Back to Basics: Exploring the Rules of Padel

Padel is a sport that has been gaining popularity in recent years. It is a racquet sport that is similar to tennis, but with some key differences. Padel is played with a different type of racquet, on a smaller court, and with different rules. If you are new to padel, or just need a refresher, here are the basic rules of padel:

The Court

The padel court is smaller than a tennis court, measuring 20 by 10 metres. The court is divided into two halves by a net. The court is enclosed by walls, which means that the ball can be played off the walls like in squash. The walls are also in play, which means that players can use them to play shots.

The Scoring

Padel is played in sets. The first player or team to win six games, with a two-game lead, wins the set. If the score is tied at 6-6, a tiebreaker is played to determine the winner of the set. The tiebreaker is played to seven points, with a two-point lead required to win. The first to score four points is the winner of the game.

The Serve

The serve in padel must be underhand and hit below the waist. The server must stand behind the baseline, and within the service area, to serve. The serve must be hit into the service area on the opposite side of the net. If the serve hits the net and goes in the service area, it is called a let and the serve must be replayed. If the ball does not make it into the service area, a fault is called and the point goes to the other team.

The Return

After the serve, the ball must bounce once on the ground before it is struck by the receiver. The ball can be played off the walls after it has bounced, but it cannot be hit directly from the air on the return of serve. If the ball is hit directly from the air, a fault is called and the point goes to the other team.

The Rally

Once the ball is in play, the rally begins. Players can hit the ball off the walls and play it off the bounce. The ball can only be hit once on your side of the net before it must go over the net to the other side. If the ball touches the net and goes over, the rally continues. If the ball does not make it over the net, the point goes to the other team.

The Winning Shot

The point is won when the opposing team hits the ball out of bounds, fails to return the ball, or commits a fault. The ball is considered out of bounds if it lands outside the court boundaries or strikes the walls or net outside the court. A fault is called if a player touches the ball twice, hits the ball before it crosses the net, or hits the ball out of bounds.

Final Thoughts

These are the basic rules of padel. As with any sport, there are many nuances to the game, and it can take time to develop your skills. But by understanding these basic rules, you can start to enjoy playing padel and improve your game. So grab a racquet, head to the court, and have fun!

Remember, the padel basic rules are there to ensure fairness and fun. So, it’s important to follow them and give your opponents a fair chance to play. With practice, you’ll soon be mastering the art of padel and enjoying the fast-paced game to the fullest.