Top 10 Padel Rules You Must Know to Play Like a Pro: Padel Rules Explained

Padel is a fast-paced and exciting game that has gained popularity worldwide. It is similar to tennis but played on a smaller court with walls that are used as part of the gameplay. The game is easy to learn, but it has specific rules that players must follow to play like a pro. In this article, we will discuss the top 10 padel rules you must know.

Rule #1: Service

A game of padel starts with a serve. The player must hit the ball diagonally from behind the serving line, and the ball must bounce inside the service box of the opposite side of the court. The player has only one chance to serve correctly. If the serve is not correct, the player loses the point, and the serve goes to the opponent.

Rule #2: Scoring

The scoring in padel is the same as in tennis. A player earns a point if the opponent fails to return the ball or hits it out of bounds. The first player to reach four points wins the game, but the player must win by two or more points. If the score is tied at four points, the game goes into a tiebreaker.

Rule #3: Ball in Play

The ball is in play if it bounces inside the court. The ball can be hit off the walls, and it remains in play as long as it bounces on the court. If the ball goes out of bounds or hits the net, the point goes to the opponent.

Rule #4: The Volley

In padel, volleys are allowed. A player can hit the ball without letting it bounce on the court first. However, a player cannot hit a volley if the ball is coming from the opponent’s side of the net.

Rule #5: No Serving Overhand

In padel, players must serve underhand. It is not allowed to serve overhand. The underhand serve is a bit different from the tennis serve, and it takes some practice to master it.

Rule #6: The Let Serve

If the serve touches the net but lands inside the service box, the player can take the serve again without losing a point. This is called a “let serve.”

Rule #7: Player Rotation

In padel, players rotate after every game. The player who served in the first game serves again in the third game, and the player who served in the second game serves in the fourth game. The rotation continues throughout the match.

Rule #8: The Double Bounce Rule

In padel, the ball must bounce on each side of the court before the players can hit the ball without letting it bounce. This is called the “double bounce rule.” It means that the player who serves must let the ball bounce once on the receiver’s side of the court before the receiver can hit the ball back. Likewise, the receiver must let the ball bounce once on their side before hitting it back. After that, the ball can be hit without letting it bounce.

Rule #9: The Two-Meter Rule

If the ball goes over the net and lands inside the opponent’s court, players cannot enter a two-meter area in front of the net. This is called the “two-meter rule.” Players can go inside the two-meter area if they hit the ball from outside the area or if the ball has bounced inside the opponent’s court.

Rule #10: The Overhead Smash

The overhead smash is a powerful shot that can be used to win points in padel. However, players are not allowed to hit an overhead smash if the ball is lower than the net. This is called the “smash rule.”

Conclusion

Now that you know the top 10 padel rules, you are ready to hit the court and play like a pro. Remember to master the underhand serve, follow the double bounce rule, and practice your overhead smash. With these rules and skills under your belt, you will be able to enjoy the fast-paced game of padel. Good luck!