Learn Padel in New Zealand
Rules, strategy, coaching tips, and everything you need to know about the fastest-growing sport in NZ.
Official Rules
Complete padel rules explained clearly. Serving, scoring, walls, and everything in between.
Scoring System
How padel scoring works. Points, games, sets, tiebreaks, and golden point.
Getting Started
Your first session. What to bring, what to expect, and basic techniques to learn first.
Strategy & Tactics
Positioning, wall play, lobbing, and the tactical elements that make padel unique.
Coaching in NZ
Where to find coaching, what to expect from lessons, and becoming a coach yourself.
Equipment Guide
Rackets, shoes, balls — what you need and what you don't. NZ-focused recommendations.
More Padel Guides
Padel vs Tennis
Key differences, which sport is easier to learn, and court comparisons.
Serve Rules
Underhand technique, official rules, and common serving faults.
Wall Play
Using rebounds effectively, back wall technique, and timing.
Doubles Strategy
Positioning, communication, and teamwork for winning partnerships.
Grip Guide
Continental grip basics, hand positioning, and common mistakes.
Fitness
Physical demands, conditioning exercises, and injury prevention.
Terminology
Essential padel vocabulary: bandeja, vibora, chiquita, and more.
Court Dimensions
Official measurements, wall heights, and court specifications.
Lob Guide
When to lob, defensive vs offensive lobs, and placement tactics.
Smash Technique
Types of smashes, body positioning, and shot selection.
What is Padel?
Padel is a racket sport played in doubles on an enclosed court about one-third the size of a tennis court. The court has glass walls and metallic mesh fencing, and the ball can be played off these walls similar to squash.
The sport originated in Mexico in 1969, spread through Spain and Argentina, and is now the fastest-growing sport in the world with over 30 million players globally. In New Zealand, padel has grown from zero courts to over 20 courts across 9 clubs since 2022.
Getting Started in 5 Steps
Find a Court
There are 9 padel clubs across New Zealand, mostly in Auckland, with courts also in Wellington, Hamilton, Papamoa, and Nelson.
Grab a Racket
Most clubs have rackets available to hire for $5-10. Don't buy your own until you've played a few times and know what weight and shape you prefer.
Wear Court Shoes
Court shoes or tennis shoes with non-marking herringbone soles. Running shoes don't provide the lateral support padel demands.
Learn the Basics
Underhand serve, let the ball bounce before hitting, use the walls to return difficult shots. That's enough to start having fun.
Find Regular Partners
Join club WhatsApp groups or attend social mixers. Padel needs four players, and the community is the best part of the sport.
Padel in New Zealand
| Region | Clubs | Courts |
|---|---|---|
| Auckland | Pacific Padel, Glendowie, Remuera Rackets, Riverside Sports, Indoor Padel NZ | ~15 |
| Wellington | Padel House NZ | 4 |
| Bay of Plenty | The Padel Club NZ (Papamoa) | 4 |
| Waikato | Padel Park Hamilton | 3 |
| Nelson/Tasman | Padel Centre Tasman | 2 |