Padel Draft
A doubles racquet sport played on a small enclosed court with glass walls. You can use the walls like squash, but the scoring is like tennis, so rallies are long and social.
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How to start
What you need
- Padel racquet (solid, stringless, with holes)
- Padel balls (similar to tennis balls but slightly lower pressure)
- Court shoes with a herringbone or clay-style sole
- Water and a grip tape
Typical cost
Racquet rentals are common at padel clubs. Court time is roughly $30 to $60 per hour, split four ways. Beginner racquets run about $60 to $150 and a can of balls is $5 to $10 (approximate, varies by city).
Where to play
Dedicated padel clubs, tennis clubs that added padel courts, recreation centers and some resorts. Look for beginner clinics and open-play nights.
Rules
- The court is 10 by 20 meters, enclosed by glass walls and mesh fencing, with a net across the middle.
- Doubles is the standard game; four players hit the ball back and forth over the net.
- The serve is underhand: bounce the ball on your side first, then hit it below waist height diagonally into the opponent's service box.
- After the serve, the ball must bounce on the floor on your side before you hit it, or you can volley it before it bounces.
- After one floor bounce, the ball may also hit your own side's glass or mesh before you return it, which gives you extra time to set up.
- Your return must go over the net and land in the opponent's court before touching a wall or fence. If it hits their wall or fence first, it counts as out and the other side wins the point.
- Scoring follows tennis: 15, 30, 40, game; many clubs use a 'golden point' at 40-40 to speed up games.
Drills
Wall bounce rally 8 min
With a partner, hit gentle shots that bounce off the back wall. Focus on letting the ball come to you before hitting it.
Bandeja practice 10 min
Stand near the net, have a partner feed lobs. Hit a controlled overhead with slice so the ball stays low and deep. Try 20 in a row.
Net volley duel 6 min
Both players at the net, rally volleys to each other with soft hands. Keep the ball in the air for 30 shots.
Serve and approach 8 min
Practice the underhand serve to each box, then step in toward the net. 10 serves per side.
Lob and defend 10 min
One pair lobs, the other drops back and plays off the back wall. Swap after 10 lobs.
Etiquette
- Tell your partner who takes the middle ball.
- Retrieve stray balls from the neighboring court quietly, between points.
- Wait for rotations at open-play nights and play with all levels.
Safety
- Wear padel or court shoes; running shoes can slip on the artificial turf.
- Keep your wrist strap on the racquet and watch for the ball coming off the glass at speed.
- Warm up shoulders and knees, as quick direction changes are common.
Levels
- 1Learning the rules; first rallies with soft shots.
- 2Can serve, return and keep a rally going using the back wall.
- 3Plays volleys and understands positioning with a partner; roughly beginner league level.
- 4Uses bandejas, lobs and smashes; reads wall bounces; plays in club tournaments.
- 5Consistent power and tactical play; compete regionally.
Questions
Is padel easier than tennis?
Most beginners find it easier to start because the court is smaller, the serve is underhand and the walls keep the ball in play.
Can I use my tennis racquet?
No. Padel uses its own solid racquet. Most clubs rent them, so you do not need to buy one to try.
Do I need to play doubles?
Doubles is the normal format and the courts are built for it. Singles exist but is rarer.
Draft guide: written from general knowledge and not yet checked by someone who plays padel. Costs are approximate and vary by city. Check with a coach or doctor before starting anything new.