Your first padel session: what to bring, what to expect, and the basics you need to know.
Tennis shoes or court shoes with non-marking herringbone soles. Running shoes lack the lateral support you need and can damage the court surface.
Comfortable athletic wear. Similar to what you'd wear for tennis or gym. Some indoor clubs can get warm, so dress light.
Padel is more physical than it looks. Bring at least 750ml, especially for summer sessions.
If you're booking a casual session, here's how it typically goes:
Get to the club 10 minutes early. Hire a racket if needed, change shoes, and find your court.
Hit the ball around gently. Get used to the racket feel, the bounce, and the enclosed space. Try a few serves.
Start a game. Don't worry about perfect technique — the ball staying in play is the goal. Points will feel short at first, and that's normal.
Change ends after odd-numbered games (after 1, 3, 5 etc). This is when you hydrate and reset.
Most first-timers are surprised by two things: how quickly they can rally (the enclosed court keeps the ball in play), and how tired they get (there's more running than expected).
Use a continental grip — the same grip you'd use for a tennis volley. Hold the racket like you're shaking hands with it. The wrist strap goes around your wrist (it's required for safety).
Stand behind the service line. Bounce the ball and hit it at or below waist height. Aim diagonally into the opposite service box. Don't try to hit it hard — placement and consistency are what matter.
Shorter swings than tennis. The compact court means you rarely need a full wind-up. Stay on the balls of your feet and keep the racket face slightly open (tilted upward).
When the ball bounces then hits the back wall, let it come off the wall before swinging. The most common beginner mistake is turning to hit the ball as it goes toward the wall. Instead, wait for it to bounce off, position yourself, and play it forward.
| Club | Location | Courts |
|---|---|---|
| Pacific Padel Albany | Auckland (North Shore) | 4 |
| Glendowie Padel | Auckland (East) | 2 |
| Remuera Rackets Club | Auckland (Central) | 2 |
| Riverside Sports Club | Auckland (West) | 2 |
| Indoor Padel NZ | Auckland | 3 |
| Padel House NZ | Wellington | 4 |
| The Padel Club NZ | Papamoa (BOP) | 4 |
| Padel Park Hamilton | Hamilton | 3 |
| Padel Centre Tasman | Nelson | 2 |
Most clubs allow online booking and offer racket hire. If you're a complete beginner, look for clubs that run social mixers or beginner sessions — it's the easiest way to find playing partners at your level.