The scariest part of your first open match isn’t the walls or the scoring. It’s the fear of doing something wrong in front of strangers. The good news: padel is one of the friendliest sports going, and most of the “unwritten rules” are just common courtesy. Here’s what to know before you turn up.
Joining an open match
Open matches are how most players meet others at their level. You book into a match, the other spots fill with players of a similar standard, and you play. A few things make it go smoothly:
Be honest about your level. It’s tempting to pick a higher level so you don’t look like a beginner. Don’t. The game is better for everyone when the four players are evenly matched, and you’ll improve faster against people at your level. Not sure where you sit? Take our level quiz.
Arrive a few minutes early. Court time is tight, and a late start eats into everyone’s game. Use the extra minutes to say hi and have a quick hit-up.
Bring your own gear, or hire it. You’ll need a racket and balls. No racket yet? Hire one from the vending machines on site (from $4 an hour, any time), or at the front desk during staffed hours, and ask the team for a hand.
On court: the little habits that matter
Introduce yourself. A quick name swap with your partner and opponents sets the tone. It also helps when you need to call “yours” or “mine”.
Talk to your partner. Padel is a doubles game, and most points are won by pairs who talk. Call “mine”, “yours”, “leave it” and “switch” early and loudly. New to doubles? Our guide to moving as a pair is a good place to start.
Apologise for lucky shots. Net cords and lucky bounces are part of the game, and a quick “sorry” or a raised hand is a nice habit. Nobody expects a speech.
Don’t coach your partner unasked. It’s well meant, but unsolicited tips mid-match can sting. If you’re keen to share something you noticed, wait until the end and ask if they’d like feedback.
Balls, walls and safety
Stop play if a ball rolls onto your court. If a stray ball comes in from the next court, call “ball!” and replay the point. It’s a safety issue as much as a courtesy. Then roll it back gently rather than hitting it hard.
Don’t walk behind a point. Wait for the point to finish before crossing behind a court.
Respect the glass. Padel courts are built for the ball to play off the walls, but smashing a racket into the glass or kicking a wall isn’t on. It’s bad for the court and bad for the mood.
Scoring and calling the ball
Padel is usually played without a referee, so players make their own calls. The rule of thumb is simple: if you’re unsure, give your opponents the benefit of the doubt. Say the score clearly before each serve, so there are no arguments later. If you’re new to the scoring, our padel rules guide covers the golden point and how the walls work.
Playing an Americano
An Americano is a social format where you change partners every round and score individually, so everyone plays with and against everyone. It’s the most relaxed way to meet people, and a few habits help:
Keep the pace. Rounds are short, so don’t hold up the next set with long chats between points.
Be a good partner to every pairing. You’ll play with people above and below your level. Encourage the newer player and don’t overplay the stronger one.
Don’t take the score too seriously. It’s a social format. Win gracefully and lose cheerfully.
We cover how our own Americanos work in Americano Tournaments at Padel Park.
After the match
Shake hands or tap rackets over the net, thank your partner, and if you enjoyed the game, say so. Clear the court promptly so the next group can start on time. And if someone helped you out, remember it, because next time it’ll be you helping a nervous first-timer.
Not ready for an open match yet?
You don’t have to start with strangers. Our weekly socials are the easiest way in: turn up, we’ll pair you up, and you’ll know a few faces by the end of the night. A group class or a private lesson is a gentle way to learn the basics first. When you’re ready, browse open matches.
Brand new to padel altogether? Start with what to expect at your first session.
Find your people at the Park.
Read next
Americano Tournaments at Padel Park: The Most Social Way to Play Padel & Pickleball: how the format works and how to join one.
Filed under Getting started · Padel
