New to padel? This guide covers everything you need to know to go from zero to playing your first match — rules, scoring, equipment, and the basic techniques that will get you on court and enjoying the game quickly.
A padel court measures 20 metres by 10 metres and is enclosed by glass walls at the back and sides, with wire mesh on the upper portions. The walls are active — after the ball bounces on the ground, it can rebound off the back or side glass and remain in play. This is what makes padel different from tennis and what keeps rallies alive even for beginners.
The net divides the court. The service boxes mirror tennis. The surface is typically artificial grass turf.
The serve is underhand. The server must bounce the ball on the ground and hit it at or below waist height. The ball must land in the diagonally opposite service box. Unlike tennis, the ball must bounce before going to the side or back wall — a ball that hits the wire mesh on the serve is a fault.
Padel uses the same scoring system as tennis: 15, 30, 40, game. Sets are first to six games with a two-game lead. A tiebreak is played at 6-6. Matches are typically best of three sets. At deuce (40-40), most club matches play a golden point — one deciding point rather than advantage scoring.
After the ball bounces once on your side, it can hit the back or side glass — and you can still return it. You can also deliberately play the ball off the glass as a tactical shot. The ball is out if it hits the wire mesh fence directly without bouncing first, or if it bounces twice before you return it.
Padel is always played in doubles — four players, two per side. There is no singles format in standard padel (though a variation called single padel exists on modified courts).
A padel racket is solid — no strings. It's made from foam and carbon or fibreglass and has holes drilled through it for aerodynamics. Rackets come in three shapes: round (best for beginners — large sweet spot, easy control), teardrop (intermediate — balance of power and control), and diamond (advanced — more power, smaller sweet spot). For your first sessions, a round or teardrop racket is ideal. Sanddune has rackets available to rent.
Padel balls look similar to tennis balls but are slightly depressurised. In Dubai, use low-altitude balls — standard pressurised balls bounce too high at sea level and make the game harder to control.
Wear shoes with good lateral support and grip. Clay court or padel-specific shoes work best on artificial grass. Avoid running shoes — they don't provide the sideways stability you need for the quick direction changes padel demands.
Hold the racket with a continental grip — imagine you're shaking hands with the handle. This grip works for both forehand and backhand without needing to switch, which is essential in padel where you have very little time to adjust between shots.
Stand side-on to the net, racket back early. Make contact in front of your body with a slightly open racket face. Keep your swing compact — padel doesn't reward big swings the way tennis does. Focus on placement over power.
Two-handed or one-handed both work in padel. Stand side-on, keep the swing short and controlled. The backhand down the line is one of the most reliable shots in padel — you don't need topspin or pace, just consistent placement.
At the net, keep your racket up and in front. Block the ball back with a short, punchy movement rather than swinging through. Padel volleys are about control and angle — put the ball where your opponents aren't.
Don't panic when the ball bounces off the glass. Let it come to you, watch it off the wall, and play it back. Once you're comfortable reading wall rebounds, you can start using the glass offensively — deliberate wall shots that catch opponents out of position are one of padel's most satisfying plays.
The fastest way to learn is a beginner coaching session. At Sanddune Padel Club in Al Quoz, our Spanish-trained coaches will have you playing real points within your first session. We provide all equipment, and our matchmaking service helps you find other players at your level once you're ready to play independently.
📞 WhatsApp: +971 52 666 6517 | 📍 Al Quoz Industrial Area 3, Dubai
