10 Must-Know Tips for Beginners in Tennis and Padel
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So, you’ve decided to step onto the court—welcome to the world of tennis and padel! Whether you're here for the competition, the cardio, or just a great excuse to rock sporty gear on weekends, you’re in the right place. But like any new sport, the beginning can feel a little... chaotic. Court sizes, funny scoring, and “why did that ball just bounce off the wall!?”
Don’t sweat it. We’ve rounded up 10 beginner-friendly tips to help you feel confident, play better, and actually enjoy your time out there—without overthinking every serve.
Let’s go!
1. Don’t Panic About the Rules
Every player starts confused—what’s love? What’s deuce? Why is padel played in a cage? It's okay to feel overwhelmed at first. Stick with it, and the rules will become second nature. (And if you’re still puzzled, check out our post on scoring systems — it’s a game-changer.)
2. The Right Gear Goes a Long Way
You don’t need pro-level equipment to start, but having a decent racket or paddle, non-marking shoes, and breathable clothes makes a big difference. Oh, and one more thing: keep a PT-Watch Scorekeeper on your wrist so you never forget the score, even when your head’s in the clouds (or the sun’s in your eyes).
3. Master the Basics First
Before trying to hit trick shots like a pro, focus on the fundamentals: grip, stance, and swing. In tennis, learn how to control your groundstrokes. In padel, get used to the walls and working the net. Small improvements in basics = big changes in your game.
4. Footwork > Power
It’s not about smashing the ball like Nadal on match point. Great players move smart, not just fast. Work on your footwork, stay light on your toes, and you'll always be in the right place when the ball comes flying your way.
5. Don’t Play the Score (Yet)
We get it—you want to win. But in your early days, focus on rallies, control, and learning instead of chasing every point. And when you do want to keep score, let your PT-Watch handle it. You’ve got enough going on without trying to remember if it's 15–30 or 30–all.
6. Watch and Learn
YouTube is your best coach when you're off the court. Watch short tutorials, pro matches, and beginner guides. Even watching a padel point or a Federer rally can give you major “aha!” moments.
7. Play Doubles for Fun and Flow
Especially in padel, where doubles is the standard, playing with a partner helps you learn positioning, teamwork, and how to enjoy the game more socially. It's also a great way to meet people and boost your confidence.
8. Learn to Laugh It Off
Missed shots? Double faults? Hitting the net five times in a row? It happens. Laugh it off, keep swinging, and trust that it gets better. Tennis and padel are games—fun first, perfect later.
9. Stay Consistent, Not Intense
One match a week is better than one intense session every two months. Build your skills gradually. Keep it consistent and you’ll improve faster than you think—especially when you start tracking how often you play and how often you win.
10. Celebrate Small Wins
Your first clean volley. Your first serve that doesn’t go into the net. A rally that lasts more than 3 shots. Celebrate those! They mean you’re improving—and having more fun while doing it.
Game, Set… You’re Ready!
Starting tennis or padel might feel intimidating at first, but remember: everyone started somewhere. Stay curious, keep showing up, and let the love of the game do the rest.
So grab your gear, hit the court, and play your heart out. You’re only a few matches away from falling in love with the game—for real.