What is Padel Etiquette?
Padel Etiquette for Beginners
How to feel confident on court from your very first game
Starting padel can feel surprisingly nerve wracking. Not because the game is hard, but because you want to get the social side right. Who serves first. When to go for the ball. Whether to apologise for a miss. It is easy to worry about doing the wrong thing.
The good news is that padel etiquette is simple, forgiving, and designed to keep the game fun. Here is everything you need to know to feel confident and relaxed on court from day one.
Be on time and ready to play
Arriving on time matters in padel. Courts are usually booked in fixed slots and games often run back to back.
Turn up a few minutes early so you can warm up, say hello, and get settled. Being ready to play sets a good tone and shows respect for everyone’s time.
Introduce yourself
Padel is social by nature. A quick hello goes a long way.
If you are joining a game with people you do not know, introduce yourself at the start. It immediately breaks the ice and makes the match feel friendly rather than competitive.
Most people are happy to have new players on court. They just want to know who they are playing with.
Keep the warm up relaxed
Warm ups in padel are cooperative, not competitive.
The aim is to get loose, not to show off. Keep the ball in play, hit gently, and give everyone a chance to warm up properly. Avoid smashing or trying risky shots before the game has even started.
Always use the racket strap
This is an important one for safety.
Padel rackets are designed with a wrist strap for a reason. Always loop the strap securely around your wrist before you start playing. It prevents the racket slipping out of your hand and reduces the risk of injuring someone else on court.
Even experienced players use the strap every time. It is considered basic padel etiquette.
Move spare balls to the net
Loose balls on court are one of the most common causes of slips and injuries.
If a ball rolls out of play during a point, wait until the point has finished and then move it safely to the net or against the fence. Never leave balls lying behind the baseline or near the back glass.
Taking a moment to clear the court keeps everyone safe and shows good awareness.
Call the score clearly
Calling the score helps everyone stay relaxed and avoids confusion.
The server usually calls the score before serving. Say it clearly and check that everyone has heard. If there is any uncertainty, stop and clarify. It is always better to reset than argue.
Be generous with line calls
Padel etiquette is simple when it comes to line calls. If it is close, give it in.
This applies whether you are playing with friends or people you have just met. Being generous keeps the game flowing and the mood positive. Nobody enjoys a match that turns into a debate.
Apologise and move on
You will hit the net. You will miss easy balls. You will occasionally hit someone with the ball.
A quick sorry is polite, but then move on. Do not dwell on mistakes or over apologise. Everyone misses shots and nobody expects perfection, especially from beginners.
Respect your partner
Padel is a team sport and partnership matters.
Communicate gently, not critically. Encourage rather than instruct. If you are unsure whose ball it is, call it early and clearly. If a point goes wrong, reset together rather than pointing fingers.
Good partners are remembered long after great shots.
Know when to go for the ball
One of the trickiest things for beginners is deciding who takes which shot.
As a general rule, the player with the clearer shot should take it. If in doubt, call it. Loud, early communication avoids collisions and awkward moments.
Over time, this becomes instinctive.
Keep celebrations low key
Enjoy your points, but keep celebrations respectful.
A smile, a clap, or a quiet celebration is always welcome. Loud celebrations or fist pumping after every point can feel uncomfortable, especially in social games.
Save the big celebrations for match point wins with friends who know you.
Thank everyone at the end
This matters more than people realise.
At the end of the match, thank your partner and opponents. A quick good game and a smile go a long way. Padel communities are built on these small moments.
Often the chat afterwards is just as important as the game itself.
A final word from Padelhüd
Padel etiquette is not about rules. It is about atmosphere.
Be kind. Be aware. Be relaxed. Everyone was a beginner once and most people remember exactly how that feels.
If you show up with good energy and basic courtesy, you are already doing it right.
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