Padel Vocabulary: How to Speak the Language of the Sport

If you’re new to padel, you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the new padel terminology being thrown around. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll walk you through some of the most common terms and phrases you’ll hear on the padel court so that you can start speaking the language of the sport like a pro.

The Basics

Before we dive into the more advanced terms, let’s start with the basics. First, let’s talk about the court itself. The padel court is rectangular in shape, measuring 10 meters wide and 20 meters long. The court is divided in half by a low net, and there are walls on all four sides.

Next, let’s look at the equipment. You’ll need a padel racket, which is similar to a tennis racket but with a shorter handle and a different shape. The ball used in padel is also similar to a tennis ball but with a lower bounce.

The Terms You Need to Know

Now, let’s get into the padel terminology you’ll hear on the court.

Volley: A volley is when you hit the ball in mid-air without letting it bounce on the ground first.

Smash: A smash is a powerful overhead shot that you hit down into your opponent’s side of the court.

Serve: The serve starts each point. The server has two attempts to get the ball in play.

Forehand: A forehand is a shot hit with your racket hand on the same side as the ball.

Backhand: A backhand is a shot hit with your racket hand on the opposite side of the ball.

Baseline: The baseline is the farthest point on each side of the court.

Half-volley: A half-volley is when you hit the ball just after it bounces, before it reaches its highest point.

Drop shot: A drop shot is a soft shot hit just over the net that lands close to the net on your opponent’s side of the court.

Conclusion

Learning padel terminology might seem overwhelming at first, but with a little practice, you’ll soon be speaking the language of the sport like a pro. Keep these basic terms in mind, and the next time you step on the court, you’ll be ready to impress your opponents with your padel knowledge! Happy playing!