Padel Tennis Terminology Demystified: What You Need to Know

If you are new to the world of padel tennis, then you may get a bit overwhelmed with the numerous terminologies used in this fascinating game. But don’t worry, in this article, we’ll help you navigate the jargon used in padel tennis and give you a comprehensive guide to understand all those technical terms that make the sport so exciting.

The Court and Equipment

The padel court is divided into two halves by a small net, and each half has a service box and a backcourt area. The scoring system in padel tennis is similar to that of regular tennis, and there are four major strokes you must master to excel in this sport.

The Four Major Strokes

1. Serve: The first shot in padel is the serve – where the player hits the ball to the opponent’s service box to begin the rally.
2. Forehand: The forehand is the primary shot in padel, and it is executed using the dominant hand from the front court.
3. Backhand: The backhand is the opposite of the forehand, executed with the non-dominant hand from the backcourt or front court.
4. Volley: The volley is a quick shot played by the player without allowing the ball to bounce on the padel court.

The Scoring System

The scoring system in padel is similar to tennis, with some minor variations. The first player to reach four points wins the game, but they need to have a two-point lead over their opponent. The points are scored as follows:

1. 15: The first point is counted as 15
2. 30: The second point is counted as 30
3. 40: The third point is counted as 40
4. Game: The fourth point wins the game

The Terminologies

1. Bandeja: A high lob shot executed from the backcourt, used to put your opponent under pressure.
2. Chiquita: A short, low shot that travels across the court.
3. Smash: A powerful overhead shot executed to finish the point quickly.
4. Globo: A high, arching shot that is hit deep into the opponent’s court.
5. Vibora: A low forehand shot struck parallel to the net.
6. Remate: A fast, powerful shot executed low to the ground, often used to finish points.
7. Bajada: A low shot hit at an acute angle to the side fence.
8. Reja: The side net of the padel court.
9. Paddle or Pala: The padel racquet used to play the game.
10. Cancha: The Spanish term for the padel court.

Conclusion

As with every sport, padel tennis has its unique terminologies that may seem confusing at first. However, with a little bit of practice and understanding, you can quickly master these terms and become an expert in this dynamic game. Keep practicing your shots, use these terminologies in context, and soon enough, you’ll be talking like a seasoned padel professional.