Decoding Padel Lingo: Top 20 Padel Terms Every Beginner Must Learn

Padel is a fun and exciting sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. However, for beginners, understanding the common terms used in padel can be quite daunting. Fear not, as we have compiled a padel glossary of the top 20 padel terms every beginner must learn to enjoy the sport to the fullest:

1. Serve

In padel, the serve is when a player hits the ball over the net to begin the rally. The serve is an important part of the game, as it gives the player an advantage to start the point.

2. Smash

A smash is a powerful overhead shot that is hit downwards towards the opponent’s court to finish the point.

3. Lob

A lob is a high, arcing shot that is hit over the opponent’s head, designed to land in the back of the court.

4. Volley

A volley is a shot that is hit before the ball bounces on the court. Usually, volleys are played at the net to finish points quickly.

5. Backhand

The backhand is a shot played with the non-dominant arm. In padel, the backhand is used to hit the ball on the opposite side of the body.

6. Forehand

The forehand is a shot played with the dominant arm. In padel, it is used to hit the ball on the same side of the body.

7. Drop Shot

A drop shot is a soft shot that is hit with spin, intended to land just over the net and drop on the opponent’s side of the court.

8. Block Shot

A block shot is a defensive shot played to stop a powerful hit from the opponent. The idea is to simply block the ball back to the other side of the court.

9. Half-Volley

A half-volley is a shot played immediately after the ball bounces on the court. It is a difficult shot to play, but can be effective in certain situations.

10. Slice

A slice is a shot played with backspin, designed to keep the ball low and make it difficult for the opponent to return.

11. Cross-Court

A cross-court shot is when the ball is hit diagonally across the court, from one side to the other.

12. Smash Lob

A smash lob is a powerful overhead shot that is hit high into the air, intended to land in the back of the court.

13. Footwork

Footwork refers to the movement of a player’s feet on the court. Good footwork is essential to be able to get into position to hit the ball effectively.

14. Positioning

Positioning refers to where a player is on the court in relation to the ball and the opponent. Good positioning allows a player to be in the best possible position to hit the ball.

15. Net Player

The net player is the player who stands at the net during a point. The net player’s role is to cut off angles and hit volleys.

16. Baseline Player

The baseline player is the player who stands at the back of the court during a point. The baseline player’s role is to hit groundstrokes and defend the court.

17. Doubles

Doubles is a style of play where two players are on each team, and the court is wider.

18. Singles

Singles is a style of play where there is only one player on each team, and the court is narrower.

19. Match Point

Match point is when one player or team is one point away from winning the match.

20. Tie-Break

A tie-break is a special scoring method used when the game is tied at six games each. The first player or team to reach seven points wins the tie-break and the set.

There you have it, our padel glossary of the top 20 padel terms every beginner must learn. Understanding these terms will help you get started with playing, and will also allow you to enjoy the sport to its fullest. So grab your padel racquet and hit the court!