Paddle Demo Days at UPA Bangalore

How to Get the Most from a Paddle Demo Session

A demo day is only useful if you test paddles with a plan. Picking up five paddles and hitting a few casual drives rarely tells you much, because almost any paddle feels fine in a relaxed rally. The goal is to notice how each one behaves in the situations that decide your points.

Bring a simple testing routine

Use the same short sequence with every paddle so the comparison is fair:

• Dinks at the kitchen line: check how easily you can keep the ball low and soft. Some paddles feel lively and pop the ball up; others give a calmer, more controlled response.
• Third-shot drops: these show whether the face gives you enough feel to land the ball in the non-volley zone from the baseline.
• Fast hands exchanges: volley quickly with a partner to judge manoeuvrability. A heavier paddle may add power but can feel slow when the ball is coming at your body.
• Serves and drives: finally, see how much effort is needed to generate pace and depth.

Pay attention to weight, grip and shape

Paddles broadly fall into lighter, mid-weight and heavier ranges, and the difference shows up in your wrist and elbow over a long session. Grip circumference matters as much: a handle that is too thick or too thin can cause you to squeeze harder than you need to. Elongated shapes offer extra reach and power, while wider, standard shapes usually give a more forgiving sweet spot. Our paddle guide explains these trade-offs in more detail.

Practical tips for the day

Wear your usual court shoes and play at your normal intensity, as a paddle that suits a warm-up may not suit a competitive game. Bengaluru afternoons can be warm, so carry water and take short breaks to keep your judgement fresh. Jot down a quick note after each paddle, covering feel, control, power and comfort, because impressions blur quickly after the fourth or fifth one.

Above all, there is no need to decide on the spot. Narrow your choice to two or three options, then try them again in real games. If you want more match play to test them, have a look at our leagues and the latest dates on the events page.