A-Z Glossary of Padel Terminology Every Beginner Should Know

If you’re new to the game of padel, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed by the numerous terms and jargon that come with it. Don’t worry though; we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll be taking a deep dive into the most commonly used padel terminology that every beginner should know.

A – Advantage

Advantage is called out when one team is one point ahead of their opponents, and the subsequent point will result in them winning the game.

B – Backhand

Backhand refers to the shot hit with the padel racket on the side opposite to the player’s dominant hand.

C – Crosscourt

A crosscourt shot is played diagonally across the court, from one corner to the other.

D – Deuce

Deuce occurs when both teams have scored 40 points, making the score even.

E – Estrella

Estrella is a term used to describe a player who has incredible shot-making abilities and is among the best in the game.

F – Fault

A fault occurs when a player fails to make a valid serve, resulting in the loss of a point.

G – Game

A game consists of a series of points played until one team reaches four points and a margin of two over their opponent.

H – Half-Volley

A half-volley is a shot hit immediately after the ball bounces after it hits the ground.

I – In

A ball is counted as ‘in’ when it lands on the designated court’s lines.

J – Juerga

Juerga is a term that signifies a fun time playing padel, often used in social matches.

K – Kill Shot

A kill shot refers to a shot aggressively hit to the front of the court to win the point.

L – Lob

Lob refers to a shot hit high in the air, over the opponent’s head, and towards the back of the court.

M – Match Point

Match point is the point scored, and one team needs to win the game.

N – Net

The net is the barrier that divides the playing area, used to prevent the ball from leaving the court.

O – Overhead Shot

An overhead shot is played when the ball is hit high into the air and towards the front of the court.

P – Padel Court

The padel court is a smaller version of a tennis court, with walls on all sides.

Q – Quico

Quico is a term referring to the player who remains inactive and doesn’t leave their half of the court during a doubles match.

R – Rebound

Rebound is the process of returning the ball back in play after it bounces off a wall.

S – Smash

A smash involves hitting the ball hard and aggressive towards the back of the court.

T – Topspin

Topspin is the spin put on the ball, giving it forward rotation and some added pace while in the air.

U – Underhand Serve

An underhand serve is a serve thrown on the air with an underhanded motion, often used in padel.

V – Volley

A volley is a shot hit without letting the ball bounce on the ground or after the ball rebounds off the wall.

W – Wristy Shot

A wristy shot refers to a shot hit with the wrist instead of the entire arm, often used in padel.

X – X-Out

X-out is a term used when the linesperson or umpire signals that a ball has gone out of play, meaning it landed outside the court lines.

Y – Yellow Ball

In padel, the balls used are yellow, and they have a defined number of pits designed with indentations in the surface.

Z – Zero

Zero refers to the point’s start for each set, representing a tie or even scoreline.

Final Thoughts

Learning padel terminology can seem overwhelming, but it’s essential to get the game’s most exciting aspect. This glossary of padel terminology aims to be comprehensive and informative, providing you with all the information you need to get started playing padel like a pro. So keep these terms in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming an excellent padel player.