The ABCs of Padel: A Beginner’s Glossary of Essential Terms

Are you new to the world of padel? If yes, then you might be overwhelmed by the jargon and terminology used in the sport. Fear not, as we have got you covered with this beginner’s glossary that covers all the essential terms you need to know to get started with this exciting sport. So, let’s dive in!

Advantage

When a player wins a point after a deuce, they earn an advantage. If they win the next point too, they win the game.

Bandeja

A type of shot made by hitting the ball high towards the front wall with force. This is a common attacking shot in padel.

Chiquita

A shot that is similar to a drop shot in tennis, in which the ball is hit gently and bounces low over the net, just over the opponent’s side.

Deuce

When both teams have the same number of points and the score is tied at 40-40, it is called a deuce. The next point won after a deuce gives the player an advantage.

Empate

When the score is tied, it is called an empate. This can happen when a set is tied at 6-6 and goes into a tiebreaker.

Fifteen, Thirty, Forty

These are the point values in padel. A player needs to win four points to win a game, and the points are counted as fifteen, thirty, forty, and game.

Globo

A lob shot is a high shot played to send the ball over the opponent’s head. This is a defensive shot used to buy time to get back into position.

Match Point

Match point is the final point needed to win a match. It is often a tense moment in a game, and the winning player or team is awarded the victory.

No-Man’s-Land

This is the area on the court between the net and the service line. It is called no-man’s-land because it is a challenging area to play, and players who get stuck in this zone are at a disadvantage.

Paddle

The paddle is a bat-like instrument used to hit the ball in padel. It has a solid face and a handle, and it is called a “pala” in Spanish.

Queued Serve

A queued serve is a serve in which the ball is bounced first and then hit with the paddle. It is a legal serve and commonly used in padel.

Smash

The smash is a powerful attacking shot that is hit after an opponent’s lob. It is hit with force and aimed downwards, making it difficult to return.

Tiebreaker

A tiebreaker is a game played to decide a set that is tied at 6-6. The first player or team to reach seven points with a two-point lead wins the tiebreaker and the set.

This padel glossary covers all the essential terms that a beginner needs to know to get started with this sport. However, there are many more terms specific to this exciting sport, and you will learn more as you play and watch matches. So, grab your paddle and get on the court – it’s time to play some padel!