Just three things: a padel racket, padel balls, and court shoes with good lateral grip. Courts and partners are easy to find — padel is always doubles — and most clubs rent or sell balls on site. You don't need padel-specific clothing to begin.

You need a padel racket. It's solid (no strings), shorter, and perforated — completely different from a tennis racket or a pickleball paddle. A tennis racket won't work with the smaller, lower-pressure padel ball or the enclosed court.

As a beginner, prioritize control and forgiveness over power: a round head shape, a soft EVA core, and a balanced or slightly head-light weight. That gives you a large sweet spot and is far easier on the arm while you build technique. Our racket finder narrows it down in about a minute.

Most new players are well served in the $80–$150 range, where reliable beginner and intermediate rackets from established brands sit. You don't need a pro-level racket to start — a stiff, top-end model can actually slow your progress and stress your elbow.

Padel is played on a smaller enclosed court where the glass walls are part of the game, always in doubles, with an underhand serve and tennis-style scoring. It rewards placement and teamwork over raw power, which is why it's so quick to pick up.

It's one of the easiest racket sports to start. Rallies last because the walls keep the ball in play and the court is compact, so most people are playing real points within their first session. The depth and strategy come later.

Courts are opening fast across the country, especially in Florida, Texas, California and the Northeast. Search for a local padel club, or read our guide to where to play padel in the USA to find courts near you.