Your first month of padel: a women's path
The same four weeks from first hit to first match, starting with women-only taster sessions, women coaches and games where you play other women at your level.
Week 1: try it
Book a taster session or a women's beginners' clinic. Many clubs list women's sessions on their page. Hire a racket at the club for now; a lighter one is easier on the wrist and elbow. Wear trainers with a flat, grippy sole and a top you can lift your arms in. Learn the one rule that matters most: the ball bounces on the floor before it hits the walls.
Week 2: the rules and the volley
Read how the serve works and how the scoring goes. In mixed games the golden point is received by the player of the same sex as the server. Learn the volley: short, punched, racket up. Try the free first volleys course between sessions. Book a group lesson with a woman coach if you prefer one.
Week 3: the glass and the lob
Practise letting the ball pass you and playing it off the back glass. Learn the lob: high and deep is your best defence, and it wins many points at every level. Try the free back glass basics course. Play a relaxed game with friends or at a women's social.
Week 4: your first match
Find a women-only open game, or switch on women-only games in your player settings. Warm up properly before you start, shoulders and calves especially. Agree the format before the first serve. Afterwards, think about your own racket: a round, soft and lighter one is easiest to start with.