Beginner padel lessons.

Start with a free intro.

Everyone starts somewhere, and Smash is built for complete beginners. You don’t need experience, you don’t need to be ‘sporty’, and you don’t even need someone to come with you. Just turn up, and we’ll take you from your very first hit to becoming a regular, confident player.

The easiest way in. Your first session is an hour on court with a coach, rackets provided, alongside other people who are just starting out too. You’ll get to grips with the rules and the handful of shots you actually need to enjoy a game, and you’ll quickly find padel is easier than it looks. The serve is underarm, the walls are your friend, and there are no expectations.

By the end you’ll have played your first points and got a real feel for the game. Your coach will then take a few minutes to talk through where to go next, based on how you found it.

Book your free intro

Learn new skills with Padel Xpress.

Loved your intro and want to keep going? Padel Xpress is our six-week beginner course, one hour a week, designed to grow your skills and your confidence: you’ll start with the basics, then layer on the shots, the movement and the know-how. You can also repeat sessions if you’d like to, which is a great way to build your confidence before moving on.

By the end, you’ll have everything you need to book your own court, join a social, or carry on with more coaching, whatever feels right for you. And you’ll have met new padel players to practise with.

Padel Xpress – You’ll learn all the elements of padel.

Week 1
Forehand & backhand

Week 2
Back glass

Week 3
Volleys

Week 4
Overhead & smashes

Week 5
Serve & return

Week 6
Put it all together

You'll always play with people at your level.

Whenever you join a session, you’re matched with people of a similar level, and similar nerves, so you’re never the odd one out and never holding anyone up. Meet people at the same stage as you, have a laugh, and figure it out together.

Where it takes you.

Once you've found your feet, there's plenty to move on to, all at your own pace:

Explore the activities at your local club

Social play sessions – a relaxed, friendly game with others at your level, and an easy way to meet people and get court time without any pressure

Book a court – once you’ve met a few fellow players, you can book a court and play with your new padel friends whenever it suits

You, Three and Me – your coach plays in alongside you and three others, helping you pick up tactics and shots in the flow of a real game

Open matches and leagues – when you fancy a bit more, book into an open match to meet other players at your level, or join a league for some friendly, low-key competition

What our beginners say.

For someone approaching 56 years of age, Smash Padel has opened up not only a fantastic new sport for me, but also an amazing source of new acquaintances and friendships. For a place that is not a members’ club, it truly has the feel of a wonderful club – and that is entirely down to the way Gareth and the staff welcome and look after everyone. It has become my happy place. No matter what troubles might be going on in life off the court, I always get a
tremendous lift each time I walk into Smash Padel Cardiff.

Andrew Mallet , Smash Cardiff Customer

I absolutely love playing at Smash Padel Mid Sussex! The location at Whitemans Green is great – easy to get to and such a lovely spot. The courts are top quality, and I really appreciate that they have a single court, which is perfect when you just want to play one-on-one. The coaches are brilliant – friendly, professional, and really encouraging. Most of all, it’s just so much fun! I can’t get enough of it. Highly recommend to anyone, whether you’re just starting out or already hooked on padel like I am!

Florence Miremadi , Smash Padel Mid Sussex Customer

I very much love playing Padel, and the great staff at Oxford—Lupe, Louisa, and Daniella—make the experience even more special. Their warm and welcoming nature has helped create a lovely community that continues to grow. Playing Padel here isn’t just about the game; it’s about being part of something very enjoyable.

Helena Sancho , Smash Padel Oxford Customer

Smash has delivered a thriving padel centre which drives new footfall to our newly refurbished clubhouse and restaurant. Over 90% occupancy illustrates how their team has engaged the local community with coaching and programming.

Tracey Spuyman , Haywards Heath Rugby Club

Ready to give it a go?

Download the Nettla app to book your free intro at your nearest Smash Padel venue. Rackets provided, no experience needed, and your first session is on us.

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