What Is Padel and Why It Suits Beginners
Padel is a racket sport that blends elements of tennis and squash. Played on a court smaller than a tennis court and enclosed by glass walls, padel is now booming in Indonesia — popular among celebrities and young people in big cities like Jakarta and Bali.
The good news is that padel is beginner-friendly. The ball moves slower than in tennis, the small court makes rallies easier to sustain, and the doubles format makes it feel social and fun from the very first game.
Basic Rules You Must Know
Padel matches are played in doubles (2 vs 2) on a court measuring 10 x 20 meters. Scoring is the same as tennis: 15, 30, 40, and game. A set is won by the pair that first reaches 6 games with a margin of at least 2 games; matches are generally best of three sets.
The serve is hit underhand after bouncing the ball on the ground, then struck diagonally into the opponent's service box. Padel's uniqueness lies in its walls: the ball may rebound off the glass walls after touching the floor and stay in play, so the walls can be used as part of your strategy.
Basic Techniques to Master
Start with the basic forehand and backhand strokes. Use short swings with a relaxed wrist, and prioritize accuracy over power — avoid hitting the ball too hard in the early stages so rallies stay alive.
Also master a consistent underhand serve, volleys near the net for fast returns, and lobs to push opponents to the back. Learning to read wall bounces is the most important adaptation for beginners, since wall rebounds change the ball's direction unpredictably.
Tips for Getting Started
Choose a light padel racket (350-360 grams) with a round shape for easy control, using a continental grip — like a handshake. Wear non-marking sports shoes and comfortable clothing.
Warm up before playing and start with relaxed rallies with your partner. Focus on stroke consistency and teamwork; power will come with playing hours. Don't hesitate to join an introductory class at your nearest padel court to progress faster.
