Padel
For Kids
The complete guide for parents and children. Equipment, clubs, beginner sessions, what age to start — everything you need to get your child into the fastest-growing sport in the world.
Why Padel for Children?
Padel is arguably the ideal first racket sport for children. The court is smaller, the racket is lighter and easier to handle, and the enclosed walls mean the ball rarely disappears beyond reach. Beginners — including young beginners — can get the ball back over the net from their very first session, which means fun from minute one.
The game is always doubles, which means it is inherently social. Children play with and against others, developing communication, teamwork, and sportsmanship alongside their athletic skills.
Unlike tennis, where children often struggle with adult-sized courts and the technical demands of the service motion, padel gives young players immediate, positive feedback. This is why national junior programmes across Spain, Sweden, and increasingly the UK report extraordinary retention rates.
England Padel runs a national junior programme with structured pathways from beginner through to competitive junior. Schools programmes are expanding rapidly.
What Age Can Children Start?
Smaller courts, foam balls, lightweight mini rackets. Focus is entirely on fun — no formal scoring, just hitting the ball and discovering the sport. Perfect first introduction.
Full padel rules introduced gradually. Junior-sized courts (sometimes half-court to full) with soft balls. Technique begins to develop. Club junior sessions are ideal at this age.
Full adult court, proper equipment, competitive junior league structure. England Padel runs regional and national junior competitions from under-12 upwards.
Junior Equipment Guide
Choosing a Junior Racket
Junior padel rackets are sized specifically for smaller hands and lighter arm strength. Do not buy an adult racket for a child under 12 — it will be too heavy and the grip too large.
Other Equipment
Junior Padel in Action
Find a Junior Session Near You
Most established padel clubs now run junior sessions. Use the official England Padel court finder and call ahead to ask about junior coaching programmes.