New to padel
Never played? Perfect. Padel is one of the easiest sports to pick up and the hardest to put down. Here’s everything you need for your first hit.
Four things to know
- Always doublesTwo against two on a court about a third the size of tennis. More rallies, more chat.
- The walls are in playAfter the ball bounces, it can come off the glass, like squash. That’s where the fun starts.
- Serve underarmBounce it, hit it below the waist, diagonally into the box. That’s it.
- Scored like tennis15, 30, 40, game. Six games wins a set, with a tiebreak at 6–all. On the third deuce, next point wins.
How it goes
- 01Book an intro session, or a court
Book Intro to padel: a coach and a racket sorted. Got three mates? Book a court and figure it out together.
- 02Wear what you’d wear to the gym
Comfortable sportswear and indoor court shoes. Come dressed to play: the changing rooms open a little later.
- 03Bring water and a tube of balls
Rackets to hire at the desk for $10. Balls aren’t included, so bring your own.
- 04Arrive ten minutes early
Check in at the desk, grab a racket, and we’ll point you to your court.
- 05Stay for one more
Get mixed into an open match or a social. The best bit is often the second game.
- 06Then join a squad
Intro and beginner squads run every week with Head Coach Nick. Same crew, same time.
What level am I?
We book through the Playtomic app, and it rates every player from 0 to 7. Never played? You’re a 0. Welcome.
- 0 – 1
- NewJust starting. Intro sessions and social mix-ins are made for you.
- 1 – 2.5
- SocialYou can rally and serve. Open matches and socials.
- 2.5 – 4
- IntermediateUsing the walls, playing tactically. Squads and leagues.
- 4 +
- AdvancedCompetitive. Tournaments and the top of the ladder.
First-timer questions
What is padel?
A racket sport for four, on a glass-walled court about a third the size of tennis. You serve underarm, the walls are in play, and it’s scored like tennis. Quick to learn, very social.
How is padel different from tennis?
The court is smaller and walled with glass, it’s always doubles, you serve underarm, and the ball can come off the walls. Rallies run longer, and most people are rallying in their first hour.
Do I need my own racket?
No. Hire one at the desk for $10. If you get hooked, we’ll help you find your own.
Do I need a partner?
No. Join an open match or a social session and we’ll mix you in.
Is it hard to learn?
It’s one of the easiest racket sports to start. Most people are rallying within their first hour.
I play tennis or squash. Will that help?
Yes. Your hands will thank you. The walls take a session or two to get used to.
Can kids play?
Yes. We run junior squads and holiday programs for ages 5–17. Kids can be on court with a coach who holds a Working with Children Check.
What does it cost to try?
Book Intro to padel in Playtomic. Court hire starts at $23 a player for an hour off-peak, booked in Playtomic.