How to Start Playing Padel: A Beginner’s Guide
- Racket Social Club
- Oct 27
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 9
If you’ve been curious about how to start playing padel, you’re in the right place. This fast-growing racquet sport has taken the United States by storm, attracting players who love its mix of athletic challenge and social energy. At Racket Social Club, we make it easy for beginners to learn, connect, and enjoy their first rallies—whether you’re in Atlanta, Houston, or Denver.
What Is Padel?
Padel is a doubles racquet sport played on an enclosed 20×10 meter court surrounded by glass walls. The ball can rebound off those walls—making rallies longer and more strategic than in tennis, yet easier for beginners.
The serve is underhand and below the waist, which lowers the learning curve and keeps the game accessible for all ages and skill levels.
Born in Mexico in the 1960s, padel spread across Spain and Latin America before reaching the U.S., where it’s now becoming the sport everyone’s talking about.
What to Expect in Your First Lesson
Starting something new can feel intimidating—but padel is designed to be fun and social from your very first day. When you join a beginner clinic or free lesson at Racket Social Club, here’s what you can expect:
Learn the Basics – Our certified coaches guide you through grip, stroke technique, scoring, and positioning.
Play Right Away – You’ll be rallying within minutes, even if you’ve never played racquet sports before.
No Partner Needed – You’ll meet new players and learn in pairs or small groups, making it easy to connect.
By the end of your first session, you’ll already be enjoying real rallies—and probably planning your next visit.
Essential Gear for Your First Session
You don’t need much to start playing padel—just comfortable clothing and a willingness to learn. Still, having the right gear can make a difference as you improve:
Padel Racket
Your padel racket choice affects control and comfort. For beginners, a lightweight, round-shaped racket with a large sweet spot is best—it offers precision without fatigue.
Padel Balls
They look like tennis balls but have slightly lower pressure, giving you a steadier bounce within the glass walls.
Court Shoes
Padel courts have artificial turf with sand infill. Choose shoes with a herringbone or hybrid sole for traction and quick movement.
At Racket Social Club, we can help you get started with quality rental equipment and expert recommendations before you decide to buy your own.
Basic Rules and Scoring
Padel follows a similar scoring system to tennis—0, 15, 30, 40, game—but with a few unique twists:
Serves are underhand and must bounce once in the service box before being returned.
Balls that hit the walls after bouncing on the ground stay in play.
Games are played to six, and matches are usually best-of-three sets.
The result? Longer, more dynamic rallies where smart placement and teamwork beat raw power.
Why Padel Is Perfect for Beginners
Padel is known as “the world’s most social sport”—and for good reason. Its smaller court and doubles-only format encourage connection, communication, and teamwork.
Here’s why it’s ideal if you’re just starting out:
Easy to Learn – The rules are simple, and progress happens quickly.
Fun & Social – You’re always on court with friends, not alone on the baseline.
A Great Workout – You’ll improve agility, coordination, and endurance—all while having fun.
Whether you’re looking to stay active, meet people, or challenge yourself, padel offers something for everyone.
How Racket Social Club Helps You Learn Fast
At Racket Social Club, we’ve designed a clear path to help you go from your first clinic to confident gameplay:
Free Beginner Clinics – Test the sport in a welcoming setting with professional coaches.
Group & Private Lessons – Level up your skills with guidance tailored to your pace.
Open Play Sessions – Practice with players of your level—no partner required.
Community Access – Join our WhatsApp groups and find partners any day of the week.
Tournaments & Events – Experience friendly competition and celebrate your progress.
Membership Benefits – Get exclusive perks, court priority, and a true club experience.
Our clubs in Atlanta, Houston, and Denver combine premium facilities, expert coaching, and a vibrant social atmosphere—so you’ll always have a place to play and grow.
FAQs
Is padel hard to learn?
Not at all. The underhand serve, smaller court, and forgiving walls make it easy to pick up—even for total beginners.
Can I play year-round?
Yes! Racket Social Club offers indoor courts and covered play areas, so you can enjoy padel in any season.
Do I need my own equipment?
No—beginners can rent rackets and balls at our clubs. Once you fall in love with the game, we’ll help you find your perfect setup.
Ready to Play?
Padel is more than a sport—it’s a lifestyle of connection, movement, and fun. Whether you’re in Atlanta, Houston, or Denver, Racket Social Club is your home to learn, play, and grow in the world of padel.