"My First Steps in Padel": the book that aims to inspire children to discover padel

Padel continues to attract an ever-younger audience. To capitalize on this enthusiasm, a new book for children will be available in bookstores on July 2, 2026. With My first steps in padelJohan Héros offers a fun and educational guide to help young people, from age 7, discover the basics of this rapidly growing sport. Through technical advice, the values of the game, and interactive exercises, the goal is simple: to inspire them to pick up a racket and have fun on the court.

Published at Grenouille editions , My first steps in padel It presents itself as a true introductory manual. In 64 pages, young readers discover the essential rules, the first technical gestures, movements, equipment and even the specific vocabulary of padel.

But the book isn't limited to the sporting aspect. It also emphasizes fundamental values such as fair play, respect for teammates, warming up properly, and the joy of playing together. Quizzes, a glossary, and various educational resources round out the book to make it as interactive as possible.

At only 26 years, Johan Hero He knows his subject perfectly. A former tennis player turned padel coach, he now divides his time between France and Spain, where he teaches at an academy in Valencia. His daily experience with young players directly informs this book, designed for children, parents, and clubs alike.

To mark the book's release, he returns to Padel Magazine on the origins of this project.

"My First Steps in Padel": the book that aims to inspire children to discover padel

"Padel is accessible, fun and very friendly."

Padel Magazine : What do you like so much about padel?

Johan Hero: What I love most is that padel is an accessible, fun, and very friendly sport. You quickly start enjoying it, whatever your level, while discovering a real tactical dimension. Every rally is different, and there's always something to learn. It's a sport that requires as much thought as technique.

"I make a living from padel every day."

Padel Magazine : How often do you play?

Johan Hero: I'm lucky enough to make a living from padel. Between training sessions, lessons, and the camps I organize, I'm on the courts almost every day, between five and seven times a week. Personally, I play about twice a week.

"There was a lack of support specifically designed for children."

Padel Magazine : Why did you write this book?

Johan Hero: Grenouille Publishing offered me this project. As a coach, I saw many children discovering padel without there being any real support adapted to their age.

I wanted to create a simple, fun, and educational book to explain the basics, convey the values of padel, and inspire them to play. If this book encourages children to pick up a racket and enjoy themselves on the court, then I will have achieved my goal.

"Children quickly begin to enjoy themselves."

Padel Magazine : Why is padel particularly suitable for younger people?

Johan Hero: The children have fun very quickly. The courts are smaller, the rallies last longer and they quickly manage to build beautiful points.

Padel also develops coordination, motor skills, decision-making, and above all, teamwork, since it is always played in pairs. It is an extremely formative sport, both athletically and personally.

"The most important thing is to have fun."

Padel Magazine : What advice would you give to a child who is discovering padel?

Johan Hero: My first piece of advice would be to have fun. At the beginning, there's no need to try for spectacular shots. The goal is simply to play, to rally, and to enjoy yourself.

The more exchanges there are, the more we progress… and the more we want to get back on the field.

"Understanding the game is just as important as hitting the ball."

Padel Magazine : What are the first technical skills to master?

Johan Hero: The basics are essential. You need to learn how to position yourself correctly on the court, hold your racket properly, control the ball and build rallies.

More technical shots then come naturally. In padel, understanding the game is often just as important as knowing how to hit the ball well.

A tool to support the new generation

With My first steps in padelJohan Héros offers much more than a simple technical guide. The book accompanies young players through their first steps while highlighting the values that make padel so successful: sharing, enjoyment, and learning. This resource could quickly find its place in padel schools, clubs, and family libraries, at a time when the sport continues to attract an ever-younger audience.