The best thing about padel is how quickly a total beginner can start rallying. Within an hour you will be hitting the ball back and forth, and within a month you can feel genuinely comfortable in a game. The trick is knowing what to focus on each week rather than trying to learn everything at once. Here is a realistic four-week plan for your first month.
Week one: just play
Do not overthink your first session. The single goal is to get the ball over the net and keep rallies going. Padel uses an underarm serve and a slower, lower-bouncing ball than tennis, so it is far more forgiving than it looks.
- Book a court with three friends, or join a beginner session, and simply play. Our venues page lists Manchester clubs, many with beginner-friendly slots.
- Borrow or hire a racket for now. There is no need to buy anything in week one.
- Learn the basic scoring as you go. It mirrors tennis, and our glossary covers any terms that trip you up.
- Wear trainers with decent grip and be ready to move in short bursts.
New to the whole thing? Start with our getting started guide for what to expect on day one.
Week two: learn to use the walls
The glass walls are what make padel different, and week two is when they should start to click. Instead of panicking when the ball goes past you, let it hit the back glass and play it on the rebound.
- Practise letting balls bounce off the back wall before you hit them. It feels strange at first, then becomes second nature.
- Stay patient. Rushing to hit everything early is the classic beginner mistake.
- Start thinking about position with your partner, one covering each side of the court.
If you have caught the bug, this is a sensible point to look at getting your own racket. Our racket guide explains why a round, control-focused racket suits beginners best.
Week three: the net and the lob
Padel is won and lost at the net. Week three is about getting forward and learning the two shots that control a rally: the volley and the lob.
- Practise moving up to the net together with your partner after the serve.
- Work on a simple lob to push opponents back when they are crowding the net. It is the most useful shot in the beginner game.
- Keep your volleys soft and controlled rather than smashing everything.
By now you may want proper footwear. Padel involves quick lateral movements, and our shoes guide covers what to look for. If you want structured help, a single session with a coach can save weeks of guesswork, and our coaches page lists local options.
Week four: play a real game
By your fourth week the goal is to string it all together in a proper match. You will not be perfect, and that is fine. Focus on keeping the ball in play, communicating with your partner and enjoying the tactical side.
- Play full sets and get used to the rhythm of a real game.
- Talk to your partner constantly. Calling "mine" and "yours" avoids collisions and lost points.
- Join a social or a beginner league to keep the momentum going. Our events page is a good place to find one.
After a month of regular play you will have gone from nervous newcomer to someone who genuinely looks forward to their next booking. The learning curve stays enjoyable for a long time after that, which is exactly why padel is so addictive.
FAQ
How often should a beginner play padel in the first month?
Once or twice a week is ideal. That is frequent enough to build muscle memory and feel steady progress, without overloading your body while you get used to the quick lateral movements the sport involves.
Do I need to buy a racket in my first month?
Not straight away. Most Manchester venues hire rackets, so borrow or hire for the first week or two. If you enjoy it, a round, control-focused beginner racket is a good first purchase, as it is more forgiving than a powerful teardrop shape.
Should I take a lesson or just play to start with?
Both work, and many beginners do a mix. Playing straight away builds confidence and enjoyment, while one or two lessons early on can fix bad habits before they set in, especially around net position and the lob.