A Complete Guide to Padel: Definition, Rules, and Basics

If you are new to the sport, you might be wondering, “What is padel?” Well, padel is a racket sport that originated in Mexico in the 1960s. It quickly gained popularity in Spain and other countries, and now it’s played all over the world.

In padel, two pairs face off in a small enclosed court with a net in the middle. Players use paddles to hit a ball back and forth over the net until one team fails to return the ball.

If you’re interested in learning more about padel, keep reading for a complete guide to the sport.

The Basics of Padel

A padel court is smaller than a tennis court and is enclosed by glass or mesh walls. The dimensions of the court are 10 meters by 20 meters (33 feet by 66 feet), and the net is set at 88 centimeters (35 inches) high.

Padel is played with a composite ball that is slightly smaller than a tennis ball but larger than a squash ball. The paddles used in padel are usually made of fiberglass or carbon fiber.

A game of padel is won by the first team to reach six games, with a two-game lead. If the score is tied at six games each, a tiebreaker is played to determine the winner.

Padel Rules

Now that you know the basics of padel let’s dive into the rules.

Serving

The server must stand behind the baseline and serve underhand, hitting the ball below waist height. The ball must land in the opponent’s service box to be considered a legal serve. If the ball hits the net and lands in the service box, the serve is replayed.

Scoring

Padel uses a unique scoring system known as “counting one, two, three, four, fifteen.” Each point is worth one, and the server calls out the score before each serve. When the score is tied at 40-40, it’s known as “deuce,” and the next point wins the game. If one team wins the next point after deuce, they must win one more point to win the game.

Let Calls

If the ball hits the net and lands in the service box, the serve is replayed. During gameplay, if the ball hits the net and lands in the correct area of the court, the rally continues.

Playing the Ball

Players must hit the ball after the ball bounces once on their side of the court. The ball must stay within the boundaries of the court and cannot be hit outside of the court.

Doubles vs Singles

Padel can be played in both doubles and singles formats. A doubles game is played with two players on each team, while a singles game is played with one player on each team.

Getting Started with Padel

If you’re interested in playing padel, the best way to start is to find a local court and give it a try. You can also reach out to local clubs or organizations to find other players to practice with.

When you first start playing, focus on developing good technique, footwork, and positioning. The more you practice, the better you’ll become.

Conclusion

Padel is a fun and exciting sport that’s growing in popularity around the world. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting, padel is a great sport to try out and enjoy. So what are you waiting for? Grab a paddle and start playing!