Padel Etiquette & Court Safety: Do’s and Don’ts for New Players
Respecting your fellow players and taking care of your body are just as important as hitting winners. This guide outlines etiquette tips and safety basics so you can enjoy padel without incident.
Court etiquette: what to do and what to avoid
- Wait for points to finish: never walk onto a court during a point; enter only when play has stopped.
- Call balls fairly: signal clearly whether a ball is out or in, and respect your opponents’ calls.
- Respect court boundaries: avoid crossing other courts to retrieve balls; wait until play pauses.
- Keep noise to a minimum: encourage your partner but avoid loud distractions when others are serving.
Warm‑up and mobility
Proper preparation reduces the risk of injury. Before playing, perform dynamic warm‑ups such as arm circles, hip rotations and light jogging. Padelfit recommends joint mobility exercises and muscle activation rather than static stretching [oai_citation:13‡padelfitacademy.co.uk](https://www.padelfitacademy.co.uk/blog/best-practises-to-prevent-injury-playing-padel#:~:text=Tip%201%3A%20The%20Power%20of,Than%20Just%20a%20Few%20Stretches).
Hydration, footwear and stretching
Stay hydrated before, during and after matches to prevent cramps. Wear padel‑specific shoes with good lateral support and cushioning to protect your ankles and knees. After playing, cool down with gentle stretching and foam rolling to aid recovery [oai_citation:14‡padelfitacademy.co.uk](https://www.padelfitacademy.co.uk/blog/best-practises-to-prevent-injury-playing-padel#:~:text=Tip%201%3A%20The%20Power%20of,Than%20Just%20a%20Few%20Stretches).
Play hard, play fair
Following basic etiquette and safety guidelines keeps padel enjoyable for everyone. For more tips on technique and equipment, subscribe to our blog. Remember to warm up, stay hydrated and keep your gear protected with a COVR padel case.