how to play Padel
So you’ve heard the hype and want to give it a crack? Sweet as. Padel’s the perfect mix of tennis, squash, and pure fun. Easy to learn, hard to stop playing. Here’s the lowdown before you hit the court.
the basics
Padel’s played in doubles, four players, one enclosed court, and plenty of banter. The court’s ever so slightly smaller than a tennis court and surrounded by glass and mesh walls (yep, you can play the ball off them, that’s where the magic happens).
You serve underhand, the ball bounces once, and after that, it’s game on. Rallies are fast, creative, and sometimes a little chaotic, but that’s half the fun.
scoring
Scoring works just like tennis: 15, 30, 40, game. Six games wins a set, and usually, best of three sets wins the match. Deuce? Advantage? All part of the fun. However, there has been some recent updates to the rules. When you hit 40-40, you play two normal advantage points, if it’s still a tie after those, you play one final “STAR POINT” to decide the winner. The receiving team decides which side to receive from, and the winner of that single rally takes the game.
the walls
Here’s where Padel gets spicy, once the ball hits your side of the court and bounces, it can hit the back or side wall and still be in play.
Use the glass to your advantage, or get ready to laugh when it backfires spectacularly.
the serve
Every rally starts with an underhand serve (none of that tennis-style overarm power). The ball must bounce behind the service line before being hit below waist height, diagonally into the opponent’s service box. Easy, right? Until it clips the net cord…
the gear
All you need is:
A padel racket (we rent Babolats if you’re new!)
Padel balls (slightly less pressure than tennis ones, we sell them onsite)
Court shoes or sneakers with good grip
And a healthy sense of humour, because there will be dodgy volleys and accidental wall bounces.
the vibe
Padel’s social, fast-paced, and seriously addictive. You’ll sweat, you’ll laugh, and you’ll probably start calling “yours!” a little too late.
It’s the ultimate mix of fitness, friends, and fun, whether you’re here to compete, unwind, or just see what all the fuss is about, you’ll fit right in at Central Padel.
ready to rally?
grab a mate, rent a racket, and come and find out why everyone’s hooked.
Padel etiquette
We’re all about good games, good vibes, and fair play at Central Padel. Here’s how to keep things running smoother than a clean volley down the middle.
1. play fair, play friendly
Sure, we love a cheeky winner, but remember, Padel’s a social game. Keep it competitive and kind. Respect your opponents, your teammates, and the fact that sometimes, even the best miss an easy one (we’ve all been there).
2. be on time
Your court time’s precious, for you and the next crew waiting to play. Please rock up a few minutes early so you’re ready to serve when your slot starts. Warm-up chats are encouraged, just not at the cost of someone else’s game
3. respect the gear
Treat our rackets, balls, and walls like they’re yours. No slamming rackets in frustration, it’s bad form and bad for your rep.
4. watch the walls
They’re your best friend one rally, your worst enemy the next. Please don’t kick or hit them in frustration (they hit back, metaphorically and financially).
5. stay in your lane
Padel can get fast and fiery, but let’s keep the movement (and elbows) respectful. No mid-point coaching, no shouting over your partner, unless it’s “YOURS!”
6. bring the banter, not the bad vibes
We’re all here for a laugh, a hit, and maybe a few dodgy smashes. Keep the energy fun, supportive, and social. Good banter’s encouraged, bad behaviour’s not.
7. keep it tidy
Take your rubbish, bottles, and gear with you. The only thing you should leave behind is your sweat and your ego (preferably in that order).
8. celebrate the game
Win, lose, or just rally forever, back your mates, cheer the good points, and remember why you came: to move, laugh, and be part of the Central Padel crew.