How to Play Padel: Your Guide to Rules, Strokes, and Strategy

Imagine a sunlit court surrounded by glass walls, the sound of bouncing balls echoing as players dive, twist, and laugh mid-rally. That’s padel. One of the fastest growing sports in the UK, and something that is taking student life by storm.

Whether you’re here to hone your skills or just curious about this energising activity, here’s all you need to know about how to play padel.

What is Padel? (And Why Everyone’s Playing It)

Padel is a sport that combines elements of tennis and squash, usually played in doubles on a court that is approximately one third the size of a regular tennis court. The game features solid, stringless rackets and uses a lower compression ball. The walls of the court are integral to the gameplay, allowing players to hit the ball off them. This creates exciting possibilities and angles, resulting in longer rallies and an intensely fast-paced game.

Why It’s Perfect for Students

• No experience needed: You can start from scratch and still have a great time with your friends.
• Social by design: The doubles format means you’re part of a team.
• Compact courts: Ideal for life in the city or campus recreation centres.

Rules Made Simple: How to Play Padel

The rules of padel are refreshingly simple. Here’s what you need to know before stepping out onto the court:

The Basics

• Scoring: Identical to tennis (15,30, 40, game). Matches are best of three sets.
• Serving: Underarm only, must land diagonally into the opponent’s service area.
• Ball in Play: The ball must bounce once before hitting the glass, but can be played off walls after it bounces.

Refreshers:

• If the ball hits the wall before bouncing, it’s out.
• Padel is about moving quickly, keeping a low centre of gravity to help with balance and speed.
• Master the split-step to prepare your body to move in any direction.
• Learning how to read your opponent is an advanced step forward.

For a deeper dive into the rules and professional playing styles, the Official UK Padel website is a brilliant resource. You can also explore the various tournaments held across the country.

Core Strokes & Movements Every Player Should Know

There are many ways to play padel, but these are the easiest and most common shots that form the foundation of your game. Learn how to use them to your advantage.

1. The Serve

Soft and strategic, always underarm. A good serve sets you up, but shouldn’t blow your opponent away.

2. The Volley

Played close to the net. Quick reactions and placement can catch rivals off guard.

3. The Bandeja

A signature padel shot, the Bandeja is a controlled overhead strike. It’s softer than smash and keeps your position in a rally strong.

4. The Lob

Used to break your opponent’s net dominance and reposition yourself defensively. Not always effective, but it can relieve pressure.

5. The Smash

When saved for the right moment, they can be devastating. Power and precision combine to take down the opposition.

How to Improve at Padel Quickly

Now you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to step things up. Here’s how you can start to get clever on court:

• Play with angles by using walls to create unexpected rebounds.
• Stay central and close to your partner; spacing is key.
• Communication is vital, but doing it without telling your opponent is even more skilful.
•  Stay ahead of the game by preparing potential shots in your head.

Meet the Pros and Fine Tune Your Game

These guys are the top padel players in the world right now. If you can, watch how they move, cover ground, and anticipate shots. You’ll learn more in 20 minutes of gameplay than in two hours of chasing shadows.

• Ale Galán: Current world no.1 and an absolute machine at the net. Galán blends power and flair like no one else. His volleys are next level.
• Juan Lebrón: The first Spaniard to reach the top spot in the world rankings. Known for his smashes and unpredictable style.
• Tia Norton: Britain’s highest ranked female padel player, she’s a rising star at the international level. Her fearless playing style is putting UK padel on the map.
• Paula Josemariá: Fast feet and a fierce mentality. Her anticipation and court coverage make her one of the most exciting players to watch.

Padel at Centre Court: Play, Study, Connect

The padel scene in Nottingham just got a new player. At Centre Court, you can benefit from the first in-house padel court in the UK, taking your game to new levels. Whether it’s your first swing or your favourite pastime, our court will have you playing for hours on end.

Experience student living evolved at Centre Court, where padel is literally on your doorstep.

Why Students are Picking Padel

Across campuses and city clubs, students from around the world are discovering padel as an accessible and highly rewarding sport. There’s competition, speed, and adrenaline, but there’s also an easy to learn set of rules that’s helped the community grow rapidly.

You don’t have to be traditionally sporty to love it; you just need to give it a try.

Your Next Move

Now you know how to play padel, the next step is to book a session and get playing. Don’t worry about equipment, because most facilities will lend you a racket when you’re getting started.

Want to keep exploring Nottingham and our other fantastic EVO cities? Explore our city guides, student advice pieces, and accommodation with modern character. Your next adventure starts in the place you choose to stay.