Padel is on the rise in Indonesia. There are more and more courts, the community is growing rapidly, and it's filled not only with athletes but also with people just looking to try a fun, social sport.
This combination of tennis and squash looks simple, but it actually makes many beginners curious.
-
How do you play?
-
Is it complicated?
-
Am I going to look stupid on the field?
This phenomenon is normal, as padel has slightly different rules and playing styles than other racket sports. Don't worry, this article is specifically for those of you who are just starting out but don't want to look awkward.
After reading this, you'll understand the basics of padel, understand the etiquette on the court, and have a clear idea of what you need to prepare before playing. The goal is one: to prepare you to play with confidence, not just to follow a trend.
What is Padel?
Padel is a racquet sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. It's played in pairs on a smaller court than a tennis court, with a glass wall surrounding the court.
Padel rackets are stringless, but solid with small holes, and the ball is similar to a tennis ball but with less pressure. The result: more controlled play, longer rallies, and a more "friendly" rhythm than conventional tennis.
The main difference is that tennis relies on strength and wide court coverage, while squash demands lightning-fast reflexes in a confined space. Padel, on the other hand, is somewhere in between, full of strategy but less physically demanding.
This is why padel is perfect for beginners. The basic techniques are easy to learn, the game is fun, and because it's always played in pairs, it has a strong social element. You can learn while playing, laugh, and still get the benefits of exercise without having to be an athlete first.
What Equipment is Needed for Playing Padel?
1. Padel Racket
Paddle rackets don't use strings because the nature of padel differs from tennis. Padel is played on a smaller court with a wall to bounce off, so ball control is much more important than raw power.
Therefore, padel rackets are made solid (without strings) with a perforated surface to reduce air resistance and aid control of the shot. Racket shapes vary , from round, teardrop, to diamond, each affecting the balance between control and power.
For beginners, prioritize control over power. Choose a round or teardrop-shaped racket with a larger sweet spot for more stable shots and fewer misses. Rackets that focus too much on power (usually diamond-shaped) can make the ball difficult to control and tire your arm quickly.
2. Padel Ball
Beginners should understand that a padel ball is different from a tennis ball, even though they may appear similar at first glance. A padel ball has lower air pressure than a tennis ball, so its bounce isn't as fast or high as a tennis ball.
Visually, they're nearly identical, but functionally, they're very different. Using a tennis ball on a padel court would make the game too fast and difficult to control, especially for new players.
That's why the bounce of a padel ball feels slower and more "tame." This design is intended to allow for longer rallies, better ball control, and a more tactical feel than simply a power struggle.
Quick Tips to Become a Padel Expert for Beginners
For beginners, the key to quickly becoming proficient at padel is to focus on maintaining rallies, not immediately aiming for smashes. Padel isn't about power, but control and consistency. The longer the ball stays in play, the quicker you'll learn to read direction, timing, and position.
Also, take advantage of the walls; this isn't tennis. Don't be afraid of bouncing balls; that's where you can control your game and reduce your own errors. Progress in padel is determined more by the frequency of play, not the duration of a single session.
It's better to play 2-3 times a week for a short time than for a long time but infrequently. Consistency helps you develop a feel for your racket, feet, and reflexes more quickly. If you want to level up more effectively, join a beginner class or light sparring session to ensure you master basic techniques from the start and get used to the correct tempo.
Also Read: Benefits of Padel Sports You Must Know: From a Healthy Heart to a Happy Mood
Common Mistakes Beginners Make When Playing Padel
The most common mistake beginners make is hitting the ball too hard. Many still have a tennis mindset, even though padel is about control, not power. As a result, the ball often goes out of bounds or is easily countered by the opponent. Another mistake is forgetting your partner's position.
Padel is played in pairs, so if you randomly advance or cover the ball yourself, your team's formation will fall apart, leaving a wide gap for your opponent to attack. Furthermore, many beginners are afraid of the ball bouncing off the wall, but that's the essence of the game. A bouncing ball has its own unique difficulty in returning it.
But if you understand timing and position, it can actually be an advantage. Lastly, choose the wrong racket. A racket that's too heavy, too hard, or not the right level can mess up your control and quickly tire your hands.
Want to become a padel expert quickly? Reduce your ego, improve your control, understand teamwork, and use a racket that suits your abilities.
Ready to Become a Champion on the Padel Field?
Padel is one of the most beginner-friendly racket sports. The rules are simple, the court is smaller than tennis, and the pace of play is fun without requiring advanced technique from the start. In fact, many people can rally in their first session.
So if you are looking for a sport that will quickly make you addicted without making you feel inferior, padel is the answer. The problem is, many people only watch highlights or FYP padel but never actually go to the field.
After all, one live session is far more effective than a thousand video tutorials. Padel is all about feeling, positioning, and timing. These sensitivity skills will sharpen with consistent practice. So stop being a spectator, pick up a racket, and experience the thrill for yourself.
To improve your performance faster, don't just rely on playing time. Strength training is essential. Stronger muscles lead to longer endurance, more stable movements, and more powerful punches without fatigue. Focus on your core, legs, and shoulders.
Here's the guide:
