There aren’t many racquet sports you can immediately start playing together as a family without someone ending up bored, bewildered or benched. While tennis can be a great way to bond with your kids, they’ll need quite a lot of coaching to get up to a standard where you can all enjoy the game.
But Padel is different. With its smaller courts, softer balls and lighter bats, it’s genuinely accessible to all ages. Quick to learn and endlessly fun, it’s one of the few sports where grandparents, parents and kids can rally together — without anyone needing a post-match lie-down.
So how do you spark your child’s interest in Padel, and keep them coming back for more? Here’s how to get them onto the court, one fun-filled step at a time, so they can enjoy all the benefits of Padel.
1. Focus on fun
Padel is a game, not a grind — especially at the beginning. Resist the urge to coach like a pro and instead lean into laughter. Let them chase the ball, hit the walls and invent their own point systems. The more fun they have, the more they’ll want to play again.
2. Keep it basic
Padel’s official scoring system can wait. What matters more are the core skills: bat control, timing, simple hand-eye coordination. Keep things light and instinctive, and you’ll build the foundation for a more natural style of play.
3. Set up some drills
Kids love a challenge — especially one that involves smashing a ball at a wall. Create mini drills that feel more like games than lessons: underarm serving, target practice or wall rebounds. You’ll keep them engaged, and they’ll build real skills without even realising it.
4. Move onto short rallies
Once they’ve got the basics down, start a few short rallies. No pressure to keep score, just encourage flow, rhythm and movement. You’ll be amazed how quickly they develop a feel for the game.
5. Show them videos
A quick scroll through Instagram or YouTube will serve up plenty of Padel highlights — watching kids their own age having a blast on court can be a big motivator. And seeing grown-ups play with pace and flair might just spark some sporting ambition.
6. Set up a regular Padel session
Routine is everything. A weekly slot in the diary makes Padel a habit, not a one-off. Whether it’s post-school on Thursdays or a Sunday morning slot, consistency helps them build skills — and anticipation
7. Invite their friends
Padel is famously social. Bringing their friends into the mix adds a whole new layer of energy and makes the court feel like their space, not just yours.
8. Choose the right kit
Make sure they’ve got a bat that’s right for their size and strength—lighter frames make all the difference. And swap standard tennis balls for softer Padel-specific ones to keep rallies going for longer. Comfort, control and confidence, all in one.
Game on
Introduce it the right way and Padel can be a sport your children love for life. Easy to learn and endlessly fun to play, it’s the ultimate family activity.
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