Introduction

Welcome to the ultimate A-Z Padel Glossary for beginners! Whether you are new to the sport or just want to refresh your knowledge on padel terms, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate through the exciting world of padel.

A

Advantage (Ad)

In padel, when a player wins a point after deuce (40-40), they gain the advantage. The player with the advantage only needs to win one more point to win the game.

B

Backhand

A backhand is a shot hit on the nondominant side of the player’s body, usually executed with the paddle across the body.

C

Court

The padel court is the playing area enclosed by glass walls and metal mesh fencing. It measures 20 meters long and 10 meters wide, and is divided into two sides by a net.

D

Drop Shot

A drop shot is a softly-hit shot that aims to make the ball fall quickly and near the net, forcing the opponent to approach and execute a difficult volley.

E

Entry Shot

The entry shot is the first shot hit by the server after the serve, usually aiming to place the ball deep into the opponent’s court, preventing an aggressive return.

F

Fault

A fault is a mistake made by a player which results in losing the point, such as hitting the ball out of bounds or failing to clear the net with a serve.

G

Grip

The grip refers to how a player holds the paddle. There are various grips, including Eastern, Western, and Continental grips, each chosen based on personal preference and playing style.

H

Half-Volley

A half-volley is a shot played just after the ball has bounced on the ground, usually requiring good technique and timing to execute successfully.

I

Intercept

Intercepting means anticipating the opponent’s shot and intercepting it before it can reach the intended target, often resulting in a surprise advantage for the player.

J

Jump Smash

A powerful attacking shot where the player jumps up while hitting the ball, adding extra force and height to the shot.

K

Kick Serve

A serve that has a high bounce and a lot of spin, making it difficult for the opponent to return.

L

Lob

A high, defensive shot that aims to go over the opponent’s head and deep into their court, providing time for the player to recover and regain control of the point.

M

Middle Wall

The middle wall is the part of the glass wall positioned in the center of the court, serving as a reference point for players to analyze their shots and angles.

N

Net

The net divides the padel court into two equal sides. It sits three feet high in the middle and two feet-high at the ends.

O

Overhead Smash

An offensive shot executed by hitting the ball forcefully, usually from a high point above the player’s head, targeting to finish the point or create a weak return.

P

Paddle

A padel paddle is the equipment used to hit the ball. It is typically made of a composite material, with a rough face to generate spin.

Q

Quick Game

Quick game refers to playing with speed and urgency, aiming to keep the opponent off balance and forcing errors.

R

Reverse Bandeja

A reverse bandeja is a shot that uses a backhand motion but is hit with the front side of the paddle. It is a deceptive shot that changes direction unexpectedly.

S

Smash

A powerful overhead shot aimed to aggressively finish the point by hitting the ball downwards with extreme force.

T

Tie-Break

Tie-break is a game format used to determine the winner of a tied set. It is played until one team reaches a score of seven, with a two-point advantage.

U

Underhand Serve

An underhand serve is performed by swinging the paddle below waist level to strike the ball, often used for accuracy and control.

V

Volley

A volley is a shot hit in mid-air, without letting the ball bounce on the ground. This shot is commonly executed close to the net.

W

World Padel Tour (WPT)

The World Padel Tour is the premier professional padel circuit, featuring top players and tournaments around the world.

X

X-Factor

The term “X-Factor” is used to describe the unique qualities and skills that set certain players apart, making them standout performers in the padel world.

Y

You Cut

“You Cut” is a term used to communicate with your partner during a game, indicating that you intend to take the ball that is coming closer to you.

Z

Zurdo

“Zurdo” is a Spanish term used to describe a left-handed padel player.