A Beginner’s Guide to Padel Terminology

As a beginner, the world of padel can be quite daunting, especially when it comes to the complicated terminology used in the sport. However, understanding the terminology is essential to mastering the game and communicating effectively with other players. In this guide, we’ll be breaking down some of the most common padel terms and what they mean.

The Court

First things first, let’s start with the court. The padel court is a rectangular surface with a net dividing it down the middle. The dimensions of the court are 20 meters long and 10 meters wide. The court is surrounded by a fence, and there is also an area outside of the fence called “the wall.”

The Serve

The serve is the starting shot of each point in padel. There are two types of serves, a forehand serve, and a backhand serve. The goal is to hit the ball into the service box diagonally across the net from where you are standing. If the ball hits the net and falls into the service box, the serve is considered a “let,” and you get to try again.

The Rally

A rally is when both teams are hitting the ball back and forth. Padel rallies can be very long, and it’s essential to use the correct terminology to communicate with your partner. The player who hits the ball first is called the “server,” and the other player is called the “receiver.” Once the ball is in play, it can be hit back and forth as many times as necessary until the ball goes out of bounds, hits the net and falls, or a player commits a fault.

The Scoring

Padel scoring is very similar to tennis. The game starts at “love-all,” and each point is worth one point. The player who wins four points wins the game, but they must win by a margin of 2 points. The scoring system is as follows: love, 15, 30, 40, and game. If both teams are tied at 40-40, it’s called “deuce.” The first player to win two points after deuce wins the game.

The Shots

There are many different shots in padel, but the most common are forehand, backhand, volley, and smash. The forehand and backhand shots are the groundstrokes, which are performed when the ball bounces on the court. The volley is a shot played before the ball bounces on the ground, and the smash is an overhead shot hit when the ball is high in the air.

The Conclusion

Understanding padel terminology is crucial to mastering the game and communicating effectively with other players. As a beginner, it can be overwhelming, but with continuous practice, you’ll become more familiar with the terms, making it easier to understand and enjoy the game. So, grab a paddle and get on the court — it’s time to start playing!