What is padel and how is it different from tennis?+
Padel is played on a smaller court (10×20m) surrounded by glass and metal mesh. The racket is shorter, without strings, and the ball is slightly less pressurized than a tennis ball. After its ground bounce, the ball can be played even when it rebounds off the walls (glass or mesh) — this makes rallies longer and more tactical. Unlike tennis, padel is played almost exclusively in doubles.
How long does it take to improve at padel when you start?+
With 1-2 sessions per week and some method, you can reach an intermediate level in 6-12 months. Padel has a shorter learning curve than tennis — you enjoy the game from your first hours. What slows progress most: repeating the same mistakes without knowing it. That's exactly why we made this guide.
Do you need lessons to start playing padel?+
Not mandatory, but 2-3 group lessons early on save you 6 months of guesswork. Ideal: combine lessons (technique, positioning), doubles matches (practice), and self-analysis (video of your matches). The Linceya app complements your coach: it spots patterns invisible to the naked eye.
Which padel racket should I choose as a beginner?+
A round racket, low balance, mid-range (€80-150). The sweet spot is wide and centered → it forgives off-center hits. Absolutely avoid teardrop or diamond rackets in your first year — they're too technical. Our dedicated blog guide covers the 10 criteria to check before buying.
How much does it cost to play padel regularly?+
Count ~€20-30 per hour of court (divided by 4 players = €5-8 per session). A decent racket starts at €80 and lasts 2-3 years. A pair of padel shoes: €70-120. For 2 sessions per week, your yearly budget is around €600-900 all-in. Much less than golf, comparable to tennis.
What are the basic rules of padel?+
Played in doubles. Serve underhand (below the waist), diagonally, must bounce before the service line. The ball must bounce once on the ground, then can be played after rebounding off any wall — glass or metal mesh — as long as it hasn't touched the ground a second time. Same scoring as tennis (15/30/40/game, sets to 6 games).
Is padel accessible for women, kids or seniors?+
Yes — it's one of the most mixed sports out there. No physical strength required, moderate effort, fun factor kicks in immediately. Many clubs offer lessons from age 6 and after 60. Speed increases with skill level, but at equal level padel remains very accessible.
How do I find partners at my level?+
Three paths: (1) Clubs have WhatsApp groups / waiting lists by level. (2) Apps like Playtomic or Linceya offer public matches matched to your ranking. (3) Open tournaments at season start are the best way to build a network of regular partners. If you're starting, look for "discovery" / "intro" sessions.
What's the main mistake beginners make in padel?+
Hitting too hard. Unlike tennis, in padel power works against you: the ball comes back faster off the glass, your opponent gets a better angle, and you lose control. Golden rule: replace 80% of your power shots with placed, high balls. The other 9 mistakes are detailed in the free guide.
What exactly is the Linceya app?+
Linceya analyzes your match videos with AI and tells you where you're losing points. ELO ranking, progression axes, personalized drills. There's a free version (1 analysis/month) and Premium (15 analyses/month + training plan). Complementary to this guide: the PDF gives you the basics, the app tells you where you actually stand.