The Beginner’s Guide to Padel in Dorset

Padel has quickly become one of the most talked-about sports in the UK. Sociable, energetic and relatively easy to pick up, it is a great activity for friends, couples, families and anyone looking for a new way to stay active.

If you have never played before, stepping onto a padel court for the first time can still feel slightly daunting. What equipment do you need? How does the scoring work? Can you use the walls? And do you need lessons before booking a court?

To help you get started, we have partnered with Advantage Padel Mudeford to create this complete beginner’s guide to playing padel in Dorset.

What is padel?

Padel is a fast-paced racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. It is normally played by four people on an enclosed court, divided by a net and surrounded by glass walls and a metal cage.

The court is smaller than a tennis court and players are allowed to use the surrounding walls once the ball has bounced, creating longer rallies and plenty of unexpected shots.

It is this combination of accessibility, teamwork and quick rallies that makes padel so enjoyable for beginners. You do not need to have played tennis or another racket sport before, and most people can begin serving and enjoying rallies during their first session.

What are the basic rules of padel?

Padel uses the same scoring system as tennis, with points scored as 15, 30, 40 and game.

Each point begins with an underarm serve. The player must bounce the ball before serving it diagonally into the opposite service box.

During a rally:

• The ball must travel over the net and bounce on the opponent’s side before touching the wall or cage.
• Players can allow the ball to bounce and rebound from the glass before returning it.
• The ball must be returned before it bounces for a second time.
• If the ball hits a wall or cage before bouncing on the opponent’s side, the shot is out.
• Players can volley the ball before it bounces, except when returning a serve.

The use of the glass is one of the biggest differences between padel and tennis. It may feel unusual initially, but learning to let the ball rebound from the wall can give you more time to prepare your return. 

What do you need to play padel?

You do not need lots of specialist equipment to try padel for the first time.

You will need:

• A padel racket
• Padel balls
• Comfortable sports clothing
• Supportive trainers
• A bottle of water

Padel rackets are smaller than tennis rackets and have a solid face with holes rather than strings. Padel balls also resemble tennis balls but have slightly lower pressure.

There is no specific dress code, so comfortable activewear is perfectly suitable. Trainers with good grip and support will help you move safely around the court.

Advantage Padel Mudeford has a Pro Shop on site, making it easy to seek advice about equipment as you begin playing more regularly.

Do you need coaching before your first game?

You do not have to take lessons before booking a padel court. You can simply arrange a game with friends and learn the basics together.

However, coaching can help you understand the rules, positioning and technique much more quickly. It can also stop you from developing habits that may become harder to correct later.

Advantage Padel Mudeford offers both group and private coaching for different standards.

Group coaching provides a supportive and sociable introduction to the sport. You can learn alongside players at a similar level, practise different shots and potentially meet people to play with outside the sessions.

Private coaching gives you dedicated time with a coach. The session can be adapted around your ability and the areas you would most like to improve, whether that is serving, positioning, returning the ball from the glass or feeling more confident during a match.

Should beginners choose private or group coaching?

The right option depends on how you prefer to learn.

Private coaching may suit you if:

• You would like individual attention from a coach.
• You feel nervous about joining a larger session.
• You want to focus on a specific aspect of your game.
• You would like to develop your technique more quickly.
• You are preparing to play with more experienced friends.

Group coaching may suit you if:

• You would like a more social introduction to padel.
• You enjoy learning alongside other beginners.
• You want to practise realistic drills with different players.
• You would like to meet potential playing partners.
• You prefer the atmosphere of a shared session.

Both are excellent ways to learn, and many players combine group sessions with occasional private coaching.

Five helpful tips for your first padel session

1. Focus on control rather than power

You do not need to hit every ball as hard as possible. Controlled shots are usually more effective and give you a better chance of keeping the rally going.

2. Stay connected with your partner

Padel is a team sport, so communication is important. Move around the court together and call for the ball to avoid confusion.

3. Don’t be afraid of the glass

Your instinct may be to hit the ball before it reaches the wall. However, allowing it to rebound can give you extra time and create a more comfortable return.

4. Keep your movements compact

A short backswing can help you react more quickly and control the direction of the ball. Padel generally rewards accuracy and positioning more than raw power.

5. Keep playing

The quickest way to become comfortable is to play regularly. Each game will help you understand the walls, positioning and movement a little better. The LTA also recommends concentrating on control, basic positioning, footwork and regular practice when learning the sport. Read the LTA’s beginner tips.

What if you don’t have anyone to play with?

One concern for new players is finding enough people to make up a doubles game. Fortunately, you do not necessarily need to arrive with an established group.

Advantage Padel Mudeford holds organised social sessions for different levels, providing an opportunity to enjoy games and meet other local players. Its drills and match sessions combine structured practice with matchplay, while coaching groups can also help you connect with people at a similar stage.

Players can join the club’s WhatsApp community to hear about sessions, events and opportunities to get involved.

As your confidence grows, there are also leagues, tournaments and club events to work towards.

Why learn at Advantage Padel Mudeford?

Described as Dorset’s home of padel and pickleball, Advantage Padel Mudeford provides an extensive indoor facility for new and experienced players.

The venue offers:

• Six indoor doubles padel courts
• Two indoor singles padel courts
• Private coaching
• Group coaching
• Social sessions
• Structured drills and matches
• Leagues and tournaments
• Junior sessions and holiday camps
• A café and bar
• A Pro Shop
• Changing facilities
• Free parking and Wi-Fi
• An on-site sauna and cold plunge

Because the padel courts are indoors, sessions can go ahead throughout the year without being disrupted by wet or windy weather.

The combination of coaching, social sessions and club activities also means beginners have a clear route from their first lesson to playing regularly and becoming part of the wider padel community.

How much does it cost to play?

At Advantage Padel Mudeford, doubles padel courts are priced per player, per hour.

Off-peak sessions are available on weekdays between 6am and 5pm, while peak times cover weekday evenings and weekends. Singles courts are also available for two players.

Membership options provide benefits including priority booking and discounts on courts, coaching, tournaments and other activities. Prices and benefits may change, so check the Advantage Padel Mudeford website for the latest details.

How do you book a padel session?

Courts, coaching sessions and events at Advantage Padel Mudeford can be booked through the Padel Mates app.

Simply:

• Download the Padel Mates app.
• Select Advantage Padel Mudeford as your favourite club.
• Choose and book your court, coaching session or event.
• The venue is located at Unit 20, Christchurch Business Park, Radar Way, Christchurch, BH23 4FL.

Ready to try padel?

Whether you want to learn alongside other beginners, arrange dedicated coaching or simply book a court with friends, Advantage Padel Mudeford provides everything you need to start playing.

With expert private and group coaching, indoor courts and a welcoming community of local players, it is an ideal place to learn the basics, build your confidence and discover why so many people are getting hooked on padel.

Visit Advantage Padel Mudeford to explore its coaching, courts, memberships and upcoming sessions.

Looking for more places to play? Explore our guide to the best padel clubs in Dorset and discover courts, coaching and facilities across the county.