If you’ve spent any time at a local park lately, you’ve heard the constant noise of pickleball. But in certain parts of SoCal, people are moving on to something faster. It’s called padel and it looks a little like tennis. But it plays more like a high-speed game of human pinball.
For those just learning how to play padel, think of it as a hybrid of tennis and squash. You play in doubles on a court enclosed by glass walls. The walls are part of the game — if a ball gets past you, it isn’t out, you just wait for it to bounce off the back glass and hit it on the way back. This keeps the ball in play much longer. It also makes for better rallies and a much more intense workout than your typical Sunday morning pickleball match.
If you’re just starting out here is the basic breakdown of how to play padel in Southern California.
Where to get on the court
Finding a place to jump into the action is a little bit of a challenge, but the infrastructure is growing. Just be prepared to pay.
In Los Angeles, Padel Up has become a major hub with its premier rooftop setup at Westfield Century City and an indoor flagship in Culver City.
If you’re further south, Taktika Padel runs high-energy clinics out of LA Galaxy Park in Carson and the Barnes Tennis Center in San Diego.
And for those who prefer a luxury resort atmosphere, Rancho Valencia in Rancho Santa Fe has added world-class padel courts to its massive racquet sports complex.
The gear you actually need
You don’t need a stringed racquet for this. Padel rackets are solid and perforated with holes. For how to play padel successfully as a beginner, you want a “round” shaped racquet because they have a larger sweet spot.
A great entry-level option is the Babolat Contact, which is known for being lightweight and very easy to maneuver. If you want something with a bit more tech, the Head Evo Speed is a favorite for newcomers because it balances comfort with a little extra power. You can browse these and other top-rated beginner padel racquets on Amazon to find one that fits your budget.
The most important investment, however, is your shoes. Because you’re making quick, lateral pivots and running toward the glass, you need specialized grip. “All-court” or “clay-court” tennis shoes work best because they prevent you from sliding on the sand-infused turf. You can find high-performance options at Dick’s Sporting Goods, or if you want a pair that looks as good at brunch as it does on the court, check the designer athletic lines at Nordstrom or Saks Fifth Avenue.
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