From ‘Love’ to ‘Let’: An Essential Glossary of Padel Terms

If you’re new to the world of padel, you’ll quickly find yourself immersed in a new language of terms and phrases that is unique to the game. Understanding these terms is essential for anyone looking to improve their gameplay and succeed on the court.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common padel vocabulary and their meanings to give you a head start on your journey towards masterful padel play.

The Terminology of Scoring

1. Love: In padel, ‘love’ is used to refer to a score of zero. If the score is 0-0, you’re “at love.”

2. 15, 30, 40: During a game, score points are tallied in multiples of 15, starting at 15 and going up to 40. If a tied score reaches 40 each, the next point wins and the game ends. If the score goes beyond 40-40, you’re playing a “deuce.”

3. Advantage: In a “deuce” situation, if one player makes a point, they gain the “advantage.” If the same player scores another point, they win the game.

The Terminology of Play

1. Serve: The serve is the first shot in any padel rally, alternated every game between the two players on each team. The proper serve motion is crucial to earning points.

2. Volley: A volley is any shot made without letting the ball bounce. This shot is often utilized to surprise your opponents and win a point.

3. Smash: A smash is a powerful overhead shot, meant to drive the ball down into the opponent’s court with considerable force.

The Terminology of Interference

1. Let: A ‘let’ is a situation where a point is not awarded, and the server must retake the serve. This can happen if the ball touches the net on a serve but still makes it over, or if the ball hits the person who is serving or their partner.

2. Interference: If a player of one team obstructs an opponent in any way, it is considered “interference.” Interference can result from crossing onto the opponent’s side of the court or otherwise hindering an opponent in their play.

Conclusion

As you start playing padel, remember that a basic understanding of padel vocabulary is fundamental to great gameplay. Understanding the terms of scoring, play, and interference will give you a solid foundation upon which to build your padel skills.

So don’t be afraid to use this glossary to brush up on your padel terminology, and get out on the court to practice those newly acquired skills!