New to padel
Never played? Start here.
Always doubles
Two versus two on a 20 by 10 metre court, about a third the size of a tennis court.
Glass in play
The back and side walls are part of the game. A ball off the glass is live, like squash.
Tennis scoring
15, 30, 40, game. Sets to six. If you've watched tennis, you can keep score.
Underhand serve
Bounce it, hit it below the waist, diagonally into the box. No one is serving 120 mph.
Short racket, soft ball
A solid, perforated racket and a slightly softer tennis ball. Easy to control from the first swing.
Won at the net
Rallies are long and the net is where points end. Lobs and volleys matter more than power.
Your first visit
Four steps to your first rally
1
Book
Reserve an intro clinic, a private lesson, or an open-play slot in Playtomic. Guests can book a day ahead and pay per player.
2
Dress
Court shoes with non-marking soles and anything you'd wear to play tennis. Bring water; the courts are outdoors.
3
Racket
No racket needed. Rental and demo rackets are available at the club, and the pro shop has a full range when you're ready to buy your own.
4
Play
Show up ten minutes early, meet your four, and rally. Most first-timers are playing points inside the first half hour.
Questions
Things people ask before they come
- Do I need a partner?
- No. Open play matches you with other players at your level, and clinics group beginners together.
- Is it like pickleball?
- Cousins, not twins. Padel keeps tennis scoring and rallies, adds walls, and plays faster and longer. Pickleball players pick it up quickly.
- How fit do I need to be?
- Padel is easier on the body than tennis: smaller court, softer ball, underhand serve. It gets as hard as the players make it.
- How do I pay?
- The club is cashless. Paying in the Playtomic app when you book is much easier; at the club we take cards and Apple Pay.
- Can kids play?
- Yes. Ask about junior sessions when you book, and check Playtomic for junior clinic dates.
Still unsure? Email cincinnatipadelclub@gmail.com and someone from the club will point you at the right session.