TrustPadel Academy · 129 guides & videos · 13 topics · free, always
Learn the game, properly.
Free guides, video tutorials, rule explanations and glossary terms — from your first session to competitive padel.
The official rules of padel, in plain English
Everything you need to play a proper match: the serve, the walls, scoring, lets and faults — the official rules explained without the rulebook language.
Padel equipment basics: racket, balls, shoes — what you actually need
What a padel racket is, why the balls are different, and the only three things you need for your first sessions. No jargon, no unnecessary purchases.
Your first game of padel: what to expect
Booked your first court? What happens in a first game of padel — scoring, serving underarm, using the walls, and the mistakes every beginner makes.
King of the Court: fast, loud, and brutally simple
Winners stay on, losers rotate off. How King of the Court works, and why it is the best fast format for club nights and events.
Box leagues: the easiest league a club can run
Small groups of 4–8 players arrange their own matches over a few weeks. How box leagues work and why every club should have one.
League padel: season-long competition that keeps players coming back
Divisions, home and away, promotion and relegation. How padel leagues work — from club box leagues to county and national competitions.
Knockout (single elimination): the classic tournament bracket
Lose once and you are out. How single and double elimination brackets work in padel, and when a knockout is the right choice.
Round Robin: the fairest way to find a winner
Everyone plays everyone, no early exits, and the table never lies. How round robin tournaments and group stages work in padel.
Mexicano: the format where every match is at your level
Pairings reshuffle every round based on the live standings, so every match is close. How a Mexicano works and when to choose it over an Americano.
Americano: padel’s most social tournament format
Rotating partners, individual points, everyone plays everyone. How an Americano works, who it suits, and how to run one at your club.
Do I need membership to book a court?
Can I book with an app like Playtomic?
How far in advance can I book?
What are cancellation policies for court bookings?
Are courts cashless?
Can I book as a non-member?
What if it rains—can I cancel?
What racket do I need?
Do clubs sell rackets/balls clothing?
Can I demo rackets before buying?
Do rackets have strings?
How often should balls be replaced?
What should I wear to play?
What shoes should I wear?
Are tennis balls okay?
What kind of balls are used?
Can I hire a racket at a venue?
How many players per game?
How is a point started?
What is the underarm serve rule?
When is a serve fault?
Can serve hit the wall after bounce?
Must serve bounce before hits?
Can you serve overarm?
What's a let serve?
What happens if the serve hits the net and lands in?
How is a serve executed?
When can the ball hit walls?
Can you block with the wall?
Are volleys allowed?
What is dead ball vs. live ball?
Can you play the ball from outside?
Can I leave the court to retrieve the ball?
How many bounces are allowed?
What if the ball hits the cage before bounce?
When is the ball out?
Can you hit off your own glass wall?
How are points scored?
How is the final winner determined?
How do sets end?
Do all sets use tiebreak?
How is a tiebreak played?
What is a tiebreak?
How many sets in a match?
How many games in a set?
Is padel heading to the Olympics?
What is the Golden Point system?
What competitions exist in the UK?
Can ratings change over time?
How do clubs use ratings for placements?
Can I self-rate?
Where can I view my rating?
Are ratings based on match results?
How are ratings calculated?
What are rating levels (1.0–7.0)?
How do I get rated?
What are LTA Padel ratings?
What is Playtomic?
Do clubs use WhatsApp groups?
Are court cameras available?
Can I view venue availability?
Are there padel apps for matchmaking?
Can I track my stats online?
Is LTA Advantage required?
Can clubs use management systems?
How do I book through apps?
How much does it cost to play?
Are there efforts to include padel in schools?
Is equipment pricey?
Are there discounts for students/seniors?
How can I save money?
Is padel expensive?
How does TrustPadel support new players?
Can I track my matches on TrustPadel?
Does TrustPadel host events?
Can coaches register on TrustPadel?
Does TrustPadel offer player ratings?
Can I find clubs on TrustPadel?
How does TrustPadel help players?
What is TrustPadel?
What is the best padel directory in the UK?
Is TrustPadel free to use?
Is TrustPadel available as an app?
TrustPadel Beginner’s Guide to Padel Rules
How to improve your Padel game through targeted mobility training
Indoor vs Outdoor Padel – Which Is Better for the Sport?
Do clubs run tournaments?
Any junior coaching available?
What age limits apply?
Ultimate Padel Glossary
What is padel?
How is padel different from tennis?
What is the difference between padel and pickleball?
Is padel played singles or doubles?
How long does it take to learn?
Who invented padel?
Is padel suitable for kids and adults?
Can beginners play straight away?
Do I need to be fit to start padel?
Where did padel originate?
Can I find playing partners?
Are there junior sessions?
Can I play casually?
What are social mixes?
Are there group lessons?
What beginner programs exist?
What is a padel court dimension?
Are courts indoor or outdoor?
How do I find courts near me?
How many players in the UK?
Why is padel growing fast?
What's the difference between Padel and Tennis balls?
What racket “density” should I use—and what do 3K–18K mean?
What are deuce and advantage?
How many courts exist in the UK?
The Lob: Padel's Most Underrated Shot
A well-timed lob is the most powerful shot in padel. Here is how to hit it properly and when to use it.
Understanding the Wall: How to Use Glass in Padel
The walls are what make padel unique. Learn how to read, use, and weaponise the glass walls.
Doubles Positioning: Why Where You Stand Matters
Court position determines 80% of your success in padel doubles. Most beginners focus on technique — but the real gains come from positioning.
Padel Basics: How to Serve
Master the padel serve — the shot that starts every point. Learn the rules, stance, and technique.