For first-timers
Your first padel session starts here
Padel is a fast, friendly racket sport, usually played in doubles, on an enclosed 20 × 10 m court. The ball stays in play off the glass walls around the court, and you don't need a tennis background to enjoy it.
Photo by Artur Kornakov on Unsplash
Start here
What is padel, and how do you play?
Book a court, borrow a racket, and learn the basics in one session: the underhand serve, the ready position, and how to use the glass (the transparent walls at the back and sides; the ball is in play off them).
Rules
Scoring and the few rules you'll actually use
Games use tennis-style scoring: 15, 30, 40, game. Serves are underhand. For official competitive rules in the US, see USA Padel (formerly USPA). GoPadelZone is an independent beginner guide, not the federation.
Gear
What to bring on day one
The only gear you really need is a padel racket (often called a paddle in the US) and a ball. Many clubs rent rackets. Court shoes help more than running shoes.
Where to play
Find a court in the US
Padel clubs are opening in cities and suburbs across the US. A beginner clinic is an easy first step. We have a verified list for Chicago, with more cities to come.
Pro tour
How to watch Premier Padel
When you're ready to see the game at full speed, Premier Padel is the current top professional tour. We point US viewers to official where-to-watch pages. We are not the tour, and we don't speak for it.