My first game of padel, I made just about every beginner mistake going. Nobody tells you the small things. They're not in the rules on the club wall, and your partner is too polite to mention them. So here they are.

1. Why does a padel racket have a strap?

The cord at the bottom of the handle is a safety strap. Slip your hand through it and wrap it round your wrist before you play. Padel is fast, hands get sweaty, and a racket that flies out of your grip can hit your partner. Use it or lose friends.

2. How do you serve in padel?

Underarm, after one bounce. Tennis players, take note. You stand behind the service line, drop the ball so it bounces once, and hit it at or below waist height. The serve goes diagonally into the service box opposite, like tennis. You get two attempts. No overhead serve, ever.

3. Can the ball hit the glass walls in padel?

Yes, and this is the rule that changes everything. Once the ball has bounced on your side, it can hit the back or side glass and you can still play it. You don't have to hit it before the wall. Often it's easier to wait, let it come off the glass, and hit it back as it slows down.

The one thing your own shot can't do: hit the glass on the other side before it bounces. Hit their wall on the full and the point is theirs. Our guide to how to play padel walks through the walls in more detail.

4. Should you say sorry when you miss in padel?

No. I thought apologising every time I missed was polite. It isn't. Sorry for the net cord, sorry for the winner, sorry for saying sorry. It slows the game down and quietly drains your partner. Everyone misses. Smile, say "next one", and get ready for the ball.

For the rest of the unwritten rules, from who picks up the balls to when to change ends, see padel etiquette.

5. What do you need for your first padel game?

Less than you think. Most clubs rent rackets, so your first game costs only the court and the hire. What matters is your feet: padel moves sideways, and running trainers aren't built for it. Wear court or padel shoes if you have them. If you're hooked after one game, our beginner's kit list has everything to buy, in order.

Frequently asked questions

Is padel always doubles?

Almost always. Padel courts are built for four players, two a side. Singles courts exist but are rare.

How is padel scored?

Like tennis: 15, 30, 40, game, and six games to win a set. Many social games use a "golden point" at 40-40, so the next point wins the game.

Is padel easier than tennis for beginners?

Most people find it easier to start. The court is smaller, the serve is underarm and the walls keep the ball in play, so you get proper rallies in your first hour.

How do I book my first game?

Most UK clubs take bookings through an app such as Playtomic or MATCHi. Here's how to book a padel game, step by step.

The guide I wish I'd had

All of this, and plenty more, is in my book. I wrote it for the version of me standing on court for the first time, wondering what on earth was going on.

The Game of Padel

£18.99 · The Hüd

A pocket hardback on scoring, the walls and the serve, in plain English. Small enough to live in your padel bag.

See the book

Know someone who's just started? It's also in The Hüd Gift Box, with our court socks and organic cotton wristband.

What do you wish someone had told you before your first game? Tell me in the comments.