Padel for beginners: technique, equipment & tips for your first game (2026)

Updated: May 2026 | Last reviewed: May 2026

Padel is one of the fastest-to-learn racket sports in the world — most people can play full rallies after their first 60-minute session. This guide is for those who have never held a padel racket: from racket selection and basic technique to common beginner mistakes and tips for your first match. If you are looking for information on where to play padel in Riga and how much it costs, see our separate clubs guide.

What sport is padel and why is it ideal for beginners?

Padel combines elements of tennis and squash on a compact, walled court (10×20 m), and is always played in pairs (2 vs. 2). Unlike tennis, padel serves are underhand, the racket has no strings, and the ball can rebound off the glass walls — making the game slower and more accessible to anyone.

The main reason padel is growing faster than any other racket sport: learning speed. In tennis it can take months before you can sustain a normal rally. In padel most people can do this within their first hour. A smaller court means less running; the walls keep the ball in play longer; and the underhand serve eliminates the "double fault" stress familiar to tennis players.

In padel, tactics matter as much as physical strength. You can win with smart use of the walls, correct positioning, and patience — not just with powerful shots. That makes the sport equally enjoyable for 20-year-olds and 60-year-olds.

How to choose your first padel racket?

For beginners, the best choice is a round-shaped racket with soft EVA foam, weight around 350-365 g, and a fiberglass surface — it offers the largest sweet spot, better control, and is gentlest on your hand and elbow.

Padel rackets come in three basic shapes, and each significantly affects your game:

Shape	Sweet spot	Characteristics	Suitable for
Round	Large, centered	Maximum control, more forgiving on imprecise shots	Beginners and defensive players
Teardrop	Medium, slightly higher	Balance between control and power	Intermediate players
Diamond	Small, high	Maximum power, less forgiving	Experienced, attacking players

Always rent a club racket for your first sessions (€5 at all Riga clubs). Buying your own is worthwhile once you play regularly (at least once a week). Beginner racket budget: €60-150. In this price range, look for a round or teardrop shape with soft foam and a fiberglass surface.

Weight: lighter rackets (350-360 g) are easier to maneuver and gentler on the arm. Heavier ones (365-390 g) provide more power but tire you out faster. As a beginner, start lighter.

Materials: fiberglass + soft EVA foam = softer contact, less vibration, better control. Carbon fiber = stiffer and more powerful but less forgiving — that's the experienced player's choice.

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What are the basic padel strokes and technique?

Padel has four basic strokes: serve (underhand), forehand, backhand, and volley. All strokes are shorter and more compact than in tennis — no large backswing needed.

The serve

Padel serves are made underhand, with contact at waist level or below. First, bounce the ball off the floor, then hit it diagonally into the opponent's box. Big power isn't needed — accuracy and consistency matter more. A good serve lands deep in the opponent's corner, forcing them to respond from a defensive position.

Forehand and backhand

Both basic strokes in padel are more compact than in tennis. Hold the racket with a continental grip (as you would hold a hammer) — this lets you switch easily between forehand and backhand. The key principle: small backswing, fast contact zone, stable finish. Don't hit too hard — control matters more than speed.

The volley (net play)

The position at the net is the dominant position in padel. The goal is to move to the net and intercept the ball in the air (volley). Hold the racket in front of you, knees slightly bent, weight on the balls of your feet. Don't hit too hard — direct the ball, don't smash it.

Wall play — padel's unique element

The main difference between padel and tennis: the ball can rebound off the glass walls and stay in play. This means balls that would be "out" in tennis continue the rally in padel. Wait for the ball to bounce off the wall, then hit it. Don't try to intercept it before the wall — let the wall do the work for you. This is a skill that comes with practice, and it's part of what makes padel so engaging.

What to expect in your first padel match?

In your first match, focus on getting the ball over the net rather than on powerful shots. Most people can build full rallies after a 15-20 minute introduction — the main thing is to relax and enjoy the process.

What to bring: sports shoes with non-slip soles (tennis or multi-court shoes work great), comfortable sportswear, a water bottle, and a towel. Rackets and balls can be rented at the club (€5-8). Dedicated padel shoes are not necessary for your first sessions.

Before the match: spend 5-10 minutes warming up — gently stretch shoulders, wrists, ankles, and knees. Padel demands quick lateral movements and rotation, so warming up reduces injury risk.

During the match: a standard reservation is 60 or 90 minutes. A set lasts about 20-30 minutes, so within an hour you can usually play 2-3 sets. Between sets, drink water and catch your breath — padel is more intense than it looks from the sidelines.

Match etiquette: don't hit balls over the glass (they may get lost); wait for the neighboring court's rally to stop before retrieving a stray ball; praise a good shot — padel is a social sport.

What are the most common beginner mistakes?

The biggest beginner mistake is hitting too hard — in padel, control and positioning win more often than power. The second mistake: staying back instead of moving to the net.

1. Hitting too hard. Unlike tennis, padel courts are smaller and surrounded by walls. A powerful shot rebounds off the wall straight back to your opponent. Focus on accuracy and ball placement — hit where the opponent isn't, not as hard as you can.

2. Standing back the whole match. Padel's goal is to move to the net, where you have the best control over the rally. When the opponent makes a high or soft return, use it to move to the net.

3. Fearing the walls. Beginners often try to intercept the ball before it reaches the wall. Let the ball bounce off the glass — when it returns, it often arrives at a more comfortable position than the original bounce.

4. Wrong positioning. Both players on the same side should always be on the same line — either both at the net, or both at the back. If one is at the net and the other at the back, a "gap" forms between you that opponents will exploit.

5. Gripping too tight. Hold the racket loosely — a tight grip reduces racket maneuverability and tires the arm faster. Imagine holding a live bird: tight enough not to drop it, but not so tight that you crush it.

Where to learn padel with a coach in Riga?

Almost all major Riga padel clubs offer individual and group lessons for beginners — prices start from €20 for a group session and from ~€26 for an individual lesson with court rental.

Riga's padel clubs offer different formats for beginners:

Padel Club Riga (padel.lv) runs group lessons at three levels: New Players, Mid-class, and Advanced. Group session: €20/h or €25/1.5h (max 4 participants per group). Individual lessons — by arrangement with the coach.

MH Padel (mhpadel.com) offers lessons led by internationally certified coaches. Court rental with coach: from €26/h (weekday daytime hours). Membership program with discounts on lessons.

MOSH Club (mosh.club) — the new club in Dreiliņi with Spanish coaches Eduardo Martín and Víctor Santamaria. Spain is the home of padel and one of the strongest padel markets in the world, so training with a Spanish coach gives you a different approach to technique and tactics than what you'll mostly find at other clubs. The coaches work with both complete beginners and advanced players. Bookings — through the MOSH Club app (mosh.club/app) or bookings.mosh.club.

City Padel (citypadel.lv) — particularly suited to absolute beginners. Coaches help you grasp the basics, and after 15-20 minutes of instruction you can start playing. Ideal for a birthday or friend group's first padel experience.

PADEL by MyFitness (Sāga) — 3 panoramic courts with the CourtMaster video system that automatically records your match. The recording can be used for technique analysis with your coach. Individual lessons start at €35/h.

Full list of Riga padel clubs with prices and contacts: Padel in Riga — clubs, prices, and guide.

What are the next steps after your first matches?

After 3-5 matches you'll be familiar enough with the court to start playing more strategically, join tournaments, and buy your first racket.

Regular play. The goal is to play at least once a week. Padel is a skill that improves with repetition — every session will give you noticeable progress over the first 2-3 months.

Americano tournaments. Most Riga clubs run weekly Americano tournaments — a format where you sign up individually and get drawn with a new partner each round. It's an ideal way to meet new players and play against opponents at different levels.

Your first racket. Once you play regularly, consider your first racket: round or teardrop shape, 350-365 g, soft EVA foam. A budget of €60-120 is more than enough for a quality beginner model.

Video analysis. If you train at the MyFitness Sāga club, use the CourtMaster video system to review your shots after the match. Video is an excellent way to spot technique mistakes you don't feel during play.

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Frequently asked questions about padel for beginners