Padel guides
Clear answers for US players: how to pick a padel racket, how the game works, where to play and what to wear. Start with the three below, or jump to a topic.
Start here
- Choice guideTypes of padel racketsRound, teardrop or diamond on one chart, plus the right weight for your game.
- ToolFind Your Racket quizTen short questions about how you play, then a racket match with the reasons it fits.
- Padel 101What is padel?The court, the walls and how a point works, in a few minutes.
Choose a racket
Shape, weight, core and price, explained for the way you play.
- GuideComing from tennis: your first padel racketWhy good tennis players usually go teardrop, and when diamond fits.
- GuideComing from pickleball: your first padel racketWhat changes when you swap a paddle for a padel racket.
- GuideHow to choose your first padel racketThe few things that matter for a first racket, and what to ignore.
- GuideControl vs power: which racket fits your gameWhich side of the scale suits your game, and the trade-off you accept.
- Racket techHard vs soft padel racketsHow the core changes depth, feel and comfort on your arm.
- Racket tech3K, 12K and 18K carbon: the differencesWhat the K number on a carbon face means, and why the core matters more.
- GuideBest padel racket for tennis elbowSoft core, low balance, about 360 g, and why a soft diamond can beat a stiff round.
- GuideStuck between two rackets?The five differences that actually change how two rackets play.
- GuideIs $200 enough for a good padel racket?What $200 buys in the US in 2026, and when spending more pays off.
- GuideDo women need a women's padel racket?What rackets sold for women change, and who they suit.
Learn padel
Rules, scoring and the shots you hear about at the club.
- Padel 101Padel vs paddle tennisTwo sports, two courts, two rackets: the differences side by side.
- Padel 101Padel for pickleball playersWhat carries over from pickleball, and what's new.
- RulesThe complete rules of padelServe, walls, faults and scoring in one place.
- RulesServing and returning rulesThe serve and return rules beginners get wrong most.
- RulesHow scoring works in padelPoints, games, sets and the golden point.
- TechniqueBandeja vs víboraTwo overheads that look alike and do different jobs.
- TechniqueThe chiquitaThe soft shot to the feet that takes the net back.
- TechniqueBetter volleysShort, in front of you, and who takes the middle.
- TacticsPlaying against a leftyWhere the forehands go when one opponent is left-handed.
- TacticsShould you specialize on one side?Left or right side: when to pick one and stick to it.
- Padel 101The key Spanish terms of padelThe Spanish words you'll hear on court, explained.
Where to play
Find a court near you and know what to expect.
Gear and care
Shoes, balls, grips and how to make your racket last.
- GearWhat you need to play padelYour first kit beyond the racket, item by item.
- GearCan you play padel in tennis shoes?When tennis shoes are fine and when they aren't.
- GearWhy padel shoes matterSoles, grip on turf and what they save your knees from.
- GearHead Padel Pro vs Pro S ballsWhich ball for which court and level.
- GearHow often to change your overgripThe signs, the math and when a 12-pack makes sense.
- CareProtecting your padel racketSleeve, cover, protector or bag: what actually protects a racket.
- CareHow long does a padel racket last?How long a racket lasts, and when a crack is a warranty claim.
- CarePadel racket warrantiesWhat's covered, what isn't and how to claim.
Tools
Quick answers without reading.
