What is Padel: The Basic Rules of the Game

Padel has been making waves on the sports scene in recent years, captivating players with its fast-paced rallies and unique court structure. If you’re new to the game or simply curious about what exactly is padel, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll explore the basic rules of padel and provide you with a head start to enjoy this exciting sport.

Getting Familiar with the Court

Padel combines elements of tennis and squash, played on a smaller enclosed court with glass walls and wire mesh fences. The court measures 20 meters in length and 10 meters in width, which makes it ideal for social play and friendly competition. It’s essential to understand how the court is divided to grasp the game’s dynamics.

The court is split evenly into two halves by a net. Unlike tennis, however, the net extends all the way to the glass walls, creating a single-use area for each team. Four players are typically involved, with two players on each side of the net.

The Serve: Let the Action Begin

Similar to tennis, the action begins with a serve. However, in padel, the serve must be underhand, with the server striking the ball below waist height. The serve is diagonal and must cross onto the opposite diagonal box—just like in tennis.

Unlike tennis, though, players have two attempts to make a successful serve. If the ball hits the mesh fence or glass without landing on the opponent’s court, it results in a fault.

Playing the Game: The Nitty-Gritty

Padel rules are designed to prioritize quick, dynamic rallies over power shots. This makes the game accessible to players of all ages and skill levels. Here are a few crucial rules you should know:

1. One bounce rule: After the serve, and for each shot thereafter, the ball must bounce on the ground before players can volley or play it directly. This allows for strategic positioning and adds an exciting element of anticipation to the game.

2. Maximum of three shots: Each team can hit the ball a maximum of three times before it must pass over the net. Shots can be taken off the walls too, so players must be well-versed in the art of using the unique court structure to their advantage.

3. No passing over the fence: If the ball goes over the glass walls or wire mesh fences without bouncing first, it results in the point being lost. This rule encourages players to stay focused and deliver well-placed shots.

The Scoring System: Keeping Track of Points

The scoring system in padel is quite straightforward. The game follows traditional tennis scoring, with each point being awarded in numerical order: 15, 30, 40, followed by game point. If both teams reach a 40-40 tie, known as deuce, they play what’s called “advantage” where a team needs to win two consecutive points to win the game.

Conclusion

Now that you’re familiar with the basic rules of padel, why not grab a racket, gather some friends, and hit the courts? Padel is a fantastic way to stay active, enjoy some friendly competition, and indulge in an exciting sport that combines the best of tennis and squash. So, whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting out, give padel a try and experience the thrill for yourself!