Getting into Padel? Everything You Need to Know

February 4, 2026

Padel is one of the fastest growing sports in the world right now, and if you’ve seen clips flying around Instagram or heard your friends raving about it, you’re probably wondering what all the hype is about.

The good news? Padel is easy to get into, insanely social, and ridiculously fun! Whether you’re coming from tennis, squash, football, or absolutely no sporting background at all, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started with padel, plus what kit you’ll actually need.

What is Padel?

Padel is a racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. It’s usually played in doubles on an enclosed court, with walls that can be used during play, which means longer rallies, more strategy and a lot more laughs.

Unlike tennis, padel is:

Played with a solid racket
Served underarm
Much more beginner-friendly

That’s why so many people get hooked after just one session.

Why is Padel So Popular?

Padel’s rise isn’t an accident. It ticks a lot of boxes:

Easy to learn - most beginners can rally within 10 minutes
Social by nature - doubles format makes it perfect for friends
Low impact - kinder on joints than many racket sports
Competitive but fun - skill and tactics matter more than power

It’s no surprise that padel courts are popping up everywhere over the UK.

What Equipment Do You Need to Start Padel?

Here’s the refreshing part, you really don’t need much.

A Padel Racket

Padel rackets are smaller and lighter than tennis rackets, with holes in the face and no strings.

If you’re new, look for:

A balanced or round shaped racket
Good control and forgiveness
Comfortable grip

At Third Shot, we’ve designed a single, versatile padel racket that’s ideal for beginners and improvers alike, easy to control, forgiving on off-centre hits, and stylish enough to stand out on court.

Padel Clothing

You can turn up in a random gym tee, but proper made padel clothing makes a real difference.

Padel involves quick lateral movements, sharp turns and a lot of reaching, so comfort, stretch and breathability are key.

At Third Shot, we focus on:

Lightweight, sweat-wicking fabrics
Athletic fits designed for movement
Clean, modern designs you’ll actually want to wear

Whether you’re playing your first match or heading straight for a post-padel coffee, our men and women’s padel clothing are built for both performance and style.

Shoes

Padel is played on artificial turf, so court grip matters.

You’ll want:

Padel or tennis shoes
Good lateral support
Strong grip (avoid running shoes)

Most clubs will let beginners play in tennis shoes while you figure things out.

What Should You Wear to Your First Padel Session?

Keep it simple:

Breathable top
Comfortable shorts or skirt
Proper court shoes
Padel racket

Confidence tip: Wearing a kit designed for padel instantly makes you feel more comfortable on court, and yes it does help your game!

Basic Padel Rules

Padel rules are much simpler than they look, don’t worry!

Most clubs and coaches will talk you through the basics in your first session, but so you have a head start:

Games are scored like tennis (15, 30, 40)
Serves are underarm and must bounce first
You can use the walls after the ball bounces
Matches are almost always doubles

Is Padel Good for Fitness?

Absolutely. Padel improves cardiovascular fitness, coordination and reflexes, and agility and balance. And because it’s fun and social, you’re far more likely to stick with it compared to traditional gym workouts.

Why Choose Third Shot for Your Padel Gear?

Padel culture is about more than just winning points, it’s about community, style and enjoying the game. That’s exactly what Third Shot is built around.

We’ve carefully curated padel clothing for both men and women that’s designed for both on the court and off the court. Nothing overcomplicated, just simple, quality essentials.