PadelPadel for Beginners: What You Really Need to Get Started
By Theo Diether · Published 23/07/2026 · 3 min read
Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in Germany, and no wonder: getting started is easier than in almost any other racket sport. Still, a few practical questions come up before your first session. Here are the honest answers.
The short version
- For your first few sessions, a rental racket from the venue is enough.
- Your own shoes are the most important first purchase, because of the lateral support.
- Your first own racket: round, soft core, fairly light (335–350 g).
Do I need my own kit before the first session?
No. Almost every padel venue rents out rackets for free or for a few euros. Use your first 2–3 sessions to try out different models before you buy. One exception: you should get your own shoes straight away (more on that below).
Your first own racket
Once you notice you are sticking with it, your own racket is worth it. For getting started, one thing matters above all: forgiveness over power.
Core: soft
Soft EVA foam damps vibrations and protects your arm and shoulder while you are still working on your technique.
Weight: 335–350 g
Towards the lower end: a lighter racket stays under control for longer without errors.
Our Racket Finder answers this automatically in 7 questions and recommends suitable models, including a price comparison. Keep reading:
Buying a padel racket: what to look for The best padel racket for beginners All beginner models in the price comparison
Padel balls: will any ball do?
Not quite. Padel balls look like tennis balls but have less internal pressure, so they bounce lower and suit the smaller court. Tennis balls work in a pinch, but they bounce too high and noticeably change how the game feels. To start with, a simple ball in the three-ball tube format, used at every venue level, is enough.
Shoes: the most important purchase for beginners
Unlike with the racket, you should not rely on borrowed kit here. Padel is played on artificial turf or similar surfaces with a lot of sideways movement. Normal running shoes or tennis shoes for clay or hard courts offer too little lateral support and increase the risk of injury (especially ankles and knees). Look for:
- Padel or all-court shoes with lateral stability, and don't fall back on pure running shoes.
- Herringbone or diamond tread designed for artificial turf/carpet surfaces.
- A fit that is rather snug and stable instead of soft and cushioned like a running shoe.
Clothing
There are no hard rules here. A technical shirt and shorts/skirt as in tennis are the norm. More important than looks is breathable material, as padel rallies often last longer than in tennis because of the wall play.
The most common beginner mistakes beyond the equipment
Not going to the net often enough
Padel is decided far more at the net than from the baseline.
Ignoring the wall
If you only play forwards and don't anticipate balls off the wall, you lose points unnecessarily. We explain the exact wall rules in the article Padel rules explained simply.
Buying a racket that is too hard or too heavy
Because it looks "higher quality" in the shop. For getting started, control counts, not power.
Next step
Once you know how you play and what matters to you, our Racket Finder helps you find the right model, with the current price comparison, in just a few clicks.