Padel is taking the world by storm, and for good reason. This exciting racquet sport combines the best elements of tennis and squash, creating a unique and addictive game that's perfect for players of all skill levels. If you're curious about joining the padel revolution, this comprehensive guide will take you through everything you need to know to start playing.
Padel is an energizing racquet sport, which has taken the world by storm. Nicknamed as 'Tennis with Walls' & 'Squash in the Sun,' Padel combines the best elements of tennis and squash which has helped it to gain tremendous popularity worldwide. The game is majorly played in doubles and sometimes in singles and follows the same scoring system as tennis.
Padel is a dynamic racquet sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. It's usually played in doubles on an enclosed court with walls that are integral to gameplay. Unlike tennis, players can use the walls strategically to keep rallies alive, making it more accessible for beginners while still challenging for experienced players.
A standard padel court measures 32.81 ft wide by 65.62 ft long, with walls at least 5.91 ft high and up to a maximum of 13.12 ft. The court is divided into two halves by a net, similar to tennis, but what makes padel unique is its enclosed nature with glass walls and wire mesh fencing.
The court features:
Service boxes: Similar to tennis, with diagonal serving required
Glass walls: Usually 9-10 feet high at the back and 9 feet at the sides
Wire mesh: Extends above the glass walls
Net: 2.8 ft high at the centre, 3 ft at the posts
Unlike tennis, the ball is not thrown over the head to serve. In padel, the player must bounce the ball and can't hit it above the waist. The serve must be underhand and bounce once before hitting.
Key serving rules:
Serve underhand below waist level
The ball must bounce once on your side before serving
The serve can go to any area of the opponent's square but can never hit the side fence after the bounce.
You get two attempts per serve
Serve diagonally, like in tennis
Padel rules state that the ball has to bounce on the ground first before it hits the wall. The ball can hit the glass after bouncing. Players can use walls strategically for returns and defense.
Essential gameplay rules:
Points are lost when the ball bounces twice
The ball must hit the ground first before touching the walls
You can hit the ball after it bounces off your opponent's wall
Don't even think about hitting the net with the ball on your side, because that's a fault
Maximum one bounce on your side before returning
Padel uses the same scoring system as tennis, which makes it easier to learn. A match is usually played in the best of three sets. To win a set, a team must be the first to reach six games, with at least a two-game lead. Each game follows a simple point system: 15, 30, 40, and then game point.
When the game reaches deuce (40-40), the next point won by a player gives them "Advantage". If the player wins the next point as well, they win the game.
To start playing padel, you'll need:
Padel racquet: Solid, perforated paddle (no strings)
Padel balls: Slightly less pressurized than tennis balls
Appropriate footwear: Non-marking court shoes with good grip
Comfortable clothing: Athletic wear that allows free movement
Hold the racquet with a continental grip (like shaking hands)
Keep your feet shoulder-width apart
Stay on the balls of your feet for quick movement
Keep your knees slightly bent for better balance
Position yourself behind the baseline
Hold the ball in your non-dominant hand
Drop the ball and let it bounce once
Hit the ball underhand below waist level
Aim for the diagonal service box
Ensure the ball bounces in the service box before hitting any walls
Forehand: Turn your body sideways, step forward, and swing through
Backhand: Use both hands for better control as a beginner
Volleys: Keep the racquet face slightly open, use a punching motion
Wall shots: Practice hitting balls that come off the walls
When you're playing padel, teamwork is super important.
Communication with your partner is crucial
One player typically covers the net, one covers the baseline
Move as a team, maintaining court coverage
Use walls strategically to extend rallies
Choosing the right racquet is crucial for beginners. Here are some top recommendations:
Babolat Contact Padel Racquet - Available at Sports Square for ₹7,475 (reduced from ₹11,499), this racquet is perfect for beginners who want control and forgiveness. Its balanced design helps new players develop proper technique without overwhelming them with power.
Babolat Reveal Padel Racquet -Buy Now Another excellent starter option at ₹7,475, offering exceptional control and comfort for players learning the fundamentals of padel.
Babolat Storm Padel Racquet - Priced at ₹9,425 (down from ₹14,499), this best padel racquet bridges the gap between beginner-friendly forgiveness and intermediate-level performance. It's engineered for developing players who need a blend of power, control, and maneuverability.
Babolat Stima Spirit Padel Racquet - At ₹12,349 (reduced from ₹18,999), this racquet offers enhanced performance for players ready to take their game to the next level.
Babolat Technical Veron 2025 Padel Racquet - Sports Square offers the best padel racquet at ₹16,249 (down from ₹24,999). It combines cutting-edge technology with sleek design to deliver unmatched power, precision, and durability.
Babolat Technical Viper 2025 Padel Racquet - For advanced players, this top-tier racquet is available at ₹21,449 (reduced from ₹32,999), offering professional-level performance and control.
Focus on consistent ball contact before attempting advanced shots. Master the fundamental grip, stance, and swing mechanics first. Spend time hitting balls against the wall to develop a feel for the racquet and ball control. Practice your serve until you can consistently get the ball in the service box.
Spend dedicated time hitting balls off the walls to understand how they bounce and behave. Each wall surface (glass vs. mesh) produces different rebounds, and understanding these nuances is crucial for strategic play. Practice hitting balls that come off the back wall, side walls, and corner combinations. This wall practice will help you anticipate shots during actual games and turn defensive situations into offensive opportunities.
Learning from skilled partners accelerates your improvement significantly. Experienced players can demonstrate proper technique, share strategic insights, and provide real-time feedback during matches. They'll expose you to different playing styles and shot selections you might not encounter playing only with other beginners.
Padel rewards smart placement and tactical thinking more than raw power. Learn to hit controlled shots to open areas of the court rather than trying to overpower your opponents. Practice hitting cross-court shots, down-the-line placements, and soft drop shots near the net. Understanding court geometry and angles will make you a more effective player than simply hitting harder.
Padel is fundamentally a team sport where communication is essential. Call shots clearly ("mine," "yours," "switch"), discuss strategy between points, and coordinate your movements. Develop signals for different plays and always keep your partner informed about your positioning and intentions. Good communication prevents confusion, reduces errors, and creates opportunities for strategic plays.
Understanding positioning and court coverage is crucial in padel. Learn the basic formations (both players at the net, one up-one back, both at baseline) and when to use each. Practice moving as a unit with your partner, maintaining proper spacing, and covering the court effectively. Good positioning often matters more than individual shot-making ability.
The serve in padel is unique and requires specific technique. Practice the underhand serve until it becomes automatic, focusing on consistency over power. Learn to vary your serves – deep serves, short serves, and serves to different areas of the service box. A reliable serve gives you confidence and control over the start of each point.
Many beginners believe padel is about hitting the ball as hard as possible, but this approach leads to numerous errors and lost points. Power without control is counterproductive in padel. Instead, focus on placement, consistency, and building points strategically. Learn to vary your shot intensity based on the situation – sometimes a soft, well-placed shot is more effective than a powerful one.
Don't treat walls merely as boundaries that endpoints. The walls are integral to padel strategy and can be used to create angles, extend rallies, and set up winning shots. Learn to use walls defensively to retrieve difficult shots and offensively to create unexpected angles. Practice hitting balls that come off walls with different spins and speeds to become comfortable with wall play.
Maintaining proper court coverage with your partner is fundamental to success in padel. Avoid the common mistake of both players gravitating toward the ball, leaving large areas of the court undefended. Learn to maintain proper spacing, move as a unit, and trust your partner to cover their assigned areas. Poor positioning leads to easy points for your opponents and unnecessary pressure on your partnership.
While controlling the net is important in padel, rushing forward at the wrong time can be disastrous. Be patient and wait for the right opportunity to advance to the net. Approach when you have your opponents in a defensive position, not when they're in control of the point. Learn to recognize when it's appropriate to move forward and when to stay back and build the point.
Padel requires excellent cardiovascular endurance, agility, and quick reflexes. Many beginners underestimate the physical demands of the sport. The enclosed court and extended rallies mean you need to be in good shape to maintain performance throughout a match. Incorporate cardio training, agility drills, and reaction time exercises into your fitness routine to improve your on-court performance.
Failing to communicate effectively with your partner creates confusion and missed opportunities. Avoid the mistake of playing silently or assuming your partner knows your intentions. Develop clear, consistent communication patterns and use them throughout every match. This includes calling shots, discussing strategy, and providing encouragement to your partner.
Padel offers an exciting entry point into racquet sports, combining tennis strategy with accessibility. As padel continues to grow in India and worldwide, now is the perfect time to start playing this addictive sport and walk the path to padel success.
Success in padel starts with proper equipment. Padel requires specialized equipment: lightweight racquets, special balls and functional clothing, and quality gear directly impacts your performance and enjoyment. Sports Square India offers top-quality sports gears and equipment as a one-stop online sports store for premium products at the best prices, ensuring you get authentic equipment that enhances your game from day one.
The key to padel success is consistency, communication, and enjoying the learning process. With quality and best padel racquets from trusted retailers like Sports Square India, proper practice, and patience, you'll soon discover why millions worldwide love this dynamic sport. Before you know it, you'll be strategically using walls, executing perfect volleys, and experiencing the unique thrill that makes padel one of the world's fastest-growing sports.
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