Back to: Padel
Padel is officially the fastest growing sport in the world, which has conquered Serbia in record time. Combining elements of tennis and squash, this sport offers the perfect blend of cardio, fun and socializing. Unlike tennis, which requires months of practice, you can play padel successfully on the first session.
If you also need a padel court, on this page you can find a list of clubs and centers where you can play padel in Belgrade.
Padel is played exclusively in pairs (two on two), which makes it a very social sport. The field measures 10x20 meters and is surrounded by glass walls that are actively used during the game. The rackets are solid and perforated, without strings, which makes it much easier for beginners to control and reduces the number of mistakes. During an hour of play, you can burn up to 700 calories through explosive sprints, while the soft surface of artificial grass and sand protects your knees and joints from injury.
Scoring is identical to tennis, but the serve is performed exclusively "underhand", which equalizes the chances and immediately initiates an equal exchange of shots. A key feature of padel is the walls: when the ball bounces in your court, it is allowed to hit the glass or fence, and you have the right to return it over the net before it hits the ground a second time. The main strategy for success is to send high lob shots, pushing your opponents back and occupying a key attacking position at the net.
You need a minimum investment to play. Focus on shoes with a good grip (preferably for clay) that prevent slipping on the fine quartz sand that sprinkles every terrain. All other equipment, including dedicated lighter rackets and specific slower balls with less pressure, can be easily rented directly from the reception of each club before the start of the term.