Padel for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know in Bali

Padel is a doubles racket sport played on an enclosed court about a third the size of a tennis court. The walls aren't just there to stop the ball, they're part of the game: the ball can be played off them, which keeps rallies going far longer than in tennis and rewards creative shot-making over raw power.

It uses tennis-style scoring, but the game itself is faster, more social, and considerably easier to pick up.

The serve is underhand, hit from behind the service line, and the ball must bounce once before it can touch the back wall. Scoring runs the same as tennis: 15, 30, 40, game. Playing the ball off a wall is a legitimate tactic, not a mistake, so don't be afraid to use them.

None, to start. Rackets rent from 60,000 IDR at the pro-shop, with premium options from 100,000 IDR. If you do want your own gear eventually, you'll need a padel-specific paddle (solid, not strung), padel balls (lower pressure than tennis balls) and court shoes with good lateral support.

Ordinary sports clothes: lightweight shorts, a breathable top, and shoes with a flat, grippy sole. Moisture-wicking fabric earns its keep in Bali's heat.

An initiation class covers grip, stance, the underhand serve and basic forehand and backhand strokes, and it's built around actually rallying rather than drilling technique in isolation. It costs 200,000 IDR with a racket included. Both group and private lessons are available afterward.

Padel clubs tend to be social by design, and Bam Bam Padel runs leagues, open social sessions and tournaments year-round for every level, not just competitive players.

Courts go through the Playtomic app. For your first lesson, message the club on WhatsApp. Open daily, 7 AM to 10 PM.