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    Beginner's Guide

    Padel 101

    A beginner-friendly guide to the rules, equipment, and essentials of padel.

    Introduction

    It's no secret that padel is taking the world by storm. It blends the best elements of tennis and squash into a game that's easy to learn, highly social, and genuinely addictive once you get into rallies. While padel has been around since the late 1960s, its most explosive growth has happened in recent years — meaning many players are still new to the sport. At IANONI, we're here for that journey.

    What is Padel?

    Padel is a racket sport played almost exclusively as doubles on an enclosed court that's around 25% smaller than a tennis court. The twist is that the walls are part of the point. Instead of stopping play, they create extra options, more strategy, and longer rallies. Padel uses the same scoring system as tennis, but the emphasis is typically on technique, teamwork, positioning, and smart shot selection rather than raw power.

    Why is Padel Growing So Quickly?

    Easy to learn: beginners can rally quickly and enjoy the game from the first session.

    Social by nature: doubles is the default, making it ideal for groups and communities.

    Easier on the body: smaller court and generally slower ball speed than tennis.

    Fast and strategic: the walls add variety and keep points alive.

    Progress feels quick: improvements are noticeable session by session.

    Padel Basics

    Scoring System

    Padel follows traditional tennis scoring: 15, 30, 40, game. Most matches are best of three sets. Many formats use a golden point at deuce (the next point wins). At 6–6 you normally play a tiebreak. Some leagues use a 10-point match tiebreak instead of a full third set — your club may vary slightly.

    Gameplay Essentials

    Serving:Underarm only. Let the ball bounce once, then strike at or below waist height. Serve diagonally, as in tennis.
    Ball in play:The ball must land in the opponent's court before it can hit the wall. After the bounce, players can return shots off the wall.
    Winning a point:You win when opponents fail to return before a second bounce, hit out, or make an error (for example, the ball hits their wall before bouncing).

    Equipment

    Padel racket:Solid (no strings), with a foam core (often EVA), perforated face, and a fibreglass or carbon surface.
    Padel balls:Similar to tennis balls but typically with slightly less pressure to encourage longer rallies.
    Shoes:Padel or clay-style tennis shoes are recommended for grip and safe directional changes.

    Key Tips for Beginners

    1.

    Control beats power — prioritise placement and consistency.

    2.

    Use the walls — don't rush to volley everything; let the ball bounce and read the rebound.

    3.

    Stay connected with your partner — move as a pair and communicate.

    4.

    Be patient — build points and wait for the right ball.

    5.

    Use the lob — it buys time, resets the point, and helps you take the net.

    6.

    Serve with intention — a consistent serve sets the tone and helps you move forward.

    Ready to Try Padel?

    Padel is fast, social, and one of the easiest sports to fall in love with. Whether you're transitioning from another racket sport or starting from scratch, padel welcomes everyone. Grab a racket, step on court, and enjoy the rally.

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