A Step-by-Step Guide to Scoring in Padel for Beginners

Welcome, beginners, to the exciting world of padel! This combination of tennis and squash is gaining popularity worldwide, and scoring can sometimes be a bit confusing at first. But fear not! In this guide, we’ll take you through the steps of scoring in padel, so you can confidently step onto the court and enjoy this fantastic sport. Let’s get started!

Understanding the Basics

Before we dive into scoring, let’s quickly recap the basics of padel. Padel is played in doubles, either by two men, two women, or one man and one woman. The court is smaller than a tennis court, and it’s surrounded by glass walls. The scoring system in padel is similar to tennis, but with a few differences.

The Serve

The first step to scoring in padel is the serve. The server must stand behind the baseline, and the ball must be hit underhanded and bounced before reaching the receiver. The serve must be directed to the diagonally opposite service box, similar to tennis. The ball must clear the net and hit the ground within the service box without touching any walls or the net before bouncing.

Remember, the serve must be fault-free, meaning no mistakes or rule violations. If the serve is out, the server gets a second chance. However, if the second serve is also out, it’s considered a fault, and the point goes to the opposing team.

The Rally

Once the serve is successful, the rally begins. The ball must be hit to the opposing side over the net and bounce within the court. Both teams have three chances to hit the ball before it must cross the net.

During the rally, players can use the walls to keep the ball in play. Shots can be volleyed or played off the bounce. The objective is to strategically place the ball, making it difficult for the opponents to return. Padel offers plenty of opportunities for strategy and finesse.

Scoring

Now, let’s dive into the scoring system in padel. Padel uses a straightforward scorekeeping system, similar to tennis. The points are counted as follows:

• 0 points: Love
• 1 point: 15
• 2 points: 30
• 3 points: 40

Understandably, as beginners, you might wonder what happens if both teams reach 40 points each. This is called a “deuce,” and the game must be won by a two-point advantage. So, if the score reaches deuce, the next point will be “advantage,” and if the team with advantage wins that point, they win the game. If the team with advantage loses the point, the score goes back to deuce, and the battle continues until one team wins by that two-point margin.

Game, Set, and Match

A game in padel is won by reaching four points and having a two-point lead over the opponents. For example, a game could end with a score of 40-0, 40-15, or 40-30. A player or team needs to win six games to win a set, and typically, matches are played as the best of three sets.

While it may seem a bit confusing at first, scoring in padel becomes second nature with practice. So, get out on the court, grab a racquet, and start scoring those points to experience all the thrill padel has to offer!

In conclusion, scoring in padel for beginners is not as complex as it may initially seem. With a clear understanding of the rules, you’ll be able to keep track of the score while enjoying the fast-paced and exciting nature of the game. Hopefully, this guide has provided you with a solid foundation to begin your padel journey. Remember, practice makes perfect, so get out there and have some fun!