Padel Fouls and Penalties: What Will Cost You Points?

As a beginner in any sport, learning about the rules can be just as important as mastering the basic skills. Padel, a racket sport similar to tennis, is no exception. Padel fouls and penalties can determine who wins or loses the game, and to be a successful player, it’s important to understand them. In this article, we’ll go over some common padel fouls and penalties that could cost you points, and the pads rules explained.

Foul #1: Touching the Net

Padel is played with a net just like tennis, and touching the net during play is considered a foul. If you hit the ball and the ball goes over the net, but you touch the net while hitting it, your opponent will get the point. This rule applies to players on both sides of the court.

Foul #2: Touching the Wall

The walls surrounding the court are an essential part of padel. Hitting the ball off the wall can make for a great shot, but it’s important not to touch the wall with your racket or any part of your body while hitting the ball. If this happens, your opponent gets the point.

Foul #3: Serving Out of Turn

In padel, there’s a specific order for serving. If you’re serving, your partner must stand in the correct position behind you, and your opponents must also be in their respective positions. If you serve out of turn, the point goes to your opponents. This rule helps keep the game fair.

Foul #4: Unsportsmanlike Conduct

Unsportsmanlike conduct can include anything deemed inappropriate by the referee or the other players. This could include arguing with the referee or your opponents, throwing your racket, or using foul language. If someone engages in unsportsmanlike conduct, the referee can award a point to the opposing team.

Penalty: Double Fault

A double fault occurs when a player fails to serve the ball successfully two times in a row. This could be because the ball didn’t land in the correct box, or if the ball hit the net or went out of bounds. A double fault results in the opposing team receiving a point, and the player who served must serve again.

Penalty: Shot Out of Bounds

If you hit the ball out of bounds, your opponent will get the point. The only exception is if your opponent touched the ball before it went out of bounds. Balls that hit the ceiling or any other part of the court’s structure besides the wall are also considered out of bounds.

In conclusion, there are several padel fouls and penalties that could cost you points. By understanding these rules, you can avoid making mistakes and improve your gameplay. Remember, padel is meant to be a fun and fair game, and following the rules is essential for everyone’s enjoyment. Keep practicing, stay focused, and most of all, have fun playing padel!