Padel Terminology 101: Key Terms Every Novice Player Should Know

If you’re new to the world of padel, you may find yourself lost in the jargon and unfamiliar terminology. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll be going over some of the key terms every novice player should know. So grab your racket and let’s get started!

The Court

First things first, let’s discuss the court. The padel court is smaller than a tennis court, measuring 20 meters long by 10 meters wide. The court is divided by a net, and players must hit the ball so that it bounces in the opponent’s court without going out of bounds. The area at the back of the court is called the baseline, while the area at the front of the court is called the service line.

The Serve

The serve is the shot used to start the point. In padel, the serve must be hit underhand and must bounce in the opponent’s court before they can return it. There are two types of serve in padel:

– The “flat” serve: a low and fast serve that stays close to the ground.
– The “lob” serve: a high, arcing serve that travels up and then comes down into the opponent’s court.

The Volley

A volley is a shot that is hit before the ball bounces on the court. In padel, volleys are an integral part of the game since they allow players to take control of the point. There are different types of volleys in padel, including:

– The “smash” volley: a powerful overhead shot that is hit with a lot of force.
– The “drop” volley: a softer shot that is hit with a downward motion, usually when the opponent is out of position.

The Lob

A lob is a shot that is hit high and deep into the opponent’s court. Lobs are useful when the opponent is at the net, and you want to force them to move back and defend the back of the court. There are different types of lobs in padel, including:

– The “defensive” lob: a high lob that is hit when the opponent is attacking.
– The “offensive” lob: a lob that is hit to surprise the opponent and catch them off guard.

The Smash

The smash is a powerful overhead shot that is hit when the ball is high in the air. Smashes are usually hit when the opponent has hit a weak lob or when they are out of position. It’s important to use the correct technique when hitting a smash to avoid injury and to make sure the ball goes where you want it to.

The Deuce

The deuce is a tie-breaker in padel that is played when the score is tied at 40-40. In the deuce, players must win by two points to win the game. Scoring in padel can be a little confusing, so be sure to brush up on the scoring rules before your next match.

So there you have it, padel terminology 101. By familiarizing yourself with these key terms, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a padel pro. Remember, practice makes perfect, so get out on the court and start honing your skills!