Get Started with Padel: A Beginner’s Guide to the Rules

If you’re looking for a fun and exciting way to stay active, padel is an excellent option to consider. This high-energy sport is similar to tennis and squash, but with its own unique twists and turns. However, if you’re new to the game, you may be wondering what the rules are and how to get started. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about padel rules for beginners, so you can hit the court with confidence.

Overview of Padel

Before we dive into the rules, let’s first take a brief look at what padel is. This sport is played on an enclosed court, similar in size to a tennis court, but with walls around the perimeter. Players use paddles to hit a small, perforated ball over the net and try to keep it in play. The game is typically played in doubles, with four players on the court at once.

The Serve

The first thing you need to know about padel rules for beginners is how to serve. The server must stand behind the baseline and hit the ball underhand, aiming it diagonally across the court and into the opposite service box. The ball must bounce once before it can be returned by the opposing team. Both players on the serving team must take turns serving, and the server must announce the score before each serve.

Scoring

Scoring in padel can seem confusing at first, but it’s actually quite simple. The game is played in sets, with the first team to win two sets declared the winner. Each set is played to six games, and a team must win by two games. If the score is tied at 5-5, the team that wins the next game wins the set. If the score is tied at 6-6, a tiebreak is played to seven points.

Playing the Ball

When playing the ball, there are a few rules you need to be aware of. The ball must always be hit before it bounces twice, and it must be returned back over the net and into the opponent’s court. If the ball hits the ceiling or walls before it reaches the opponent’s court, it’s considered out of play. However, if the ball hits the wall after bouncing in the opponent’s court, it’s considered a valid shot.

Faults

Just like in other sports, there are also faults in padel that can result in the loss of a point. For example, if a player steps into the service box before hitting their serve, it’s called a foot fault and results in a fault. If the ball hits a player or object outside the court before it bounces, it’s also considered a fault.

Conclusion

Now that you’re familiar with the basic padel rules for beginners, you’re ready to hit the court and start playing. Remember to always be respectful of your opponents and have fun while you’re playing. With a little practice and patience, you’ll soon be a skilled padel player and ready to take on any challenger.