Padel Sport

Padel Clubs Are Opening Across Indian Cities in 2026: A First-Timer's Gear Guide

New padel courts are popping up in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi and Hyderabad. Here is exactly what a first-timer needs to start playing.

Instasport

— 3 min read
Puls8 Spark padel racket for beginners in India

Padel is having a moment. Across Indian cities in 2026, glass-walled padel courts are opening in sports clubs, rooftops and standalone venues, and the sport's easy learning curve is pulling in tennis players, pickleball converts and total beginners alike. If a new court has just opened near you and you want to get started, this first-timer's gear guide covers exactly what you need, and what you can safely skip.

Why padel is booming in India right now

Padel is played in doubles on an enclosed court about a third the size of a tennis court, with walls that keep the ball in play. That makes rallies longer, more social and far less intimidating than tennis for a newcomer. The barrier to entry is low: most people can hold a rally within their first session. As courts multiply in metros and tier-one cities, clubs are running beginner sessions and equipment rentals, which is the perfect way to try before you buy.

Your first padel racket

The single most important purchase is the racket. Padel rackets are solid (no strings) with holes through the face, and they come in round, teardrop and diamond shapes. Beginners should choose a round-shaped racket: it has a large, central sweet spot and an even balance that is forgiving on off-centre hits. The Puls8 Spark Padel Racket is a sensible first racket at an accessible price, letting you learn the swing without overspending. Avoid stiff, head-heavy diamond rackets meant for advanced attackers until your technique is solid.

Balls, and why they are different

Padel balls look like tennis balls but are slightly smaller and lower in pressure, which suits the enclosed court and wall play. You cannot substitute standard tennis balls for a proper game. A tube such as the Adidas Speed RX Padel Balls (Pack of 3) gives you fresh, consistent bounce; keep two or three balls in rotation and replace them once they go soft.

Carrying and protecting your kit

A padel racket has a wrist strap you should always use so a mishit does not send it flying into a wall or a partner. To carry everything, a dedicated bag keeps your racket, balls and a water bottle together. A slim padel cover protects the racket face from scratches between sessions, while a roomier Head Team Padel Kitbag is the choice once you are playing regularly and want space for shoes and a change of clothes.

What to wear and what to skip

You do not need padel-specific shoes to start; clean court trainers with good lateral grip are fine for your first few weeks. Wear breathable sportswear, bring water, and use the club's rental rackets for your very first session so you can feel the game before committing. Once you are hooked, your own round racket and a tube of balls is all it takes to show up and play.

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Frequently asked questions

What gear do I need to start playing padel?

A round-shaped beginner racket, a tube of padel balls, and non-marking court shoes. That is genuinely all you need. A first racket like the Puls8 Spark Padel Racket plus Adidas Speed RX Padel Balls (Pack of 3) will get you on court.

Can I use a tennis racket or tennis balls for padel?

No. Padel rackets are solid and stringless, and padel balls are smaller and lower-pressure than tennis balls. You need padel-specific equipment such as the Puls8 Spark Padel Racket and Adidas Speed RX Padel Balls (Pack of 3) for a proper game.

Do I need special padel shoes as a beginner?

Not immediately. Clean court trainers with good sideways grip work fine at first. Focus your budget on a good beginner racket and a bag like the Head Team Padel Kitbag to protect it, then add padel shoes later.

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