Padel FAQ

The serve is underhand and must be hit below waist height after the ball bounces. It must land diagonally in the correct service box.

No. Overhand serves are not allowed.

A let usually means the ball touches the net on the serve and still lands correctly in the service box. The serve is replayed.

Official rules only require that the serve is made from behind the service line in the server’s box and that the receiver returns the serve. In many clubs, receivers typically stand behind their service line as a practical standard.

A safe return deep through the middle is usually best. If you can return low to the feet of the net players, even better — but consistency comes first.

A standard padel court is 20m by 10m. The net is centered, and the court is enclosed by glass and metal fencing.

Yes — but only after it bounces on the ground first. Ground bounce first, then glass is playable.

No. If the ball hits the opponents’ wall (glass or fence) without bouncing on the court first, you lose the point.

If it hits the fence after bouncing on the court, it can still be playable depending on the rebound and whether it remains reachable. If it hits the fence before bouncing, the point ends.

Yes. Using your own glass is a core padel skill and often the correct decision when you’re under pressure.

Because net players can volley early, take time away, and finish points more easily. Most points are won by the team that controls the net (but only if they reach it together).

Move in after you hit a deep ball, a good lob, or any shot that forces opponents back and gives you time. Rushing the net after a weak shot is a common beginner mistake.

The middle is the highest-percentage target area because it reduces angles for opponents and avoids side-wall chaos. Many rallies should be built through the middle until you see a clear opening.

Slow the point down with a higher, safer ball and reset your position with your partner. Panic-swinging usually creates unforced errors.

Turn early, communicate, and give yourself space to use the back glass if needed. Many points are lost because players run straight back without a plan.

A controlled overhead shot used to keep net position. It’s usually played with slice and placement rather than power.

An aggressive overhead played with slice and side-spin, often aimed low toward the side wall/fence area. It’s faster and more attacking than a bandeja.

A controlled overhead shot with heavy topspin, typically used to create a difficult rebound toward the side fence area rather than hitting with power.

A soft, low shot from the back of the court aimed at the feet of net players. It’s used to disrupt net control and create a chance to move forward.

A controlled forehand and backhand with compact swings. If you can hit safely deep and recover position, everything else becomes easier.

A control-focused racket with a larger sweet spot is usually best. It helps reduce errors and builds confidence faster than a “power” racket.

They’re similar but typically slightly different in pressure and feel. Using padel balls is recommended for the correct bounce and speed.

Proper court shoes are strongly recommended for stability and grip. The wrong shoes can make you slip and increase injury risk.

A racket (or rental), balls (often provided), water, comfortable sports clothes, and proper shoes. That’s enough to start.

Yes. A fresh overgrip improves control, comfort, and prevents slipping — especially when hands get sweaty.

A control-focused racket with a larger sweet spot is usually best. It helps reduce errors and builds confidence faster than a “power” racket.

They’re similar but typically slightly different in pressure and feel. Using padel balls is recommended for the correct bounce and speed.

Proper court shoes are strongly recommended for stability and grip. The wrong shoes can make you slip and increase injury risk.

A racket (or rental), balls (often provided), water, comfortable sports clothes, and proper shoes. That’s enough to start.

Yes. A fresh overgrip improves control, comfort, and prevents slipping — especially when hands get sweaty.

Lessons can help a lot, especially for positioning and wall fundamentals. Even one or two sessions can prevent bad habits.

Two to three sessions per week is a strong pace for steady improvement. Consistency matters more than occasional long sessions.

Intermediate players make fewer unforced errors, move with their partner, and use the glass calmly. They don’t necessarily hit harder — they choose better.

Completely normal. Padel has many “new” situations (walls, angles, net timing), and comfort usually comes after a few sessions.

Pick one focus only (for example: lobs, returns, or using the glass). Narrow focus produces faster improvement than trying to fix everything at once.

Call the score clearly, avoid walking behind players during points, and respect court time. If there’s confusion, replay the point rather than arguing.

Yes, but warm up properly and wear appropriate shoes. Most beginner injuries come from slips, rushed turns, or swinging too hard without balance.

Yes. Simple calls like “mine,” “yours,” “lob,” or “switch” prevent collisions and improve teamwork quickly.

Trying to finish points too early. In padel, patience wins — make opponents hit one more ball.

Outdoor padel can become slippery and unsafe in rain. Many clubs pause play for safety; indoor courts are the better option.

Playtomic helps you book courts, join public matches, and organise games with other players. In many cities, it’s the easiest way to find matches at your level.

Playtomic assigns a level and a reliability score, which changes mainly through competitive match results. Friendly matches often don’t affect level progression.

Friendly matches are great for learning without pressure. Competitive matches are better for tracking progress and usually for improving decision-making under stress.

Sometimes you can request to join, depending on the match settings and whether current players accept. The goal is to keep matches balanced.

Adjust your match choices (time, club, format), play more competitive matches to stabilise your level, and be honest about your ability. Better matching usually improves quickly once reliability increases.