A Beginner’s Guide to Padel: Understanding the Basic Rules

Padel is a popular racquet sport that originated from Mexico but has now become a beloved sport across the world. This game is usually played in doubles on an enclosed court smaller than a tennis court. It is a sport that is easy to learn and play, making it ideal for beginners who want to start a new sport. To start playing padel, it’s necessary to understand the basic rules.

The Court

Padel is played on a court that is 20 meters long and 10 meters wide, divided into two halves by a net. The court is enclosed by walls that players can use to play the ball. Unlike tennis, the walls are part of the game in padel. The ball is allowed to bounce off the court’s walls, but it can only bounce once before a player must return it to the opponent’s side.

Scoring

Padel is scored similarly to tennis, with games, sets, and matches. The first team or player to win six games wins a set, and the set must be won by two games. If the score is tied at 6-6, a tiebreaker is played, and the winner is the first to score seven points or win by two points. A match is usually played as the best of three or the best of five sets.

Serving

Serving in padel is done underhanded, and it must be hit diagonally from the server’s right-hand box to the receiver’s diagonal box. A player must always start serving from the right-hand side of the court and alternate sides after every point. If the serve hits the net but lands in the correct service box, it is called a “let,” and the serve is retaken. A player must serve again if the ball hits the net and lands outside the correct service box.

Returning the Ball

Once the ball is served, the opponent must return the ball before it bounces on the court for the second time. From that point on, the ball can bounce off the walls and the court’s ground, but players can only touch the ball once before it crosses the net to the other side. If the ball lands outside the court’s boundaries, it’s out of play, and the point goes to the opponent. The team that wins the point gets to serve next.

Fouls

In padel, certain actions are considered fouls and lead to the loss of the point. Players are not allowed to touch the net, the walls, or any part of their opponent’s court during play. If a player hits the ball twice in a row or hits it before it crosses the net, it’s also considered a foul. If the ball hits a player before it bounces on the court, it’s out of play, and the point goes to the opponent.

Conclusion

Padel is an exciting sport that anyone can enjoy. By mastering the padel basic rules, you can start playing and enjoying this sport. Remember to practice regularly and have fun while playing, and you’ll be a pro in no time.