The unwritten rules about padel.

Padel might just be the most fun you can have with a racquet and a ball, but it comes with its own set of unwritten rules. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or not, there are certain "guidelines" you’ve got to follow to avoid being that guy (or girl) on the court.

1. The Serve: It’s a Serve, Not a Surprise Attack

Look, this isn’t a sneak attack mission. Always make sure your opponent is ready before you serve. You don’t want to be that person launching a serve while the other side is still adjusting their wrist-strap or wondering if they locked their car. A quick “Ready?” or head nod is enough. As JT says, what goes around comes around.

2. Call Your Shots

It’s simple: yell "Yours!" or "Mine!" before you both crash into each other. You’re playing doubles, not practising for a WWE tag team match. And don’t wait until the ball's practically bouncing off the court to scream “Yours!” - that’s just setting everyone up for disaster. The key is to communicate early and clearly, just like in any good relationship.

3. The Smash: Less Hulk, More Bruce Banner

Yes, smashing the ball is fun. But if you turn every rally into a Smash Bros tournament, your opponents might not come back to play. It’s also un-cool to aim your smashes direct at your moment and if it ends up hitting them, raise the hand to apologise. 

Padel is a game of strategy, not just brute force. Save the smashes for when it really counts - like when you’ve already mentally decided the point is yours and you're feeling a little extra dramatic.

4. The Glass Wall

We love the glass walls, especially the back walls when you can’t get a smash or lob in, but using the side walls to throw off your opponent (especially when playing against less experienced players) can seem a little cocky. Unless you have a great insurance policy, please don’t try this at home kids: 

5. Loose Balls: Retrieve ASAP

Loose balls on the court are like banana peels in Mario Kart - one wrong step and someone’s going down. So, do everyone a favour and clear them as soon as you can. 

6. Line Calls: You’re Not on VAR Duty

Unless you've got hawk-eye vision, trust your opponents’ line calls. This isn’t Wimbledon, and there’s no million-dollar prize riding on the match. Arguing over centimetres of ball placement is a surefire way to make things awkward during post-match beers. If it’s really that close, just say “good shot” and move on.

7. Celebrate, But Don't Be That Guy

Everyone loves winning a point, but no need to go full Cristiano Ronaldo with a victory lap. A subtle fist bump or a casual “Nice one” is enough. Over-the-top celebrations for every point make you look like you’ve won the lottery over a lucky net shot.

8. Keep the Game Moving

Padel is fast-paced, and that's part of the joy. So, between points, keep it moving. Don’t take five minutes to rehydrate or to check your Tinder profile. Like many of us, if you're playing in-between work meetings, keep the ball rolling.

9. End with a Handshake (or Fist Bump)

No matter how intense the match, always end with a handshake or a fist bump. You might’ve lost every game, smashed your favourite racquet in frustration, or hit yourself in the face with a lob (true story), but sportsmanship comes first. 

Are we missing any? We've set you up for success. See you at a No Strings event soon!

Stay posted,

Jacques & James