Padel for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know in Bali

If you have just arrived in Bali and noticed padel courts everywhere, you are not imagining it. Padel has taken off across the island, and it has done so partly because it is one of the easiest racket sports to start. You do not need a high fitness baseline. You do not need years of tennis experience. You just need to show up. Here is everything you need to know before your first session.

What Is Padel?

Padel is a racket sport played in doubles on an enclosed court roughly a third of the size of a tennis court. The walls are part of the game — the ball can bounce off them, which opens up a whole range of creative shots and extended rallies. Scoring follows tennis format, but the game itself is faster, more social, and far more forgiving for beginners. Most people get their first rally going within ten minutes.

Basic Rules in 60 Seconds

The ball must bounce once on the ground before hitting the wall — you cannot hit it directly off the wall after the serve. Service is underarm, from behind the service line. Scoring is 15, 30, 40, game — just like tennis, played in sets. And crucially: the walls are your friends. Using them is not a mistake, it is the point.

What Equipment Do You Need?

For your first session, you do not need to own anything. Bam Bam Padel offers racket hire, so all you need to bring is yourself and appropriate footwear. If you decide padel is for you — and most people do — here is what to look for: a padel-specific racket (not a tennis racket), padel balls (slightly less pressurised than tennis), and court shoes with lateral support. Running shoes tend to wear out quickly on padel surfaces and offer less ankle protection.

What to Wear

Standard sports clothing works fine — light shorts, a breathable top, and comfortable court shoes. In Bali's heat, moisture-wicking fabrics make a real difference. Bring water, and expect to sweat. Sessions are active, even at beginner level.

What to Expect on Your First Lesson

At Bam Bam Padel, first lessons start with the basics: grip, stance, the underarm serve, and simple forehand and backhand exchanges. Your coach will not overload you with technique. The focus is getting you rallying, understanding the court, and experiencing the fun of the sport — because that is what brings people back.

Group beginner clinics are available if you prefer a social introduction. Private lessons move faster and are tailored to your specific starting point. Both options are available through the Academy.

The Bam Bam Padel Community

One of the things that makes padel so popular in Bali is the community it creates. At Bam Bam Padel, regulars range from complete beginners to players who have been competing for years. The atmosphere is welcoming. Nobody expects you to be good on day one. The club runs leagues, social sessions, and tournaments throughout the year — so if you want to keep playing after your first lesson, there are plenty of ways to stay involved.

Equipment Available in Our Pro Shop

When you are ready to invest in your own gear, the on-site Pro Shop stocks Bullpadel and DropShot rackets at European prices, along with balls, overgrips, and accessories. Staff can help you choose the right racket for your level — whether you are looking for control, power, or an all-round option for your first year of play.

How to Book Your First Session

Courts are bookable via Playtomic — real-time availability, simple to use on mobile. For a first lesson or beginner clinic, contact Bam Bam Padel directly via WhatsApp on +62 811 39 09 010 to find the right programme for your schedule. The club is open daily from 7am to 10pm in Ubud, Bali.