Basic Rules of Padel: From Serving to Letting the Ball Bounce Twice

If you’re new to padel, it’s important to understand the basic rules before you start playing. Padel is a fun and exciting sport that can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of age or skill level. In this article, we’ll be discussing the rules of padel, from serving to letting the ball bounce twice.

Serving

Let’s start with serving. In padel, the server must stand behind the baseline and serve diagonally to the opponent’s service box. The ball must land inside the service box without touching the net. The server is allowed two attempts to serve the ball. If they fail to serve the ball properly twice, they lose the point.

The Point

The point begins with the serve. After the ball is served, players may hit the ball back and forth between each other until one of the following happens:

1. The ball goes out of bounds
2. The ball fails to land in the opponent’s court
3. A player fails to hit the ball properly

If any of these things happen, the point is over. The player who wins the point gets to serve next.

The Net

If the ball hits the net during play but lands in the opponent’s court, the game continues. This is called a let. However, if the ball hits the net and fails to land in the opponent’s court, the point is lost.

Double Bounce Rule

One of the unique rules of padel is the double bounce rule. After the serve, the ball must bounce once on the server’s side of the court, and once on the opponent’s side before it can be played. However, after the first two bounces, the ball can be played without bouncing again.

The Serve and Volley Rule

The serve and volley rule allows the server to move up to the net right after they serve. This can be an advantageous position as the server is already at the net and can hit the ball before it bounces.

The Walls

In padel, the walls are considered part of the court. Players can use the walls to their advantage by hitting the ball off the walls, but they cannot hit the ball over the walls.

The Importance of Sportsmanship

As with any sport, good sportsmanship is key. Padel players should always be respectful toward their opponents, play fairly, and follow the rules.

Conclusion

In conclusion, padel is a fun and exciting sport that requires a good understanding of the rules. From serving to letting the ball bounce twice, there are many rules to learn, but once you have a good grasp of the basics, you’ll be ready to start playing. Remember to have fun, play fair, and always be a good sport.