Get on court
What your first padel training session looks like
Not knowing what to expect is half the stress of a first session. Here is the typical structure of a beginner padel lesson — from warm-up to your first rallies — so nothing surprises you.
Contents
Find a court →In short
- Arrive 10–15 minutes early; the coach will ask about your sports background.
- The session starts with a warm-up — padel is full of short sprints and turns.
- You will learn the serve, basic shots and the floor-then-wall rule.
- By the end of the first hour you will already be playing real rallies.
Every coach has their own style, but a first beginner session follows roughly the same script everywhere. Knowing it in advance lets you relax and enjoy the game.
01Before the session
The coach usually starts by meeting the player or the group, asking about previous sports experience and explaining how the lesson will go. Come 10–15 minutes early — enough time to change, look around the court and settle in.
Tell the coach honestly about your experience — tennis, squash or nothing at all. The lesson will be built around it.
02Warm-up
Training begins with a warm-up: light jogging, joint mobility, simple coordination drills and movement across the court. This matters — padel is full of short starts and turns, and a warm body handles them safely.
03Rules explained on court
At the first session the coach shows how the court works: how the serve is performed, how points are counted, when you can play off the walls and where to stand during the rally. On court it all makes sense within minutes — much faster than reading about it.
04Basic shots
After the warm-up the coach demonstrates the forehand, backhand, volley and serve — and you drill them with easy feeds. The goal of the first session is not perfect technique but a stable contact with the ball.
Do not chase power. Coaches repeat it for a reason: in padel control beats strength, especially in week one.
05First rallies and the walls
The most unusual part is playing off the glass. The coach will feed balls to the back wall so you learn to wait for the rebound and play after it. Then — short game situations and, usually, your first real rallies at the end of the hour.
One session is enough to feel the game. Two or three — to enjoy full rallies with confidence.
FAQ: common questions
Do I need any equipment for the first session?
No. Group beginner sessions almost always include a racket and balls. Bring sports clothes, court-friendly shoes and water.
Individual or group session for a start?
A group session is cheaper and more social; an individual one progresses faster. For a first try, a group beginner class is ideal.
How fit do I need to be?
Average everyday fitness is enough. The coach scales the load, and doubles play splits the effort between partners.
What if I am the weakest in the group?
Beginner groups are matched by level — everyone is new. Coaches structure drills so nobody sits out.
Ready to get on court?
Find clubs, courts and coaches near you and book your first game.