Beginner’s Guide to Padel Rules and Scoring for Recreational Play

The Joy of Padel

If you’re tired of the same old workout routines and looking for a fun and exciting way to stay fit, then padel is the game for you! Padel, often referred to as “the fastest growing sport in the world,” combines elements of tennis and squash, creating a unique and addictive experience.

But before you can join the ranks of padel enthusiasts, it’s crucial to understand the rules and scoring of the game. Don’t worry, though; in this beginner’s guide, we’ll break it down for you so that you can feel confident stepping onto the court for some recreational play.

The Basics

Padel is a doubles sport, meaning you play with a partner against another team. The objective is simple: get the ball over the net and onto your opponent’s side of the court without them returning it. The scoring system is similar to traditional tennis, but with a few minor differences.

Serving

To start a game, and after every point, the serve is carried out. The server must stand behind the baseline, within the service box, and hit the ball diagonally into the opponent’s service box, ensuring it bounces first on their side of the court. Just like in tennis, you get two chances to serve correctly.

Unlike tennis, the serve in padel must be performed underhand, with an underarm swing. This rule encourages more strategy and technique, making the game as entertaining to watch as it is to play.

Scoring

Padel uses the familiar scoring system of love, 15, 30, 40, and game. However, there is no “deuce” in padel. Instead, once both teams reach 40, it’s called “40-all” or “iguales” (meaning equal in Spanish), and the next point wins the game. If both teams reach 40-all twice, it’s called “ventaja” (advantage), and winning the next point gives you the game.

Faults and Fouls

Accidents happen, but padel has a few rules to keep the game fair and enjoyable for everyone.

The Double-Bounce Rule

In padel, the ball must bounce on the ground once on each side before players can hit it on the volley. This rule promotes longer rallies and exciting exchanges. However, after the two bounces, hitting the ball on the fly (volley) is allowed until the point ends.

Hitting the Fence

If the ball hits the wire mesh or any part of the fence before landing in the opponent’s court, it’s considered a fault. So, avoid channelling your inner Spider-Man and swinging from the fences; it won’t earn you any points!

The Center Service Line

During the serve, it’s essential for both feet of the server to remain behind the serving line until they strike the ball. Stepping on or over the line before hitting the ball results in a fault. It may sound strict, but it ensures a fair start to the game.

Conclusion

Now that you have a solid understanding of the rules and scoring of padel, it’s time to hit the courts and have fun! Whether you’re playing for exercise, entertainment, or simply to socialize, padel offers a delightful and addictive experience for players of all ages and skill levels.

Remember, don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek guidance from more experienced players. Padel enthusiasts are incredibly welcoming and passionate about their sport.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab a racket, find a partner, and dive into the wonderful world of padel. You’ll soon realize why it’s sweeping the globe and becoming the sport of choice for recreational players everywhere.

Tags:

• Padel
• Recreational Play
• Rules
• Scoring
• Double-Bounce Rule
• Serving
• Faults and Fouls