The 15 most common questions asked by padel players (and our answers)
❓ Player FAQ • 8 min read
Serve, scoring, equipment, progress, injuries: we answer the 15 questions we get asked every week about padel and rackets.
We receive dozens of messages each week from players who are starting out or want to improve. We've compiled the 15 most frequently asked questions, with our concrete answers.
🏓 Equipment and racket
1.What's the difference between €100 and €250 rackets?
Three differences: the carbon content (full carbon vs. fiberglass mix), the foam quality (technical EVA vs. basic), and the manufacturing origin (Made in Spain vs. low-cost Asia). The result: a €250 racket lasts 2 to 3 times longer. See our detailed price comparison.
2.How long does a padel racket last?
With regular use: low-cost = 3-5 months • mid-range = 6-9 months • full carbon Made in Spain = 12-18 months. With good maintenance, +30-50% longer lifespan.
3.When should I change my racket?
4 signs: (1) loss of power with equal effort, (2) dull sound on impact, (3) soft feel, (4) vibrations in the wrist. If you check 2/4, your racket is at the end of its life.
4.Do I need a "women's" racket?
No, it's mostly marketing. What matters: weight and tolerance. Our quiz bases recommendations on playing profile, not gender.
5.Carbon 3K, 12K, 18K: is it better when the number is higher?
Higher number = stiffer = more powerful AND more demanding for the arm. Not necessarily "better". For beginners/intermediates, 3K is more comfortable. 12K is the confirmed standard.
🎯 Rules and technique
6.The ball hit the glass before bouncing on the ground, is it a fault?
Yes, point for the opponent. The ball must always bounce on the ground BEFORE hitting the glass. All padel rules here.
7.Can you leave the court to retrieve the ball?
Yes, through the side doors. You can hit from outside if it bounced and then went out. You must return it over the net for the point to continue.
8.How to get to the net without being passed?
3 rules: (1) wait for the right moment, (2) go up with your teammate at the same time, (3) anticipate the lob — the number one weapon against players at the net.
9.How to defend against smashes?
Step back slightly, racket ready at chest height. You don't need to hit hard: a simple block that returns the ball well-placed is enough. Padel smashes are well defended in 80% of cases.
📈 Progress and training
10.How long does it take to go from level 1 to 5?
With 2 sessions/week + coach at the beginning: around 12 months. 3-4 times/week + coach: 6-9 months. Without a coach and 1/week: 18-24 months.
11.Should I take lessons to improve?
Not mandatory but highly recommended at the beginning. 3-4 initial lessons avoid bad habits. It saves you 6 months of progress.
12.What is the ideal frequency for progress?
2 times/week minimum. 3 times is optimal. 4+ times is intensive. Less than 1/week = you stagnate.
🩹 Health and injuries
13.How to avoid epicondylitis ("tennis elbow")?
4 levers: (1) tolerant racket (round/teardrop shape, soft foam), (2) clean overgrip changed regularly, (3) antivibrator, (4) warm-up 5 min before each session.
14.What shoes for padel?
Specific padel shoes or clay court tennis shoes. Definitely not running shoes: the sole must grip laterally, otherwise, ankle sprain guaranteed.
🛒 Purchase and budget
15.Online or in-store?
Both are valid. In-store you can touch but the choice is limited. Online: wider choice, often better prices, and 14-day free returns with us. You order, you test, you send back if it's not suitable.
⚠️ 3 myths to forget
❌ "The heavier the racket, the more powerful it is" → False. Power comes from balance, not absolute weight.
❌ "An expensive racket is necessarily better" → False. Above €300 you often pay for marketing.
❌ "No need for specific equipment" → False. The right racket radically changes your progress.
🎯 Another question?
Our 2-minute quiz recommends the ideal racket for you, or contact us directly.
Take the quiz →You can also write to us via the contact page, we reply within 48 working hours.