Beginners welcome
Absolute beginners padel. No experience needed.
Never played padel before? You do not need any experience, and you do not need to know anyone. About once a month we run a beginner padel session in Barcelona where you can learn the basics and get started in a friendly, no-pressure setting.
Learn the basics as a beginner
At our beginner padel sessions you are shown how it works and coached through it the first time, at your own pace.
Everyone is in the same boat
Nobody expects you to be good. Most people at a beginner session are new too, so there is nothing to feel shy about.
Meet people who already play
You will be playing alongside people who already do padel, so you leave with new friends and an easy way into the regular sessions.
How it works
- STEP 1
Sign up
Fill in a short form for the next session. It has the date, place and time, and tells you how to secure your spot.
- STEP 2
Turn up and say hi
Arrive a little early. A Keep Calm volunteer will get you settled, and you will not be the only first-timer there.
- STEP 3
Learn, then play
A friendly volunteer is on the court to teach you the basics bit by bit, and there is plenty of time to actually play too.
- STEP 4
Stay for a drink
Most people head to a nearby bar afterwards for a drink and some tapas. It is optional, but it is where the friendships start.
What's included
- Two hours of organised padel
- A friendly volunteer on court to teach you the basics
- Balls and a bottle of water
- A group of other beginners to play with
What to bring
- A padel racket if you have one (or can borrow one from a friend)
- No racket? You can rent or borrow one on the day
- Sports clothes and sports or padel shoes
Ready to give it a go?
Every session has its own sign-up form with the date, place and time, so you always see the latest details there. The form is short: your name, WhatsApp number, whether you have a racket and a little about any racket-sport experience, plus a couple of quick agreements.
Places are limited and given first come, first served, so sign up as soon as you know you can make it.
See the next session and sign upCan't make this one? Hear about the next.
Leave your email and we will tell you when the next beginner session is on, so you do not miss it. You may also hear about beginner sessions for our other sports.
Quick answers for first-timers
Do I need any experience to try padel for the first time?
No experience needed. Beginner sessions are built for first-timers, so nobody expects you to already know how to play - you will be shown the basics as you go.
What should I bring to my first padel session?
Sportswear, water, and a padel racket if you have one (rental available at the venue, no need to own gear)
Is it free to join a beginner padel session?
Joining Keep Calm is always free. €5–8 per person to split the court (+€4 racket rental if needed) - free to join the group, you only ever pay for the court
I don't know anyone, can I still come to a beginner session?
Yes - most people at a beginner session are trying it for the first time too, and you will meet others in the same boat alongside people who already play.
How do I find out when the next beginner padel session is?
Leave your email on this page and we will tell you when the next beginner padel session is happening.
Will someone actually teach me how to play?
Yes. A friendly Keep Calm volunteer is on the court to teach you the basics bit by bit. It is not a formal class or a tournament, so there is time to learn and plenty of time to play as well.
Do I need a partner or a friend to come?
No. You can come completely on your own and you will be playing with other beginners. If you would like to bring a friend, you can say so on the sign-up form.
What if I sign up and then cannot make it?
Places are limited, so please only sign up if you are sure you can come. If something comes up, tell us as early as you can and find someone to take your place so it is not wasted.
Is there anything social afterwards?
Usually there is an optional drink and some tapas at a bar nearby once the session finishes. You are very welcome to join, and equally welcome to head home.
Already play padel? See our regular padel sessions. Or browse beginner sessions for every sport.
All Keep Calm events are 18+.