Padel Sport

Why Padel Is Booming in India and What You Need to Play

Padel has jumped from a single court to hundreds across Indian metros. Here is why it is booming and the beginner gear that gets you on court.

Instasport Admin

• 3 min read
Babolat Stima Vita padel racket for beginners in India

Padel in India: the sport everyone in your city is suddenly talking about

Padel in India has gone from a curiosity to a genuine weekend obsession in just a few years. What started with a single court back in 2017 has grown to well over 300 padel courts across Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Pune, Hyderabad and Chennai, with new venues opening almost every month. If your social feed is full of friends smashing a ball against glass walls inside a caged court, you are watching the fastest-growing racket sport in the country take off in real time.

The best part? Padel is refreshingly easy to pick up. Most first-timers are holding proper rallies within 30 minutes, which is exactly why it is pulling in so many people who never played tennis or squash. In this guide we break down why padel is booming, how it differs from tennis, and the starter gear you need to get on court.

Why is padel growing so fast in India?

A few things came together at once. First, real estate maths: a single tennis court needs around 648 square metres, and in that same footprint you can fit roughly three padel courts. That makes padel far easier for clubs and developers to build in space-tight metros. Second, it is social by design. Padel is played two-versus-two, so every game is four friends, plenty of banter and non-stop action inside a tight court.

Third, it is beginner-friendly and, frankly, very Instagram-friendly. The enclosed glass-and-mesh court, the quick rallies and the group energy make it perfect for a new generation of fitness-focused, socially connected Indians. Coached sessions, community leagues and membership clubs are popping up in every major city, giving newcomers an easy on-ramp.

Padel vs tennis: what is actually different?

Padel looks like tennis at a glance, but it plays very differently. The court is about a third of the size and fully enclosed by glass and mesh walls, which stay in play, so the ball keeps coming back like in squash. You use a solid, stringless padel racket instead of a strung tennis racket, and the serve is underarm rather than an overhead cannon. Scoring follows the familiar tennis format, but shorter distances and lively walls mean rallies last longer and teamwork matters far more than raw power. That combination is exactly why so many recreational players find padel more fun and less intimidating than tennis.

How do I start playing padel in India?

Getting started is simple. Book a court at a local padel club, ideally one with a coach for your first session or two, and grab three friends. Wear proper court shoes, bring a padel racket and a can of padel balls, and you are ready. Many venues rent rackets, but once you are hooked, having your own gear makes a real difference to your grip, comfort and confidence.

The starter gear you need to play padel

You do not need much to begin, and you do not need to overspend. Four things cover you: a beginner-friendly racket, a can of padel balls, supportive court shoes and a bag to carry it all. Here is what we recommend for players getting started in India.

  • A padel racket is your most important buy. Beginners should look for a forgiving, control-oriented racket rather than an aggressive pro frame, so mishits still land in.
  • Padel balls are pressurised and slightly different from tennis balls, so buy padel-specific cans for the right bounce.
  • Court shoes with grip and lateral support protect your ankles during the quick side-to-side movement padel demands.
  • A padel bag keeps your racket, balls, shoes and water bottle organised for every session.

Shop the gear

Start with the racket and a can of balls if you are testing the waters, then add shoes and a bag once padel becomes your regular weekend fix. Every piece above is chosen to be beginner-friendly while still lasting well as your game improves.

Frequently asked questions

Is padel easy to learn for beginners?

Yes. Padel is one of the most beginner-friendly racket sports around. The court is small, the walls keep the ball in play, and the underarm serve is simple, so most first-timers are holding proper rallies within about 30 minutes of stepping on court.

What is the difference between padel and tennis?

Padel is played on an enclosed court roughly a third the size of a tennis court, with glass and mesh walls that stay in play. You use a solid, stringless racket and serve underarm, whereas tennis uses a strung racket and an overhead serve on a larger open court. Padel is always doubles and rewards teamwork over power.

What gear do I need to start playing padel in India?

You need four essentials: a beginner-friendly padel racket, a can of padel-specific balls, supportive court shoes and a bag to carry everything. Many venues rent rackets, but owning your own gear improves comfort, grip and confidence as you play more often.