Padel for beginners: your first game, no stress

Your level first

Poteau has a level quiz for padel. You answer a few questions about how you play, and you get your Poteau level, from 1 to 10, with one decimal. It shows on your profile.

So you know where you stand before your first game.

Then the game's level

Every player-run padel game on Poteau shows the expected level. Two in three welcome levels 1 to 4.

For your first one, pick a game at your level, or just below. You can also see who's signed up before you go.

What you need

• A racket: no need to buy one. Clubs in Paris rent them for about €4.

• Court shoes: flat soles with grip. No cleats, not even molded ones.

• Balls: €7 to €8 a can. Someone usually brings some. If not, split it.

On the court

1. Let the ball go by. It bounces off the back glass and comes back to you. You have more time than you think.

2. Net or back. The middle of the court is where everything lands at your feet.

3. Hit softer. A ball hit too hard bounces off their back glass and sits up nicely for them.

4. Talk to your partner. "Yours," "mine." Otherwise the ball goes right between two players looking at each other.

Your first game

On Poteau, 9 in 10 padel games last 90 minutes. Show up 10 minutes early, and bring water.

A spot usually costs €11 in France, plus the racket. The first ten minutes are a warm-up: a few rallies at the net, a few balls from the back.

Post in the game chat: "first time playing padel." It sets expectations, and nobody's waiting for a smash.

Starting out in Paris

The city-run courts at the Jules-Ladoumègue sports center (19th) are listed at €20 an hour. That's €5 each, split four ways. Handy for trying it with friends.

On Poteau, most padel games are around Paris, with Stadium Thiais, just south of the city, at the top.

The Poteau Team