A basic guide to padel: how to play and the first steps to learn

Padel is a fascinating and exciting sport, blending speed, strategy and fun. Rules are easy to learn and put into practice, making it accessible to all from starters to experts. It is an ideal sport for who wants to improve coordination and endurance, also enjoying chances to socialize and nurture healthy competition yet team work.

In the vast landscape of racket sports, padel is gradually establishing itself as a practice capable of conquering an extremely varied audience, including both starters eager to approach a dynamic and intuitive activity, yet enthusiasts and competitors looking for a technical challenge worthy of ambitions. What makes padel extremely fascinating is, first of all, its extraordinary ability to blend fast action, strategic vision and team spirit, all within a game that, while requiring concentration and readiness, still stands out for accessibility and inclusiveness, easily adapting to different ages, abilities and levels of preparation.

In a moment in which sport increasingly takes on the role of social catalyst and means for promoting a state of physical and mental well-being, padel – both individual and doubles – therefore represents a satisfying and complete physical activity, yet a collective relational experience that can unite people with different backgrounds, motivations and expectations. Understanding how to play padel thus means learning a series of technical and tactical rules, but also developing a sense of collaborative play, based on listening, adaptation and the ability to read game dynamics in real time.

Let’s check out the main rules to play padel, as well as some useful tips to improve your experience on the court and the ability to communicate with your teammate.

How to play padel: basic information about the court and the choice of the racket

Before approaching padel, it is key to acquire some fundamental knowledge regarding the structure of the court, the main rules and the choice of equipment, in order to develop a conscious and functional practice, both for learning first and for improving then.

The padel court, dimensions and use of the walls

The structure of the padel court is significantly different from that of other racket sports, in particular tennis. In fact, the padel court is a rectangle of small dimensions (20 m long by 10 m wide) divided in the middle by a net similarly to tennis, but lower, a characteristic that directly affects the speed, ease and fluidity of exchanges.

What makes padel court unique, however, is above all the presence of perimeter walls in glass and metal, which delimit the playing space yet represent even an active and strategic game element, fully integrated into the dynamics of the match. The ball can be played even after hitting one or more of these surfaces indeed, for unpredictable moves and trajectories which require players to read every bounce precisely and be reactive in response.

This use of walls, a legacy of the Hispanic-Latin American origins of padel, introduces a new tactical feature and amplifies the complexity of the game itself, multiplying the possibilities of shots and making each exchange potentially different from the others. This results in an extremely dynamic and engaging game, in which the ability to check space and quickly adapt to the ball direction become key skills, regardless of mere experience.

How to choose the right racket

The padel racket is generally smaller than the tennis’s, made of materials such as carbon or fiberglass, and features a few holes on the surface, which improve aerodynamics, reducing wind resistance and allowing precise and powerful shots. The surface is solid, without strings, and it’s designed to withstand strong blows and frequent impacts with the ball, with no risk of compromising performances. Moreover, its surface can be either rough or smooth, depending on the playing style. This is why, especially for beginners, one of the most important decisions refers to the choice of racket, that facilitates or hinders the experience.

Here are some factors to consider:

1. Shape: the racket shape is one of the main features that influence shots control and intensity, therefore the overall gaming experience. Depending on the geometry of the racket head, there’s a change in weight distribution, optimal impact point (sweet spot) and ease to perform shots. There are three main shapes:

• Round racket: perfect for beginners. The weight is distributed evenly and the impact point is wider and centered, favoring control and dexterity. Ideal for a defensive play style or for who looks for security in shots
• Teardrop racket (or hybrid): a good compromise between control and strength. Its impact point is slightly shifted upwards compared to the round one and enables for greater push, without sacrificing precision. It’s used by intermediate level players
• Diamond racket: perfect for expert players, with greater thrust in shots, but in order to be effectively controlled it requires good technique, as its impact point is small and placed towards the top of the racket

2. Weight: racket’s weight usually varies between 320-380 grams. Lighter rackets are more manageable and easier to control, ideal for beginners and for who wants greater comfort, often sacrificing power. Heavier rackets, on the other hand, guarantee greater power but require more advanced technique to be used to their full potential.

3. Material: padel rackets are generally made of materials such as carbon, fiberglass and plastic, each of which influences their characteristics.

• Carbon: carbon rackets are robust and give excellent power and durability, which makes them particularly recommended for expert players for greater precision in the offensive phases
• Fiberglass: more flexible and softer than carbon ones, fiberglass rackets absorb vibrations better and feel more comfortable. They’re particularly suitable for starters or for who prefers less aggressive playing styles
• Composite materials: rackets made with a combination of carbon and fiberglass offer an excellent compromise between strength and control. They’re a balanced choice for who wants to evolve in the game and have a more decisive impact on ball, while maintaining good handling

4. Surface: racket surfaces can be smooth or rough. While the former allows a better grip on the ball, the best for performing complex shots like drop shots or special effects, the latter is suitable for who wants to learn to play paddle, or try simpler and more linear matches.

5. Balance: racket’s balance (the point where the racket weighs the most) affects the power and control of movements:

• A low balance (towards handle) increases control and maneuverability, suitable for beginners
• A high balance (towards head) offers instead more power, ideal for expert players

The choice of racket therefore depends on individual needs and level of play. For beginners, the advice is to go for a light and round racket with a good balance to facilitate moves in control. As you gain more experience, it’s possible to opt for heavier models with rough surface, that can be more difficult to handle but allow to perform more powerful and challenging shots.

How to play padel: the basic rules

Padel is usually played in doubles, in teams of two players each. Padel’s scoring system is the same as tennis (15, 30, 40, game). Each set is won by the team who first achieves 6 games, with a margin of 2 games advantage. If the score is 5-5, a tie-break is played to define the winner.

Although it stands by similar rules to other racket sports, padel is an autonomous discipline with specific rules that determine rhythm, strategies and techniques. The service must be performed underhand and must bounce in the opponent’s court before touching the back wall, an aspect that differentiates padel from tennis, where the service is performed above the head. Furthermore, in padel, if the ball touches side or back walls before entering the opponent’s court, the point is lost, thus making services a particularly technical and strategic phase of the game, which requires precision and ability.

To approach this discipline consciously and correctly, it is key to understand the basic rules, as well as the main differences with similar sports, such as pickleball, which has also become increasingly popular in recent years.

Game configuration

Padel is mainly played in doubles, with two teams made up of two players each. The singles mode exists, but is not very popular, both in the competitive and amateur fields.

The scoring system is the same as tennis:

• 15, 30, 40, game
• A set is won by the pair that first reaches 6 games, with a minimum margin of 2.
• A tie-break is played on a score of 5-5

ServiceRules

The service is a phase of the game regulated in a specific way:

• It must be performed with a low hit, after the ball has bounced on the ground
• It must be performed diagonally, and the ball must land in the opponent’s service area without directly hitting side or back walls
• The player has two attempts to make a valid service; two consecutive errors result in the loss of the point

Game dynamics and use of the walls

A signature element of padel is the integration of side and back walls in the game:

• After the first bounce of the ball in the court, it is allowed to hit it even after it has touched walls
• If the ball directly hits an opponent’s wall (without bouncing on the ground), the point is lost
• It’s allowed to use walls to defend, counterattack or build shots, but the first bounce must occur regularly on the court

What are the main differences between padel and pickleball?

Although both disciplines are racket sports designed to be accessible and easy to play, padel and pickleball have several technical and structural differences that influence the approach to these games and their logics.

1. Court:

• The padel court is a rectangle of 20 x 10 m, delimited by glass walls and metal grid that become an integral part of the game, allowing the ball to bounce over them and enriching strategic possibilities
• The pickleball court is smaller, measuring 13.4 x 6.1 m, without walls, thus with limited game variables in a more concentrated playing area

2. Equipment:

• In padel are used rigid, perforated and unstrung rackets, for greater precision and power, while the ball is similar to a tennis ball but more depressurized to facilitate playing in closed spaces
• In pickleball the racket is flat and lighter, designed to facilitate control, while the ball is made of perforated plastic less bouncy than padel’s, affecting speed and reactivity

3. Service:

• In both sports, service is performed from below, but in pickleball there are more precise rules about the non-volley area (near the net), preventing fast shots and limiting immediate attack options. This forces players to focus on building the point rather than going for direct attacks
• In padel, the service, although still performed from below, allows greater freedom in moves and options as there are no restrictions in the non-volley area

4. Use of walls:

• One of the main differences between these two sports is the use of walls in padel. They allow the ball to bounce and be played even after hitting side or back walls, for a wider tactical dimension to the game
• In pickleball, the absence of walls simplifies strategies, forcing players to focus on aerial shots and ball control without considering the interaction with any obstacles

The choice between padel and pickleball therefore depends on several factors, including the preferred playing style and availability of facilities. Padel offers a more dynamic experience, with the interaction of walls adding significant tactical keys. On the contrary, pickleball with its smaller court and its relative simplicity, is particularly suitable for who prefers a less complicated, but still intense and stimulating game mode.

How to play padel: the basic shots

Essential for playing padel, the basic shots are the core of the game indeed. In addition to service, forehand and backhand, which are the easiest to learn, padel offers many fundamental shots that every player should know to make their playing style complete and effective. For example the volley and the smash (or “remate” in Spanish), among the most used during a match, but also bandeja, vibora and globo, terms that reflect the Spanish origins of this sport, born between Spain and South America in the late 1960s.

Knowing and mastering each of these shots enriches technical skills and allows to face different game situations with greater confidence and strategy, both for beginners and for advanced players.

• Service: in padel it is performed differently than tennis. The ball must be bounced only once on the ground, behind the service line, and hit below waist height. The shot must be directed diagonally towards opposite service area. The goal, indeed, is rather precision and effectiveness over power
• Forehand and backhand from the baseline: these are the most frequent shots during a rally. Forehand is played from the side of the dominant hand, while backhand from the opposite side. It is key to master body position, shot opening and torso rotation for greater effectiveness
• Volley: shot played before the ball bounces on the ground, generally near the net. It’s a quick and controlled move for keeping high pressure on opponents and win points.
• Smash: shot played above the head to close the rally. It requires power and precision. In some cases, the smash can be performed with the intention of bouncing the ball out of the court (smash “por tres” or “por cuatro”), leveraging side walls
• Bandeja: this is performed above the head, with a more controlled movement than the smash. It’s a cross between an attack shot and a defense shot used to maintain control of the net when you’re attacked by the opponent without risking of mistakes that could be crucial for the outcome of the match
• Globo: high and deep shot used to get past the opponent at the net and take control of the exchange. The success of the globo requires sensitivity and the ability to see through game actions, quality often not taken for granted, especially if players are not professionals or advanced

Positioning on the court and team tactics

Padel is mostly played in pairs (singles are very rare, practiced almost exclusively in informal contexts), thus positioning is a key aspect, both in defensive and offensive phases:

• Defensive position (back of the court): at the beginning of the exchange, players tend to position themselves near the back of the court to respond to the service and deep shots. From here, the action is built up to the net. It is essential to learn from the first matches to strategically exploit walls, hitting the ball after it bounces on them when the trajectory allows it, or using them to make effective and unpredictable shots
• Offensive position (near the net): the most advantageous area of the court is close to the net, where it’s possible to close the points with volleys and smashes. Conquering the net is often a main objective of each exchange. Positioning must be symmetrical and coordinated between partners, avoiding leaving any open spaces
• Movement and coverage: movements must be performed in a synchronized way with the teammate, moving in parallel along the net or the baseline. Hence, in padel the communication, including non-verbal one, plays a key role to anticipate movements and best manage defensive situations, and should be cultivated from the early stages of learning, as it represents one of the means for success. It is important to underline that this ability becomes even more decisive when changing playing partners: the ability to quickly adapt to new styles and timings in fact allows to keep the coverage effectiveness, even without a long shared experience with a partner

How to improve in padel: techniques and tips for beginners

Improving in padel requires consistency, dedication and a methodical approach that takes into account technical, tactical and relational aspects. One of the first elements to focus on, especially for beginners, is the correct execution of the service, which represents the start of the action and an important strategic opportunity to set a point. An effective service, made by low and angled directions, must be precise and sufficiently insidious to put the opponent under pressure, forcing them to a defensive response and perhaps to an error.

Another determining factor for a significant improvement in playing level is communication and coordination with your teammate. Since it is almost exclusively a couple sport – at least in its most popular format – it’s necessary to develop a good harmony to anticipate actions from the opponents and move as a unit, strategically positioning and reacting promptly to whatever the game demands. The construction of an effective understanding goes through the use of shared verbal or visual signals, the assignment of specific roles in different phases of the game and a constant dialogue, refined with experience and practice. Communication reduces the risk of errors and makes the basis for the development of adaptable strategies and the optimal management of high-pressure situations, turning each match into an opportunity for collaboration and shared reading of the game.

Furthermore, it’s key to develop good mobility on the court and a balanced positioning, that allows to react promptly to opponent’s shots as well as defend properly. The ability to be quick and anticipate the directions of the opponent’s ball are skills built over experience, to be accelerated through specific exercises and constant exposure to real game actions. The importance of using walls should not be underrated: learning to interpret their rebounds, to exploit their dynamism to surprise opponents or defend yourself in tough situations, is the most distinctive and strategically relevant skills in padel.

Ultimately, approaching this sport with the intent of improving means acquiring greater mastery of its technical basics and gradually entering game logics based on cooperation, observation and tactical flexibility. It is precisely this combination of technical learning and human interaction that makes padel an accessible, engaging and stimulating sport for all.

It’s no coincidence that recently many high-level tourist facilities and resorts have chosen to invest in the promotion of this sport: an example of excellence is Padel Academy by Forte Village Resort, where professionals support players of all ages and levels in custom training sessions within an exclusive location in an extremely beautiful natural landscape.

Learn how to play padel at Forte Village Resort

Always renowned for the quality of its sports facilities – even awarded as “World’s Leading Sports Academy 2024” (world’s best sports academies) and “World’s Leading Sport Resort 2024” (world’s excellence in sports resorts industry), respectively the twelfth and sixth time in a row, at the World Travel Awards 2024 in Funchal – Forte Village, luxury five-star resort in the heart of South Sardinia, located in the enchanting town of Santa Margherita di Pula near the most beautiful beaches of the island and iconic places of the varied local historical and cultural panorama, such as the ruins of the ancient town of Nora and the archaeological park of Pula, confirms itself as a reference point for who wants to learn play padel, thanks to the very well-equipped Padel Academy.

The training plan is strategically structured to offer a complete and modular learning experience based on individual needs. From May 12 to November 1, 2025, it’ll be possible to participate in group classes from Monday to Friday, ideal for who wants to learn or hone their playing techniques in a dynamic and shared context. For those who prefer customized paths, private lessons are available on request to provide custom support aimed at improving individual skills. Both sessions take place on the wonderful courts of the Tennis Club, which from May to November also host the prestigious ITF Tournaments 2025.

Also unmissable is the opportunity to take lessons from real international champions of the discipline, such as Spanish champion Bebe Hernan Auguste, number one in the international ranking for four consecutive times (1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000), who every year makes his experience and expertise available for highly personalized training sessions, both for novice players and experienced athletes. Through high-level technical and strategic approaches, it’ll be possible to get precise indications on how to optimize shots execution, improve tactical game management and develop a broader and aware vision of game dynamics, experiencing the unique opportunity to interact with one of the most outstanding and influential personalities on the international padel scene.

For further information or for booking individual or group sessions at the Academy, please call to +390709218818 or write an email to holiday@fortevillage.com.

Do you want to learn play padel and experience a dream holiday in a true paradise? Discover Forte Village Resort in Sardinia