Padel is played on a court about a third the size of a tennis court, enclosed by glass and mesh walls. Four players — two per side — use solid paddles to hit a low-compression ball back and forth over a net. The walls are part of the game: a ball that bounces off the glass is still in play, which turns points that look over into points worth chasing.
That single rule — the walls are live — is what separates padel from almost every other racket sport, and it's the reason most people who try it once come back.
In This Article
Key Takeaways
The rules are simpler than they look from the sidelines:
That's genuinely most of it. The strategy — using the walls, working angles, positioning with your partner — comes with time on court, not from a rulebook.
Walking onto a padel court for the first time feels less intimidating than it looks from outside the glass. A few things to expect:
A clinic is the easiest entry point. Roslyn Padel's $60 clinics are built for players who've never picked up a paddle, with instruction that starts from the basics — serve, positioning, and how to read the walls.
Nothing complicated:
There's no need to buy equipment before your first time on court.
"I've never played a racket sport — can I still try padel?"
Yes. Padel's underhand serve and shorter court make it more approachable than tennis for someone starting from zero. Clinics are designed to teach from the ground up.
"Will I feel out of place if I'm not athletic?"
No. Padel is social first — open play sessions mix skill levels, and the format (doubles, smaller court, slower ball) keeps rallies going for everyone, not just strong players.
"How long until I'm not a total beginner?"
Most players feel comfortable with the basics — serve, return, using the walls — within 2 to 3 sessions. The learning curve is gentle at the start and gets more interesting as you go.
Booking Your First Court
Roslyn Padel has 4 courts inside Christopher Morley Park at 500 Searingtown Rd N, Roslyn, NY 11576 — accessible from Great Neck, Manhasset, Port Washington, and the rest of Nassau County.
Clinics — $60 per session. Built for first-timers, with instruction from the ground up.
Open Play — $65 for 1.5 hours. Drop in, get matched into a doubles game, and play.
Members save 20% on both, as part of the $750 / 3-month founding membership starting July 1st.
No. Padel's rules are simpler than tennis, and the underhand serve removes the steepest part of the tennis learning curve. Tennis experience helps, but it isn't required.
Padel involves a lot of movement — lateral steps, short sprints, and constant positioning with your partner. It doesn't feel like a workout in the moment because the focus is on the rally, not the exertion.
Padel is played in doubles — four players total, two per side. Open play sessions at Roslyn Padel are set up to match solo players and pairs into games.
A padel paddle is solid (no strings), perforated, and shorter than a tennis racquet. It's lighter and easier for beginners to control on first contact with the ball.