Padel sport is a rapidly growing global activity that blends fun, strategy, and social interaction all in one game. If you’ve recently come across the term padel and wondered what this sport is all about, you’re not alone. Once considered a niche pastime in Latin America and Spain, padel sport has grown into one of the fastest-growing sports in the world especially in Europe, the Middle East, and now Asia, including Indonesia.
Whether you’re a sports facility owner, an athlete looking to try something new, or simply a curious newcomer, this article will walk you through everything you need to know about padel from the rules and history to why it’s becoming a global phenomenon.
Table of Contents
What is Padel Sport?
Padel is a racket sport typically played in doubles format (2 vs 2) on an enclosed court about one-third the size of a tennis court. It combines elements of tennis and squash, offering fast-paced, strategic gameplay that’s easy to pick up for beginners yet deeply challenging at competitive levels.
The game is played with a solid paddle-style racket (not strung like in tennis) and a pressurized ball similar to a tennis ball but with slightly less bounce. One of padel’s key features is that players can use the walls (usually made of glass) as part of the game, similar to squash.
Key Characteristics of Padel Sport
| Feature | Description |
| Court Size | 20m x 10m, enclosed with glass & mesh walls |
| Players | Doubles (2 players per team) |
| Racket | Solid, perforated paddle without strings |
| Ball | Similar to tennis ball but lower pressure |
| Scoring | Same as tennis (15, 30, 40, game) |
| Walls | Ball can bounce off walls during play |
Why is Padel So Popular?
Another reason why padel sport is booming is its easy-to-learn nature combined with a dynamic court setup that keeps every rally exciting.
- Easy to Learn
Unlike tennis, padel has a gentler learning curve. The smaller court and slower ball make rallies longer and more fun for beginners. - Social and Inclusive
Padel is a social sport. It’s always played in doubles, promoting teamwork and communication. It appeals to all ages and fitness levels. - Compact and Low Maintenance
A padel court takes up less space than a tennis court and requires lower maintenance—making it attractive for schools, hotels, and sports clubs. - High Fun Factor
Because of the enclosed court and the ability to bounce the ball off walls, padel is dynamic, unpredictable, and entertaining. - Growing Professional Scene
With organizations like the International Padel Federation (FIP) and Premier Padel Tour, the sport is rapidly professionalizing and drawing sponsorships and TV coverage.
The History of Padel
Padel was invented in Mexico in 1969 by Enrique Corcuera Source: International Padel Federation (FIP), who modified his home squash court to accommodate a smaller tennis-like game. It quickly spread to Spain and Argentina in the 1970s and 1980s, where it took off culturally.
Today, Spain boasts the largest number of padel courts in the world, and the sport is gaining momentum in Italy, France, Sweden, UAE, and now Indonesia and Southeast Asia.
Padel vs Tennis?
| Aspect | Padel | Tennis |
| Court Size | 20x10m (enclosed) | 23.77×8.23m (open) |
| Racket | Solid, no strings | Strung |
| Serve | Underhand | Overhand |
| Use of Walls | Yes | No |
| Game Style | Faster rallies, reflex-based | Power and spin-based |
In short, padel is more compact, more accessible, and more strategy-focused than tennis, with fewer barriers to entry.
What Does a Padel Court Look Like?
A standard padel court includes:
- Glass walls (tempered glass, 3–4 meters high)
- Steel mesh fencing
- Artificial turf or acrylic flooring
- LED lighting for night play
- Drainage system for outdoor use
Padel courts can be indoor, outdoor, or rooftop, depending on space and budget. Because of their compact size, multiple courts can be installed side-by-side in a sports complex or even on top of buildings in urban areas.
Who is Padel For?
- Beginners who want to enjoy sports without intense technical skills
- Tennis players looking for a new challenge
- Fitness enthusiasts seeking fun cardio workouts
- Clubs and resorts offering modern sports facilities
- Investors interested in high-ROI sports infrastructure
Padel appeals to children, adults, seniors, and even professional athletes from other sports due to its low injury rate and high entertainment value.
Is Padel Played in Indonesia?
Yes, padel is growing in Indonesia, with new courts appearing in major cities like Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya, and Bandung. As public awareness increases, schools, private clubs, and developers are beginning to integrate padel courts into their facilities.
This is where expert court construction becomes crucial. Indonesia’s tropical climate, for instance, requires weather-resistant materials, proper drainage, and smart design all things that an experienced contractor like RagaSport can provide.
Is Padel an Olympic Sport?
Not yet. But padel is actively lobbying for inclusion in future Olympic Games. With its growing global reach and established international federation (FIP), padel has already met many of the criteria required for Olympic recognition.
There’s a strong possibility we’ll see padel in future editions of the Olympics, especially as it continues to expand into new markets.
Conclusion
So, what is padel sport?
It’s a fast-paced, social, easy-to-learn racket sport that combines the best of tennis and squash. With its unique court design, walls-in-play rules, and inclusive appeal, padel is more than just a trend it’s a revolution in global recreational sports.Whether for recreation, fitness, or investment, padel sport is more than just a trend—it’s a long-term game-changer.
If you’re considering building a padel court either for commercial, recreational, or private purposes it’s important to work with experienced professionals who understand not only the sport, but also the technical demands of building a world-class facility.
Ready to Build Your Own Padel Court?
Whether for a club, resort, school, or sports center, RagaSport is your trusted partner for professional padel court construction in Indonesia and beyond.
✅ International-grade materials & design
✅ Indoor, outdoor, and rooftop solutions
✅ Fast, efficient, and fully customized builds
✅ End-to-end consultation, construction & after-service
🌐 Visit our website: ragasport.com/padel-court-construction-services/
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