longer rallies and more competitive matches.