A beginner padel training plan and how to choose lessons.
A useful beginner plan combines ball control, rules, positioning, glass and real points. Progress is not the number of named shots you know; it is making repeatable decisions with a partner.
A useful first month
Plan one focused learning or practice session and one relaxed match each week. Begin with serve, return and controlled rallying, then position and glass, followed by lob, volley and shared point construction.
- One focus
- per session, not ten problems
- 2 vs 2
- practise decisions in the real format
- Write it down
- what held up and what comes next
Week 1: keep the ball in play
Learn the underarm serve, a safe return and compact forehand and backhand strokes. The goal is not speed but a repeatable contact point and several controlled shots.
Finish with short points so scoring, service order and position become part of learning from the first session.
Week 2: position and move together
Begin behind the service line and advance together after serve or a good lob. Practise recovering balance and partner spacing after every stroke.
Link volleys to a simple intention: middle, body or depth. In a drill, award the point only when both partners reach the same zone.
Week 3: back glass without rushing
Start with slow single back-glass feeds. Call direct or glass, create room and return high through the middle. Leave double glass and a fast bajada until the simple decision is stable.
Austrian federation beginner formats combine basic technique, glass, one-versus-one, two-versus-two and match training. That mix transfers better than an hour of isolated strokes.
Week 4: construct points
Play task-based points: return deep or lob, move to the next position together and make at least three controlled contacts before accelerating. Afterwards, name one sound decision and one next focus.
Four weeks is a framework, not a guarantee. Repeat a block when control, enjoyment or tolerance for the load is not yet stable.
Choosing a lesson or course
Match the session to experience, language and goal. Ask about qualification, group size, syllabus, rental equipment, indoor/outdoor contingency and cancellation terms. For children, confirm supervision, age group and safeguarding.
A good first lesson observes your game and gives a small number of actionable tasks. Video or written cues can help you repeat them next match. FIP Academy Level 0 is explicitly designed for beginner coaching; national qualifications may use different names.
- Taster: learn the format and coach
- Group: social, economical and varied
- Private: targeted feedback
- Match practice: decisions under realistic pressure
Try it on court
Put the theory into practice. Find a padel club in Austria or check current court availability.
Coach education and Austrian formats
The plan reflects current Austrian federation beginner sessions and FIP's introductory coach-education level. Course structure and included equipment vary by venue.
Editorially reviewed on 10 August 2026