Master padel: The ultimate coach’s guide

Padel is widely considered to be the fastest-growing sport on the planet – and with 25 million players across the globe picking up a racket, there’s no wonder.

But despite its relatively new buzz, padel has been around longer than you may think.

An early form of padel, which is a more social form of tennis and squash, is thought to have been played in the 19th century by passengers among British cruise ships.

Known at the time as ‘platform tennis’, it became a popular sport in the US. By 1969, the first-ever court is thought to have been built by a Mexican businessman in Acapulco on the Pacific Coast of Mexico.

In 2023, padel court numbers skyrocketed to 350; 600% more than those recorded in 2019; and the infrastructure for the sport is on a one-way trajectory.

And with the likes of David Beckham, Serena Williams and Vitality’s very own Ambassador Jos Buttler endorsing the sport, how can you get on the hype?

We asked professional padel player and Coach, Alfonso Patacho, for some tips to get you started – even if you’re no Andy Murray!

Who can play padel?

Padel is an inclusive sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.

The game is more about coordination and teamwork rather than strength or power, which makes it a great activity for those looking to improve their skills.

What do I need to play padel?

To play padel you need:

• A padel racket
• Padel balls
• Comfortable sportswear including tennis or padel-specific shoes for added grip.

Where can I play?

Most countries now have padel courts for us to enjoy. The UK has hundreds dotted across the country, and more are being built every month to meet the high demands to play.

There are some padel clubs, which are exclusively dedicated to padel. And it’s worth checking your local tennis clubs, as many are adding padel courts to their range.

Is it expensive to play padel?

The cost of playing padel can vary based on several factors: location, how often you play, and whether you’re purchasing or renting equipment, for example.

I recommend trying out a variety of rackets by renting them, so you get comfortable with how they feel.

The more you play, the more you will know what feels good and what to look out for when you’re ready to invest.

Do I need to be at a certain fitness level to play?

No, not at all.

Padel is an incredibly versatile sport welcoming a variety of fitness levels and skills.

That is what makes it an excellent option for anyone looking to engage in a fun, social physical activity.

Is there anything I should know before playing padel?

Before stepping out on the court for the first time, there are a few dos and don’ts you should know:

1. It is important to learn the rules and understand the court layout.
2. As in any sport, a physical warm-up helps prevent injuries, so make sure you get your heart rate up and body ready to move around the court. This could include some light jogging, stretching and exercises to activate the muscles in your arms and legs.
3. Don’t forget to stay hydrated before, during and after playing.
4. It’s okay not to get it right first time, try to focus on having fun and improving your skills over time.
5. Watch different videos about grips – continental grip is the most common – stances and shot selection to level up your game.

I’m not confident playing racket sports, can I still play?

Yes, playing padel is a social and enjoyable game where anyone can get involved no matter what level.

It is known for being accessible and easy to learn, making it a great option for beginners.

How can I get better?

Joining a local club will introduce you to a community of players to learn from, provide regular playing opportunities and access to padel facilities.

And finding a professional coach to provide tailored advice will vastly improve your skills.

You can do this by attending one-to-one sessions or going to different padel clinics, which offer a lot of value in a short space of time.

Lastly, play matches. The experience gained from a game is one of the best things you can do to improve as you can apply the coach’s tips and put what you’ve learnt into practice.