22 Apr What Is Padel Tennis? Rules and Steps of Padel Game
Padel tennis is a fast-paced racket sport played on a smaller enclosed court where players can use the walls. It has elements of tennis and squash.
Many people want to try padel but feel unsure where to start. Some worry it might be too technical, too competitive or hard to learn without experience in tennis.
Others struggle to find a place that feels welcoming enough to just step in and play without pressure.
At DEUCE Padel, Rochdale’s new home for indoor padel, the focus is on making the game simple, social and enjoyable from day one.
With nine premium indoor courts, high-quality facilities, and a relaxed atmosphere, you can play at your own pace and feel part of the game straight away.
What Makes Padel Different?
At first glance, padel looks like tennis. But once you step onto the court, it feels very different.
You can play the ball off these walls, which adds a new layer of strategy. The racket is solid, with no strings, and the ball is slightly less pressurised than a tennis ball.
Most games are played in doubles. This makes it more social and less physically demanding compared to singles tennis.
How Do You Play Padel?
Send the ball over the net in a way that makes it tough for your opponents to reply.
The ball is allowed one bounce on the ground before you strike it back, and it can also rebound off the walls either before or after that bounce.
This wall interaction is what adds depth to the game, turning each rally into a mix of timing, placement, and creativity.
Winning points is not always about power; more often, it comes down to smart shot selection and control.
The scoring system mirrors tennis, using 15, 30, 40, and game to track points.
Players familiar with tennis usually adapt instantly to the scoring format.
For newcomers, the system becomes clear and natural after just one match.
What Does a Padel Court Look Like?
A padel court is smaller than a tennis court and surrounded by glass panels and metal mesh, making a fully enclosed playing area.
These walls are not just boundaries, they influence play by keeping the ball in action during rallies.
- The court measures 20 metres in length and 10 metres in width, with a central net similar to tennis
- The surface is usually artificial turf, designed to provide grip and a steady, predictable bounce
- The back walls are made of glass, allowing the ball to rebound clearly and consistently
- The side walls combine glass and metal mesh, creating varied angles and unexpected ball returns
- The enclosed structure keeps the ball in play longer, encouraging extended rallies and continuous movement
- The layout makes the game feel more continuous, fast, and beginner-friendly
Because of this setup, padel feels active and engaging from the first point, even for new players.
What Do You Get When You Play Indoors?
Indoor padel is about enjoying the game properly, not worrying about the weather or conditions.
It gives you a space that feels comfortable and ready to play.
At DEUCE Padel, the experience is all about quality courts, clean facilities, and a relaxed space where players can enjoy every session without distractions.
From changing areas to seating spaces and overall comfort, everything is set up to make your time on court better.
10 Beginner Steps to Start Playing Padel Tennis
Starting padel is simple. You do not need experience, and you do not need perfect technique.
You just need a court, a racket, and a willingness to play.
Most beginners can hold a rally within their first session if they follow the right steps.
1. Book an Indoor Court
Choose an indoor venue so the weather does not affect your game.
Pick a 60 or 90-minute slot, so you have enough time to warm up and enjoy playing.
Invite three other players if you can, because doubles is the best way to experience padel.
2. Use a Beginner-Friendly Racket
Start with a rental racket. Most clubs provide rackets that are easy to handle and designed for control.
You do not need power at this stage. A softer racket will help you keep the ball in play and feel more confident.
Once you play a few times, you can decide what suits you.
3. Warm Up with Simple Rallies
Step onto the court and start hitting slowly. Stand close to the net at first and rally gently with a partner.
Focus on clean contact and direction, not strength. After a few minutes, move back and try longer shots.
This helps you adjust to the court size and ball speed.
4. Learn How the Serve Works
In padel, the serve is done from below the waist, which keeps it simpler than tennis.
You start by dropping the ball, allow it to bounce once, and then strike it underhand into the diagonally opposite service box.
Do not rush this.
A simple serve is enough to start the point. Getting the serve right builds confidence quickly.
5. Get Comfortable with the Walls
The walls are what make padel unique. At first, they can feel confusing. Instead of avoiding them, use them early.
Let the ball hit the back glass after bouncing, then return it with control.
Watch how the ball comes off the wall and adjust your position. This skill improves quickly with practice.
6. Focus on Control Over Power
New players often try to hit too hard. In padel, softer shots work better. Aim to keep the ball low and inside the court.
Controlled shots give you longer rallies, and longer rallies help you improve faster.
7. Play Doubles and Communicate
Padel is built around teamwork. Stay close to your partner and move together. Talk during points. Call “mine” or “yours” early.
Good communication avoids confusion and helps you win more points, even as a beginner.
8. Learn Basic Positioning
After serving, move forward towards the net with your partner. This is where most points are won.
When defending, step back and use the walls to return the ball. Simple positioning like this makes a big difference without needing advanced skills.
9. Play Real Points Quickly
Do not spend too long practising drills. Start playing proper points early. This is how you learn timing, movement, and decision-making.
You will make mistakes, but that is part of the process.
If you follow these steps, you will not just understand padel. You will enjoy it from the very first match.
Why Is Padel So Popular in the UK?
Padel is growing fast in the UK, and the numbers clearly show it.
In 2025 alone, around 860,000 people in the UK played padel, more than double the year before.
First, it is easy to learn. Beginners can rally within minutes. You do not need months of training to enjoy a proper game.
Second, it is social. Doubles play means you are always interacting, laughing, and competing together.
Third, it is less physical strain compared to tennis. The smaller court means less running, but the rallies can still be exciting and intense.
Finally, it is addictive. The combination of walls, angles, and teamwork keeps every point fresh.
Book at DUECE: A Place Built for Padel Players!
If you enjoy padel or want to get started, having the right environment matters.
DEUCE Padel in Rochdale offers one of the largest indoor padel setups in the North-West. It is all about meeting people, improving your game, and enjoying every session.If you are ready to play, book a game at DEUCE PADEL today through Playtomic and experience it for yourself.
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