What to bring and what to expect at your first padel match

Your first padel match can bring some nerves, especially if you do not know the other players or are not sure what is expected of you. The good news is that padel is one of the friendliest sports to start with: it is played in pairs, the court is small and the walls keep the ball in play. This guide tells you what to bring, how to get organised and what to expect, so you arrive relaxed and enjoy it. It is a general guide and does not depend on any one club.

Before you leave: the basics worth bringing

You do not need much to start. This list covers the essentials:

• A racket. If you do not have one yet, many clubs rent or lend them; ask when you book. If you are going to buy, read our guide to choosing a racket first.
• Balls. Usually whoever booked brings them, or you agree beforehand. Confirm who is bringing them.
• Suitable footwear. Comfortable trainers with good support and a sole that does not slip. Avoid cleats or very smooth soles.
• Comfortable, breathable clothes that let you move your arms and legs.
• Water. More than you think you will need, especially if it is hot.
• A small towel and, if you like, a wristband or a cap.
• A spare shirt or clothes to change into afterwards.
• Sun protection, if you play on an outdoor court.

Your clothes do not need to be branded or expensive. What matters is that you feel comfortable and stable.

Before you arrive: say what your level is

Tell the other players honestly that it is your first time. Nobody minds; on the contrary, they adjust the pace and explain what you need. If you are organising the match, try to play with people of a similar level. A beginners' reta is usually the best first step.

Arrive with time to spare

Arrive about 10 to 15 minutes early. That time lets you:

• Change and tie your shoes properly.
• Greet the others and confirm the format of the match.
• Check the racket and the grip.
• Warm up without rushing.

If the match is at a club you do not know, ask at reception where the court is and where to leave your things.

Warm up before playing

Spend a few minutes moving your joints (shoulders, wrists, hips, knees, ankles), walking or jogging gently and doing some dynamic stretches. Once on court, the first rallies are part of the warm-up: hit softly, without chasing power. We have a guide with more detail on warming up and avoiding injuries.

The rules you need on day one

You do not have to know everything. This is enough to start:

• It is played in pairs, two against two.
• The serve is underhand, after letting the ball bounce, and diagonal.
• The ball may bounce once on your side before you return it, and you can use the walls after the bounce.
• Points are counted as in tennis: 15, 30, 40 and game.

If something is unclear, ask. In friendly matches most people are glad to explain. To go over it calmly, we have a quick rules guide.

What to expect from the first points

The first minutes tend to be clumsy, and that is normal. Some things you will see:

• You will miss serves and simple shots. It happens to everyone at the start.
• The ball will go to unexpected places, because the walls change the bounce.
• Coordinating with your partner will take a moment. After a couple of points you learn to say "mine" and "yours".
• You will get tired sooner than expected, because padel combines short, quick movements.

The best approach is to play calmly: get the ball in, let it bounce, use the wall and look for consistency before power.

Tips to play better from the start

• Watch the ball until you hit it.
• Communicate. Say who is taking it.
• Hold your position near the net when you can, and do not stay glued to the back.
• Return deep and to the middle when in doubt.
• Do not get frustrated by a mistake. The next point has already started.

Etiquette that people appreciate

Say hello, call the ball honestly, say the score before each serve and say thanks at the end. Do not over-apologise either: everyone was a beginner once. We have an etiquette guide with more detail.

After the match

Stretch for a few minutes, hydrate and change out of wet clothes. If something hurt, rest; if the pain persists, see a professional. It is normal to feel muscle fatigue the next day in your legs, shoulders and forearms.

And to close, ask if they want to play again. A very good way to improve is to play often with the same people and suggest a date.

Typical first-match mistakes

• Arriving right on time, with no warm-up.
• Not bringing enough water.
• Wearing unsuitable shoes that slip.
• Playing with a borrowed racket that is very different from what you need, without adjusting.
• Trying to hit hard from the first point.
• Not asking, out of shyness.

Next step

Once you have played your first match, what helps most is repeating it. Look at the open retas in your city, pick one at your level and sign up.