Padel is more enjoyable when everyone knows the basics — the unwritten rules and the safety ones. Here's a quick rundown for new players.
Court etiquette
- Wait for points to finish. Never walk onto or behind a court mid-rally. Wait until the point is over, then move.
- Call lines clearly. If a ball is out, say so clearly. If you're not sure, give the benefit of the doubt to your opponents.
- Don't cross other courts. If your ball rolls onto the next court, wait for their rally to end before retrieving it.
- Keep noise down when others are serving. Cheering your partner is fine. Shouting across courts mid-serve is not.
Warm up before you play
Dynamic warm-ups matter more than static stretches before a match. Arm circles, hip rotations and a few minutes of light jogging get the joints moving. Save the long stretches for after.
During and after play
Stay hydrated throughout, especially in warm conditions. Wear padel-specific shoes with lateral support — running shoes don't protect the ankles the same way. After the match, cool down with light stretching and foam rolling to aid recovery.
Look after your gear too
A COVR cover keeps your racket safe between sessions and in transit. Shop COVR padel covers — free worldwide shipping.