How to choose a padel racket when you're starting out

Shape: go round

A round racket has its balance point low, near your hand. That makes it the most manoeuvrable of the three shapes and gives it the largest sweet spot — which is exactly what you need when you are still learning where the middle of the racket is.

Diamond-shaped rackets concentrate mass high in the head for maximum smash power. They also have the smallest, highest sweet spot on the face, so every mishit is punished. They are a genuinely bad first racket, no matter how good they look.

Weight: lighter than you think

Aim for 355–370 g (12.5–13.1 oz). Padel involves far more volleys and quick reactions at the net than tennis, and a heavy racket costs you time on exactly those shots. It is also the single biggest contributor to padel elbow, which is common and slow to heal.

Foam hardness: soft

The foam core is what launches the ball. A soft foam compresses more easily, which means it returns the ball with decent depth even when you have not hit it cleanly — and it absorbs far more shock.

Hard foam only pays off if you already swing fast enough to compress it. Below that threshold it simply feels dead and beats up your arm.

The mistakes that cost beginners money

• Buying the racket a pro uses. Tour players use hard, diamond-shaped, head-heavy frames. They are the least forgiving equipment in the sport.
• Chasing power. At beginner level, points are won through consistency and placement, not smashes. A controllable racket wins more games.
• Skipping the wrist strap. It is mandatory in most clubs, and a released racket is a genuine injury risk to your partner.

À découvrir

Forgiving rackets to start with