A Step-by-Step Guide to Understanding Padel Tennis Rules

If you’ve never heard of padel tennis, you’re not alone. This fast-paced and exciting racket sport is gaining popularity around the world. It originated in Mexico in the 1960s and has since spread to over 100 countries.

If you’re interested in playing padel tennis, the first step is understanding the basic rules of padel tennis. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get started.

The Court

The first thing you need to know about padel tennis is the court. The court is smaller than a tennis court, measuring 20 meters long and 10 meters wide. There is a net that divides the court in half, and the court is surrounded by a wall that players can use to bounce the ball.

The Ball

The ball used in padel tennis is similar to a tennis ball, but it’s a bit smaller and less pressurized. It’s made of rubber and covered in felt, and it bounces lower than a tennis ball.

The Scoring

The scoring in padel tennis is the same as tennis. Players earn points by hitting the ball over the net and into the opponent’s court without the opponent returning it. The first player or team to reach six games wins the set, and the first player or team to win two sets wins the match.

The Serve

The serve is one of the most important parts of padel tennis. The server must stand behind the baseline and hit the ball underhand. The ball must bounce once in the server’s court before being hit, and it must clear the net and land in the opponent’s court. If the ball hits the net and lands in the opponent’s court, it’s called a let and the server gets another chance.

The Rally

After the serve, the players hit the ball back and forth over the net until one player or team fails to return the ball. The ball can bounce once on the court before being hit, and players can use the walls to bounce the ball as well.

The Faults

Just like in tennis, there are faults in padel tennis. If the ball lands out of bounds, hits the net and doesn’t go over, or if a player hits the ball out of bounds, it’s called a fault. If a player commits a fault, they lose the point.

The Let

A let is called when a point is replayed due to a hindrance. For example, if a ball rolls on the court during a point, a let is called and the point is replayed.

The Summary

These are the basic rules of padel tennis. As you can see, it’s a relatively simple game that’s easy to pick up. However, like any sport, there are plenty of nuances and strategies to master. By practicing regularly and learning from experienced players, you’ll be able to improve your game and become a skilled padel player in no time.

In conclusion, padel tennis is an exciting and fast-paced sport that’s gaining popularity around the world. By understanding the basic rules of padel tennis, you’ll be able to get started and enjoy all the amazing benefits of this great sport. So grab a racket, find a court, and get ready to play!