Padel for Beginners: Why Kids in Dubai Are Loving This Sport
If you’ve been around Dubai’s sports scene recently, you’ve probably noticed a new trend: padel courts popping up everywhere. From community centers to sports academies, padel has quickly become one of the fastest-growing sports in the UAE - and it’s not just for adults. Parents are increasingly enrolling their children in padel programs designed specifically for kids.
But why is padel becoming so popular among young players in Dubai? The answer lies in its unique mix of fun, fitness, and social interaction. Padel is easier to learn than tennis, highly engaging, and perfectly suited for children of all ages.
In this blog, we’ll break down what makes padel for kids in Dubai so exciting, its benefits, how it compares to other sports, and tips for parents to get their kids started.
What Is Padel and Why Is It So Popular?
Padel is a racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. Played on a smaller, enclosed court with walls, it uses a solid racket and a low-compression ball. The game is usually played in doubles, which makes it both social and fun.
Padel’s rise in Dubai is due to several factors:
Accessibility: It’s easier to pick up than tennis — beginners can start rallying quickly.
Social appeal: Kids play in pairs, which builds teamwork and friendships.
Community trend: Families are joining padel together, making it a lifestyle activity.
Year-round play: With both indoor and outdoor facilities in Dubai, padel is available all year.
Why Padel Is Perfect for Kids
1. Easy to Learn
Unlike some sports that require months of practice before kids feel confident, padel is simple. Within a few lessons, children can:
Rally with friends
Serve underhand (easier than tennis)
Enjoy actual games
This “instant playability” makes kids fall in love with the sport.
2. Builds Key Physical Skills
Padel improves:
Agility (quick reactions to walls and angles)
Coordination (tracking and striking the ball)
Balance and speed in short bursts
3. Encourages Teamwork
Because padel is played in doubles, kids learn to:
Communicate effectively with partners
Rely on teamwork
Celebrate shared wins and handle losses together
4. Safer and Low-Impact
The smaller court and slower ball speed reduce risks of overuse injuries, making it safer for younger players compared to more intense sports.
Why Padel for Kids Is Growing in Dubai
Dubai is uniquely positioned to promote padel for kids because:
Facilities are everywhere: From clubs to schools, padel courts are spreading rapidly.
Family appeal: Parents and children can learn together.
Community tournaments: Local padel events are attracting young players.
Coaching programs: Professional academies like ISM now offer structured padel lessons for kids.
Tips for Parents to Get Kids Started in Padel
Choose the right academy
Look for certified coaches who specialize in training children.Invest in beginner equipment
Kids need a lighter racket and proper non-slip shoes for safety.Start with trial classes
Let your child experience padel before committing to long-term training.Encourage but don’t pressure
Keep the focus on fun and socializing. Kids thrive when they enjoy the game.Balance padel with other sports
For younger children, combining padel with football or gymnastics supports overall development.
FAQs on Padel for Kids in Dubai
Q: What’s the best age to start padel?
A: Kids can begin as young as 5 with fun-based sessions. Structured training usually starts from age 7.
Q: How often should kids practice padel?
A: 1 - 2 sessions per week is ideal for beginners, with more as they advance.
Q: Is padel suitable for shy kids?
A: Yes! Because it’s a doubles sport, shy children feel less pressure and quickly build confidence.
Q: Does padel help in other sports?
A: Absolutely. The agility, coordination, and reflexes gained in padel transfer well to tennis, football, and other sports.
Conclusion
Padel’s rise in Dubai isn’t just a passing trend - it’s here to stay. For kids, it’s the perfect sport to stay active, make friends, and develop essential physical and mental skills. Easy to learn, safe, and endlessly fun, padel for kids in Dubai is one of the best choices parents can make.
At ISM Sports, we offer beginner-friendly padel lessons for children, taught by experienced coaches in a supportive and fun environment. Whether your child is trying padel for the first time or looking to compete, ISM provides the right pathway.
Book a Free Trial Class for Padel at ISM Sports today and give your child a chance to love the sport that Dubai can’t stop talking about!