Padel for Beginners: Your First Game

You are on vacation in Curaçao, you have seen the glass-walled courts scattered across the island, and someone has suggested you try padel. Maybe you are a tennis player curious about the hype. Maybe you have never held a racket in your life. Either way, this guide will take you from “what even is padel?” to confidently stepping on court for your first game.

Padel is the fastest-growing sport in the world right now, with over 25 million active players globally. It is massive in Spain, Argentina, and across Latin America, and it has arrived in Curaçao in a big way — six clubs, 26 courts, and a community that genuinely loves welcoming new players. Here is everything you need to know. If you want a quick summary of just the rules of padel, we have a dedicated guide for that too.

What is padel? (and how is it different from tennis and squash?)

Padel is a racket sport played in doubles on a smaller, enclosed court. Think of it as a mashup of tennis and squash: you have a net in the middle like tennis, but the court is surrounded by glass walls and metal fences, and the ball can be played off those walls like in squash.

A few key differences from tennis:

Always doubles. Padel is played two against two. There is no traditional singles format (though a few clubs have experimental singles courts).
Underhand serve. You bounce the ball and hit it below waist height. No overhead smashes on the serve.
Walls are in play. After the ball bounces on your side, it can hit the glass wall and you can still return it. This is the mechanic that makes padel feel unique.
Smaller court. A padel court is roughly 25% the size of a tennis court, so you cover less ground.
Solid racket. Instead of a strung racket, you use a solid paddle with holes drilled through it. No strings to worry about.

Compared to squash, the big difference is that padel is played outdoors (usually), with a net, and you and your partner are on the same side. The wall play adds a tactical dimension, but the overall feel is more social and less physically grueling than squash.

The bottom line: padel is easier to pick up than tennis, more social than squash, and provides a genuinely fun workout. Most beginners are hitting decent rallies within 15 to 20 minutes.

The court: what you are walking into

A standard padel court is 20 meters long and 10 meters wide (about 66 by 33 feet). It is divided by a net in the middle, just like tennis, but the similarities end there.

The walls: The back wall and part of the side walls are made of glass (usually tempered glass, sometimes concrete at the base). The rest of the enclosure is metal mesh fencing. The glass walls are typically 3 meters (10 feet) high at the back, with the mesh rising above that.

The surface: Most courts in Curaçao use artificial turf with a layer of sand, similar to what you might find on a high-quality indoor soccer pitch. Some courts use concrete or a porous hard surface. Wear shoes with good grip — we will get to footwear shortly.

The net: Slightly lower than a tennis net. It measures 88 centimeters (about 34.6 inches) at the center and 92 centimeters (36.2 inches) at the posts.

The lines: There is no doubles alley because you are always playing doubles. The service boxes are clearly marked, and the basic layout will feel familiar if you have played tennis.

The entry: Courts have doors on each side (in the metal mesh section), which you use to enter and exit. Yes, you are literally enclosed while playing. It feels strange the first time, and completely natural by the second game.

When you arrive at a padel club in Curaçao, do not be intimidated by the glass enclosure. It looks more intense than it is. Within minutes, you will forget the walls are there — until you use them to hit a brilliant return.

Basic rules: what you need to know for your first game

You do not need to memorize a rulebook to enjoy your first game. Here are the essentials:

Serving

The server stands behind the service line on the right side and serves to the diagonally opposite service box (just like tennis).
The serve must be underhand. You bounce the ball on the ground and hit it at or below waist height.
The ball must bounce once in the opponent’s service box before they return it.
If the serve hits the net and lands in the correct box, it is a let (do-over). If it hits the net and bounces into the wrong box or does not cross, it is a fault.
You get two attempts per point. Two faults and the receiving team wins the point.
After each point, the server alternates between the right and left side.

Scoring

Padel uses the same scoring system as tennis:

Points go: 0, 15, 30, 40, game.
If both teams reach 40, it is deuce. You need two consecutive points to win the game (advantage in, advantage out).
A set is won by the first team to reach 6 games, with at least a 2-game lead. At 6-6, a tiebreak is played.
Most casual matches are played as best of 3 sets, but in social play, you might just play a single set or timed games.

How walls work

This is the part that makes padel unique:

The ball must always bounce on the ground before hitting a wall on the receiving side. A shot that hits the wall before bouncing on the ground is out.
After the ball bounces on the ground on your side, it can hit the back wall or side wall, and you can still play it. The ball is only dead if it bounces twice on the ground.
You can even run out the side door and hit the ball back into the court if it bounces up and over the side mesh. This rarely happens in beginner games, but it is one of the most exciting plays in padel.
You cannot volley the ball into your opponent’s wall directly — the ball must cross the net and bounce first (on serves and returns of serve). During rallies, though, volleys are legal.

The basics in practice

For your first game, focus on these three things:

Get the serve in. A gentle underhand hit into the correct box is all you need. Do not try to be fancy.
After the bounce, just hit it back over the net. Do not worry about walls yet.
When the ball comes off the back wall, wait for it. Beginners almost always swing too early. Let the ball come to you.

That is genuinely all you need to start playing. The rest you will pick up as you go.

Equipment: what do you need?

The racket (paddle)

A padel racket looks like an oversized beach tennis bat. It is solid (no strings), typically made of carbon fiber or fiberglass, with holes drilled through the face to reduce air resistance. Rackets come in three shapes:

Round: Best for beginners. Larger sweet spot, more control, more forgiving on off-center hits.
Diamond: For advanced players. More power, smaller sweet spot, top-heavy.
Teardrop (drop-shaped): A balance between the two. Good for intermediate players.

If you are a beginner, go for a round or teardrop shape. But honestly, for your first few games, any racket will do. Every club in Curaçao that offers equipment rental will give you something perfectly suitable.

Cost to buy: A decent beginner racket runs $50 to $100. Premium rackets go up to $300 or more. Do not spend big until you know you love the sport.

Cost to rent: Most clubs in Curaçao charge $5 to $10 per session for racket rental.

Balls

Padel balls look almost identical to tennis balls but have slightly less pressure, which means they bounce a bit lower and slower. You do not need to bring your own — the club provides balls for every session.

Shoes

This matters more than the racket. Padel is played on artificial turf or hard courts, and you need shoes with good lateral support and grip. Dedicated padel shoes exist, but for your first game, any of these will work:

Indoor court shoes (volleyball, badminton) — excellent grip and lateral support.
Tennis shoes with a herringbone or clay-court sole — great option.
Clean running shoes with a flat sole — acceptable for your first game.

What to avoid: shoes with deep lugs (trail runners), basketball shoes (too much ankle bulk), or anything with a worn-out sole. You will be moving side to side a lot, and slipping on artificial turf is no fun.

Grip and overgrip

If you are renting a racket, the grip will be whatever it comes with. If you buy your own, consider adding an overgrip — a thin, tacky wrap that goes over the original grip. In Curaçao’s heat and humidity, your hands will sweat, and an overgrip makes a real difference in how securely you can hold the racket. A roll of overgrip costs a few dollars and lasts several sessions.

What to wear in Curaçao’s heat

Curaçao’s climate is hot and humid year-round, with temperatures typically between 28 and 32 degrees Celsius (82 to 90 Fahrenheit). Here is how to dress for padel in the tropics:

Lightweight, moisture-wicking shirt. Cotton will get drenched and heavy within 10 minutes. Synthetic athletic wear or a performance blend is far better.
Shorts or a skort. Anything light and breathable. Avoid long pants unless you enjoy suffering.
A hat or visor. If you are playing on an uncovered court during the day, sun protection for your head is not optional — it is essential.
Sunscreen. Apply generously before you step on court, and reapply after an hour. SPF 50 is the island standard.
Sunglasses with a sport strap. Optional, but the Caribbean sun is intense and a high lob into the bright sky will blind you without them.
Water. Lots of water. Bring at least a liter for a one-hour session. Dehydration sneaks up on you in tropical heat. Most clubs sell water and sports drinks, but bringing your own bottle is wise.

The best time to play in Curaçao is early morning (before 9 a.m.) or evening (after 5 p.m.). The trade winds pick up throughout the day and provide natural cooling, but midday sun on an uncovered court is brutal. If you are playing between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., choose a covered or indoor court.

Court etiquette: the unwritten rules

Padel culture is friendly and social, but there are a few unwritten rules that will help you fit in immediately:

Be on time. Courts are booked in slots, and the group after you is counting on starting when their time begins. Arrive 5 minutes early to warm up.
Introduce yourself. If you are playing with people you have not met before, a quick introduction and a handshake go a long way. Padel is a social sport.
Call your own lines. If the ball is out on your side, you make the call. Be honest. In social play, nobody cares about close calls — give the point to the other team if you are not sure.
Do not walk behind a court during a point. If you need to pass behind another court to reach yours, wait until the point finishes. Walking behind a glass wall while a rally is in progress is distracting.
Collect balls efficiently. Between points, help gather balls rather than leaving it to one person. Roll balls along the wall to the server rather than hitting them hard across the court.
Rotate partners in social play. Many padel sessions in Curaçao are “americano” format, where partners rotate every few games. Be open to playing with everyone, regardless of level.
Stay positive. Padel is meant to be fun. Encourage your partner, compliment good shots (even from opponents), and do not take mistakes personally. Especially not your own.
Shake hands after the game. Walk to the net, tap rackets or shake hands with all four players. It is a small gesture that everyone appreciates.

Your first game: what to expect

Here is what a typical first padel experience in Curaçao looks like:

Booking: Download the club’s app, create an account, and book a court. Most courts are booked in 90-minute or 60-minute slots. If you are going solo, many clubs have social sessions or can match you with other players.

Arrival: Show up 5 to 10 minutes before your time. Check in at reception, rent your racket and balls if needed, and head to your assigned court.

Warm-up: Spend 5 minutes hitting the ball gently back and forth. Get a feel for the racket, the bounce, and the surface. Hit a few balls off the back wall to get used to the rebound.

Playing: Start a game. Keep the serve simple — bounce and underhand hit into the box. Focus on getting the ball back over the net rather than hitting winners. You will make mistakes. Everyone does. The rallies will get longer as the game goes on.

Duration: A typical session lasts 60 to 90 minutes. You will play multiple games in that time. Take water breaks between games, especially in the heat.

After the game: Some players hang around for a drink at the bar, others head out. Either is fine. If you had fun, book your next session before you leave — popular time slots fill up fast.

Where to play your first game in Curaçao

Not all clubs are equally suited for total beginners. Here are the best options:

Padel Curaçao (Scherpenheuvel)

The top recommendation for beginners. It is the only club with a fully indoor court, which means you can learn without battling the heat. Coaching is readily available, and equipment rental is straightforward. The staff are used to hosting first-timers and will make sure you are comfortable.

Just Padel Curaçao (Saliña)

Centrally located, welcoming, and smaller in scale — which can feel less intimidating than walking into a big facility with eight courts. Coaching is available, and the evening lighting makes it a great option for a cooler first session after sunset.

Padel X Curaçao (Mambo Beach)

If you want the full experience — padel, drinks, social atmosphere — Padel X is the place. The covered courts protect you from the sun, and the rooftop bar gives non-playing friends or family something to do. Equipment rental is available, and with eight courts, you will almost always find an available slot.

Epic Padel Curaçao (Chuchubiweg)

A modern facility with excellent floodlighting, making it ideal for your first game in the cool of the evening. Equipment rental is available, and the courts are in great condition.

10 common beginner mistakes (and how to avoid them)

Swinging too hard. Padel is about placement, not power. A controlled shot to the right spot beats a wild smash every time. Dial it back to about 60% of your maximum force.
Standing too close to the back wall. Give yourself room. If you are pressed against the glass, you cannot swing properly when the ball rebounds. Stand about 1 to 1.5 meters from the back wall during rallies.
Ignoring the walls. Many beginners treat the glass walls like they are out of bounds. They are not. When the ball bounces off the back wall, let it come to you and play it.
Trying to hit winners on every shot. In padel, the point is built gradually. Keep the ball in play, wait for a short ball, and then attack. Patience wins more points than aggression.
Neglecting the lob. The lob (a high, deep shot over your opponents) is one of the most effective shots in padel, especially for beginners. It pushes your opponents back and gives you time to recover. Use it liberally.
Not communicating with your partner. Call “mine” or “yours” early. Talk between points about positioning. Padel is a team sport, and silent partners lose more than they should.
Serving too hard. The underhand serve is not meant to be an ace. Get it in the box consistently, and you are doing fine. A double fault is the worst possible start to a point.
Watching the ball hit the wall instead of preparing for the return. When the ball heads for the back wall, turn your body and prepare your racket position before the ball arrives. Do not just stare at it.
Playing in the wrong shoes. We mentioned this above, but it bears repeating. Slipping on court is not just embarrassing — it can cause a real injury. Wear proper court shoes.
Not drinking enough water. In Curaçao’s heat, you will sweat more than you realize. Drink before you feel thirsty, and do not rely on a single small bottle for a 90-minute session.

Tips to improve fast

Once you have a few games under your belt, here is how to accelerate your progress:

Take a lesson. Even one 30-minute session with a coach will fix fundamental issues with your grip, stance, and swing that you would otherwise ingrain as habits. Most clubs in Curaçao offer individual and group lessons.

Play with better players. You improve fastest when you are slightly outmatched. Join social mixers where levels are mixed, and do not be afraid to ask stronger players for tips. The padel community in Curaçao is genuinely helpful.

Focus on the volley. As you advance, controlling the net becomes the key to winning points. Practice your volley — soft hands, short swing, angled placement. The team that controls the net usually wins.

Watch padel on YouTube. The World Padel Tour (now Premier Padel) has full matches available for free. Watching professional players will teach you about positioning, shot selection, and wall play faster than any written guide.

Practice the bandeja. The bandeja is a signature padel shot — a controlled overhead hit from the back of the court that keeps the ball low and neutralizes a lob. It is the intermediate shot that separates beginners from improving players. Ask a coach to teach it to you.

Play regularly. Two or three sessions per week will produce noticeable improvement within a month. Padel has a short learning curve at the beginner level, and consistent play is the fastest path to feeling comfortable on court.

Ready to play?

Padel in Curaçao is one of the best things you can do on the island — it is social, it is active, it is easy to learn, and it puts you in touch with a community of locals and visitors who share a love for the sport. The clubs are welcoming, the gear is available for rent, and the weather (outside of the midday sun) is perfect for playing year-round.

Download a club app, book a court, show up with court shoes and a water bottle, and let the rest happen. You will be hooked before the first set is over. If you are visiting Curaçao on vacation, we have a dedicated guide that covers booking tips, the best clubs near hotels, and everything else tourists need to know.