For the love of game
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All things padel
HOW TO GET STARTED IN PADEL
By Andi Neugarten-Chief Padel Addict-6lovesports-Dec 18, 2024
So your friends have started playing, you have passed some courts and seen people playing, or maybe some feeds have popped up on your social media! But you are intrigued, but a little nervous and confused about how to get started. Here are a few simple ways to get started!
Look around to identify the clubs closest to you. Just do a google maps search. Check their websites for programming. Sign up for a beginner class. Wear tennis shoes and borrow or rent a padel racket from the club. Don’t buy one right away! Usually a beginner class should include a racket rental.
Download the playbypoint app on your phone and create an account.
Add your local clubs as this will allow you to sign up for lessons and clinics as well as join existing games or set up your own games.
Take a few more beginner classes, maybe even advance to high beginner or low intermediate.if you played racket sports before, you will be a very fast learner and will advance quickly.
Get some matches going- start with players from your class, ask your coach to set some up, or look on play by point for open games with other beginner level players! Find a coach you like and take lessons! But don’t wait, don’t get left behind! This game is seriously addictive and fun and social and athletic. Its just super cool on every level! See you on the court!
Why Women Love Playing Padel
Padel has taken the world by storm, and women, in particular, are embracing this exciting sport. With its unique mix of strategy, social connection, and accessibility, padel offers something special that resonates with players of all skill levels. Here’s why so many women are falling in love with this dynamic sport.
1. It’s Easy to Learn
One of the best things about padel is how beginner-friendly it is. Unlike some other sports, padel has a shallow learning curve, allowing players to enjoy rallies and matches even as novices. The smaller court size and underhand serve make it less intimidating than tennis, encouraging women of all ages and athletic abilities to give it a try.
2. A Great Social Activity
Padel is almost always played in doubles, making it an inherently social sport. Women love the camaraderie and connection that comes from playing alongside friends, family, or new acquaintances. It’s a fantastic way to meet like-minded people, build a community, and stay active while having fun.
3. A Full-Body Workout
Padel provides a great workout that doesn’t feel like exercise. The sport involves cardio, strength, and agility, helping players stay fit and energized. For women looking for a fun way to stay active, padel offers the perfect balance of fitness and enjoyment.
4. It’s Accessible and Inclusive
Padel courts are smaller than tennis courts, and the use of walls keeps the ball in play longer, which levels the playing field. This makes padel an accessible sport for women of all fitness levels, ages, and experience. Many clubs also offer women-specific training sessions and leagues, creating a welcoming environment for newcomers.
5. A Stress Reliever
Between work, family, and other responsibilities, women often seek activities that help them unwind. Padel provides a chance to de-stress through physical activity, focus on the game, and share laughter with teammates. It’s a perfect escape from daily pressures.
6. Stylish Gear
Let’s face it: the gear is part of the fun! Padel brands are offering a wide range of stylish rackets, shoes, and apparel tailored for women. Many players enjoy expressing themselves through colorful, functional, and fashionable outfits that make them feel confident on the court.
7. Opportunities for Growth
Padel offers plenty of opportunities to improve and compete. Women enjoy the challenge of developing new skills, mastering techniques, and participating in local leagues or tournaments. The thrill of progression keeps the sport exciting and rewarding.
8. A Global Phenomenon
Padel’s rapid growth means it’s becoming easier than ever to find courts, clubs, and communities worldwide. Women love being part of a global movement that brings people together through sport.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s the social connection, the fitness benefits, or simply the joy of playing, padel has captured the hearts of women around the world. It’s a sport that empowers, energizes, and enriches lives—on and off the court.
Follow us @6lovesports on IG and join us on the journey!
Miami Padel Clubs- Padel X
In Miami we are spoiled, we have a multitude of magnificent padel clubs on our doorstep. Reserve, Ultra, Padel X, Real Padel, Wynwood, Platinum Padel, Key Biscayne, One Padel, I95, Padel Life….and thats just within a ten mile radius of Miami. And more to come!
I’ll be doing a review of each one of these clubs over the next few weeks, so watch this space! Each one of these clubs offers something special. They are all completely different, and you can feel their unique personality as you enter, but the underlying passion that can be felt at every one of them, is the passion for padel that all players and members bring. This week my focus is on Padel-X.
Padel X-‘Best layout’
I love playing matches here. Especially in the mornings and afternoons. I love how I feel like I’m in the middle of a city- such a hip and urban vibe. Its cool! I love the morning and afternoon shade from the buildings. But I especially love the central lounge area. Its so conducive to chilling out and relaxing but somehow brings all the courts in to feel close and connected. I particularly love the courts. I love the blue color, and I always feel like I’m super light and bouncy on the court! There is an elegant, urban feeling here that as I said, is super cool.
The showers are adequate- towel service would be nice, Reserve and Ultra offer towels! But forget temporary shower facilities, they are super clean, well air-conditioned and perfectly adequate. As I said, would love a few more amenities! The front desk staff are accommodating, helpful, professional and all around super nice and friendly. They go out of their way to help and the club is very well managed and run. @nalleus has put together an A plus facility!
How to Avoid Injuries When Playing Padel
Padel is a fun and dynamic sport, but like any physical activity, it comes with the risk of injury if proper precautions aren’t taken. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, staying injury-free is essential for maintaining your performance and enjoyment on the court. Here are practical tips to help you play padel safely and avoid common injuries.
1. Warm Up Properly
A proper warm-up is crucial for preparing your body for the physical demands of padel. Skipping it can lead to muscle strains or joint injuries.
* Dynamic Stretches: Focus on movements that increase blood flow and loosen your muscles, such as arm circles, lunges, and leg swings.
* Cardio Activity: A few minutes of light jogging or jumping jacks will elevate your heart rate and get your body ready for action.
2. Wear the Right Gear
Having the right equipment can significantly reduce your risk of injury:
* Padel Shoes: Invest in shoes designed specifically for padel. These provide the grip and lateral support needed to handle quick movements and prevent ankle injuries.
* Racket Selection: Choose a racket that matches your skill level and playing style. Using a racket that is too heavy or unbalanced can strain your wrist and elbow.
* Protective Gear: Consider using wrist or knee supports if you’re prone to injuries in these areas.
3. Focus on Technique
Improper technique is a common cause of injuries in padel:
* Learn from Experts: Take lessons from a qualified coach to ensure your strokes and movements are biomechanically sound.
* Avoid Overexertion: Trying to hit the ball too hard or making awkward reaches can lead to strains or sprains. Play within your range and gradually build your skills.
4. Strengthen Your Body
Building strength, especially in areas like your core, legs, and shoulders, will help you withstand the physical demands of padel:
* Core Strength: A strong core stabilizes your movements and reduces the risk of lower back pain.
* Leg Training: Exercises like squats and lunges improve balance and power while protecting your knees and ankles.
* Shoulder and Arm Strength: Resistance bands and light weights can help strengthen these areas to prevent overuse injuries.
5. Stretch and Cool Down
After your game, take the time to stretch and cool down. This helps prevent stiffness and reduces the likelihood of injury:
* Focus on major muscle groups used in padel, such as your legs, arms, and back.
* Hold each stretch for at least 20–30 seconds to improve flexibility and promote recovery.
6. Manage Your Workload
Overtraining is a leading cause of injuries:
* Rest Days: Schedule regular rest days to allow your body to recover and rebuild.
* Listen to Your Body: If you feel pain or discomfort, take a break and address the issue before it becomes a serious injury.
7. Stay Hydrated and Eat Well
Dehydration and poor nutrition can lead to fatigue, increasing your risk of injury:
* Stay Hydrated: Drink water before, during, and after playing.
* Balanced Diet: Include plenty of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates to fuel your performance and recovery.
8. Be Mindful of the Court Conditions
The surface you play on can impact your safety:
* Check the Court: Look for any hazards like wet spots, uneven areas, or debris that could cause slips or falls.
* Adapt to the Surface: Learn how to move safely on different court surfaces, especially those with sand that can be slippery.
9. Address Pain Early
Don’t ignore minor aches or discomfort—they can lead to more serious injuries if untreated:
* Rest and Recover: Take time off if you notice recurring pain.
* Consult a Professional: See a physiotherapist or sports doctor for advice and treatment if needed.
10. Play Smart
Ultimately, injury prevention comes down to playing smart:
* Know Your Limits: Avoid overexerting yourself, especially in high-intensity matches.
* Use Proper Communication: If you’re playing doubles, communicate effectively with your partner to avoid collisions.
Finally
Injury prevention is about being proactive and mindful both on and off the court. By warming up, wearing the right gear, focusing on technique, and listening to your body, you can enjoy padel safely and for years to come.
Happy playing… see you on the court!
Unleashing the passion and understanding the addiction.
How do you describe something that completely captures your attention and your energy? You dream about it, you think about it all day long, you study it by watching YouTube, you plan your vacations and your social life around it, you dream about your next match, and you replay the good and bad points from that match over and over again in your mind. It takes over your daily life in the best of ways as you plan your daily schedule around your lessons, matches, tournaments and clinics. You become focused on what your opponents are doing, how much they are playing, where they are taking lessons and what you need to do to improve even more. And ultimately, it completely becomes your social life- evenings and weekends at the club, socializing, networking, playing, eating, drinking and making friends. You start to plan vacations around it too, seeking destinations where padel courts are on property or close by and you encourage your family to play so that you can continue to play more.
This is padel, and this is a feeling that all of us recognize too well. it’s a love affair, a healthy addiction, a burst of endorphins released as that ‘high’ when you workout, combined with a dopamine rush that brings extreme pleasure and makes you want more and more and more. Dopamine is tied to the brains reward system, so any improvement, whether it’s mastering a new shot or winning a match, keeps you coming back and wanting more and more. Simple neuroscience, but addiction is real. And padel is mostly a very healthy addiction, being social, fun and active. Sadly with any addiction, even with the healthiest ones, there are some negatives. Too much of anything can hurt you, and too much padel is no exception. It causes overuse injuries, burnout, mental fatigue and can have a negative social impact.
My life has changed so much in the past year, in so many wonderful ways. Largely because I discovered padel! I have made so many new friends, male and female, from different walks of life, different countries, different backgrounds and I have travelled to new countries to compete and play padel and have enjoyed the camaraderie of being on Team USA. We are united by our common passion and addiction. We speak the same language, the language of padel. I used to enjoy leisurely Friday lunches with my girlfriends, and now, I would rather play some great padel and grab a healthy salad at the club when we are done. I used to enjoy happy hour at various hotspots around town, but these days, the ‘hottest’ happy hour is happening at the padel club. Would you rather be in a stuffy bar, or play some padel, enjoy a cool vibe, listen to some great music and socialize with like-minded and passionate people? Well, I know what I prefer! And as my friends see the light in my eyes and catch a glimpse of this fuel that ignites me, they want a piece of it too. Well, who wouldn’t! Slowly I am finding that all my friends want to give this a try and it’s a wonderful opportunity to mix old and new friends and make magic happen both on and off the court.
Sadly, I have also felt the negative effects of my crazy obsession and addiction. Playing three times a day and chasing lessons, clinics and more matches has left me with tennis elbow and knee problems. I also find I’m spending less time in the gym and neglecting my very important weight training routine. A crucial component to any well-balanced fitness regime. I’m staring at a partial knee replacement which will set me back a few months, but it’s also a message and a lesson to try and slow down, recalibrate my padel addiction, re-assess what works for me and maybe to find that balance again.
With its upward spiral and growing popularity, this wonderful padel trend is no trend at all. It’s a movement and a lifestyle and this is just the beginning. In my opinion, the padel clubs of the future will start to encompass more of a lifestyle and will become more like a country club. As families start to pick up the sport, there will be a need for places that include padel, spa, restaurants, bar, trainers, daycare-a country club style environment for padel. It’s already happening right here in Miami. But 2025 will be the year! Watch out as padel’s growth skyrockets. What’s not to love?
The discipline of hard work and how it relates to padel!
Hard work, the ability to stay focused, motivated, and keep grinding away. That feeling that gets you out there on the days where you simply don’t feel like it! Is it a mindset, a work ethic, something you are born with, or something you can learn?
Some people may have a natural drive, but no one is born with an unshakable discipline. That kind of work ethic is built over time through habits, repetition, and a deep connection to why you do what you do.
The ability to stay focused and keep grinding, even on the toughest days, comes from:
* Mindset: Training yourself to push through resistance, knowing that progress is made in the moments you don’t feel like showing up.
* Work Ethic: Building the discipline to put in the effort consistently, turning hard work into a routine, not a choice.
* Passion & Purpose: Finding that something inside that drives you—the love for the game, the hunger to improve, or the desire to prove something to yourself.
* Learned Habits: The more you push yourself, the easier it becomes. Over time, showing up even when unmotivated becomes second nature.
So while some may have a headstart, the grind, the focus, and the motivation? That’s something anyone can develop. It’s about making the choice—day after day—to get out there and do the work.
A successful padel player embodies a work ethic, state of mind, and commitment to perfection that set them apart.
But we are all so different. What drives you? I’m not actually sure where my discipline and focus came from, I know I learned from my dad who always instilled in me how you should follow your dreams and work hard every day to achieve what you want. But somehow, since I was a little girl, I never seem to have had a problem, focusing on the things that I really want and putting all my focus and energy into making those things happen. Now I’m specifically referring to workouts or anything athletic here.
When it comes to my workouts, I have somehow taken this to a different level. I may not be the best player out there, but I am one of the hardest workers. Whether it was back in the days when I was running or doing triathlons or playing tennis, and now with regard to my Padel, my philosophy is always to keep working and perfecting and improving… Every single day!
When it was triathlon, I would be out running sprints on the track trying to improve my times by just a few seconds so that I had more on the run at the end of my race. Or doing endless measured time-trials on my bike. In the swimming pool, I was never the best swimmer, but I was out swimming three days a week at 5 AM to try and shave just a few seconds off my time to help me improve. I remember some mornings being in the freezing cold, standing at the side of the pool and I couldn’t wait to jump into the water where it was just a few degrees warmer than the cold air outside. And in relation to padel, the ball machine and a good hitting partner are my very best friends to do countless drills and repetitive exercises.
Some people might say that I have OCD, and I probably do, but you combine that with an intense passion for what I do and commitment to be the very best version of me and what you get is a hard worker, motivated and driven and able to get out day after day and strive for improvement.
So many times in my life, I go back to the feeling I had when I was doing my Ironman in Melbourne Australia. I got off the bike and my legs were completely shot. They were wobbling. I could barely walk and yet I had a marathon to run. I said to myself there is no way I can run 26 miles right now. But I can run 1 mile and all I did was tell myself 1 mile and one more mile and one more mile, and finally, I ran the marathon and crossed the finish line.
With regards to Padel, yes we all understand this addiction and I’m probably playing way too much, but I love it and it makes me happy. I’m the one that you’ll find on the ball machine at 6:30 in the morning perfecting a shot that my coach and I worked on in a class the day before. I will repeat it over and over again till I feel like I’ve mastered it. We all know this doesn’t mean that you step onto the court and have the perfect shot because in real life situation, things change, but it gives me the satisfaction of knowing that I’m working on it and ultimately in a real match situation I will have the confidence to try those shots.
You don’t need a ball machine to work hard like this, just getting onto the court with a partner who’s the same level as you and doing some drills, many of which can be found on YouTube or on Instagram reels is a perfect way to improve your game. Padel is a game of consistency and strategy and if you can make just one more ball back over the net until your appointment makes a mistake. You’re well on your way to being an outstanding padel player.
So I challenge you to dig deep, find what drives you and maybe step it up a notch. Work that little but harder, find a little more inside you and who knows what will happen.
‘It’s all for the love of the game!’
