What is padel?

Padel is a mix of tennis and squash and is usually played in doubles on a smaller court surrounded by glass and grid walls. The special thing about it is that the walls can be included in the game and can either be used to play back or for clever defence. Tactics are just as important as skill and technique. The result is a dynamic game that is exciting and beginner-friendly - or as Lana explains:

"It's not about performance, it's not about precision - it's about getting into the game and having fun!"

Padel technique: the basics for your first match

"Padel doesn't start with perfect strokes - it starts with the first attempt," says padel expert Lana, who is a national padel player herself. Nevertheless, it helps to know the basic technique. This will help you progress faster and have even more fun on the court.

The ready position - your starting point for padel

Your posture determines how quickly you can react to the next ball. The ready position is your neutral starting position so you are ready for any playing situation. "Bend your knees slightly, place your feet hip-width apart and shift your weight onto the balls of your feet. Hold the racket in front of your chest and look forwards - that way you'll always be ready for the next shot," demonstrates padel pro Lana. She also recommends: "Move with small tapping steps instead of big jumps to keep you fast and agile. This light, controlled footwork helps you to be more responsive to your opponent's shots."

Soft forehand & backhand - controlled instead of powerful

These tactical shots only work with the right technique, however a distinction is made between forehand and backhand. Bear the following in mind: "With the forehand, you open the racket slightly and hit the ball in front of your body. The movement is from bottom to top - this is how you get the ball over the net safely and with control. With the backhand, you can use both hands, similar to a tennis slice. It's important to make a short, controlled lunge so that you hit the ball safely."

An extra tip from the expert:

"Take some time at the beginning to practise your forehand and backhand alone on the wall. Play the ball against it again and again with soft, controlled strokes - this will give you a better feel for the right hitting point and timing."

The padel racket:

"A padel racket is very different from a classic tennis racket: it is more compact and has a closed hitting surface with holes rather than a string. This makes it particularly easy to control - a real advantage, especially at the beginning." You really shouldn't make any compromises when it comes to the racket.

The balls for padel:

Even if the balls look like tennis balls, there are significant differences. "The balls for padel are softer and have less pressure. This slows the game down a little - perfect for getting to grips with the game. "

The right clothing:

For a good game, you need to be able to move properly and need comfortable clothing that supports this. "You'll be moving around a lot and you're guaranteed to work up a sweat. Breathable clothing makes the game much more comfortable."

Good training shoes:

"Training shoes with cushioning and a non-slip sole are completely sufficient - you need grip above all, because padel is played on artificial turf with sand," says Lana. "Slipping is almost part of the game and the right shoe gives you more security."

Start your first padel match with the right basics

Padel is more than just a trend, it's a thrilling sport that combines technique, tactics and team spirit in a unique way. With the right basics, a relaxed approach and the right equipment, you'll be well prepared to get started on the court yourself. Remember: nobody plays like a pro in their first match, but with a little practice, a secure grip, the right posture and simple moves such as lob, forehand and backhand, you'll have the best chance of finding your flow quicker.

So, grab a racket, find a match and discover how much fun padel really is!