Start padel by learning the underhand serve, then get comfortable letting the ball bounce and using the walls instead of trying to end every rally with power. Padel is usually played in doubles, so agree with your partner who covers the middle and keep shots controlled while you learn the court's rebounds.
Padel rewards patience. Learn the underhand serve, watch how the ball rebounds from the glass and fence, and coordinate with your partner before trying to hit winners. The LTA describes padel as mainly a doubles game where players use the walls as part of the rally.
Start with the basics
Serve underhand
Let the ball bounce, then strike it from below or at waist height toward the diagonal service box. Repeat the motion until you can place the serve reliably. Do not copy an overarm tennis serve; use the current padel rules for your venue or competition.
Learn the wall rebound
After the ball bounces on your side, it can rebound from the wall and stay in play. Move into position and read the angle before deciding whether to play the ball early or after the rebound. For a beginner, keeping a rally going is more useful than swinging hard at an unfamiliar bounce.
Coordinate as a pair
Most padel is doubles. Agree with your partner who covers a shot down the middle and where each player starts after serving or returning. Call the ball early and avoid both players moving toward the same shot. Treat this as a simple team habit, not a rigid formation that replaces reading the rally.
Choose consistency over power
Aim for clear, controllable shots while learning court positions. If the ball is deep, let its wall rebound rather than rushing forward. Use a comfortable racket you can move around without strain, and ask the venue whether it supplies balls or rackets before you bring your own.
Our padel racket shape guide compares control and power-oriented frames, while padel balls explained covers ball choices. Browse the padel category for more equipment and rules guidance.
Choose shoes for the court
Padel shoe outsoles vary with court and sand conditions. Ask your venue what surface it uses, then compare the maker’s guidance for herringbone and omni patterns in our padel shoe buying guide.
Official references
Common questions
How do you serve in padel?
The LTA describes an underhand serve: let the ball bounce once, then strike it from below or at waist height into the opponent's service box. Check the current official rules for your competition.
Can the ball bounce off a wall in padel?
Yes. The walls are part of the game. A ball can rebound from your side wall after its court bounce, so give yourself time to read the rebound before swinging.
Is padel played in doubles?
Most padel matches use two pairs, and the LTA describes courts as designed for four players. Some courts support singles, so check the court listing when you book.