The Essential Rules of Padel for Beginners

If you’ve never played padel before, don’t worry – it’s never too late to start! Padel, a blend of tennis and squash, is a fun and accessible sport that’s perfect for beginners. However, before you take to the court, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the rules. Here are some of the most important padel beginners rules to keep in mind.

Scoring

The first thing you need to know is how to keep score. Padel is typically played in sets, with the first team to win six games winning the set. If both teams are tied at 5-5, the set must be won by a margin of two games. If the score reaches 6-6, a tie-breaker game is played to determine the winner.

Serving

Another key rule to remember is the service rule. Just like in tennis, the serve must be made diagonally across the court, starting from the right-hand side of the court. The ball must be hit into the service box, which is a smaller box within the larger court. If the ball touches the net and lands in the service box, it’s called a let and the serve must be taken again.

Court Boundaries

The court in padel is smaller than a tennis court, usually marked by glass walls on all sides. As a beginner, it’s important to know the boundaries of the court. If the ball hits the walls or ceiling and bounces back into play, the rally continues. However, if the ball bounces twice on the floor before it’s hit, the point goes to the other team.

Volleys

Unlike in tennis, padel allows you to hit the ball after it bounces off the walls. Volleys are an important part of the game and can give you an advantage over your opponents. However, there are a few rules to follow when volleying. The ball must be hit below waist level, and you can’t touch the net or any part of your opponent’s court.

Conduct

Finally, always remember to play with good sportsmanship. Avoid distracting your opponents by talking or making noise during points. If the ball hits your opponent, apologize and make sure they’re okay before continuing play. And if you disagree with a call, don’t argue – simply ask the referee to make the final decision.

By following these padel beginners rules, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying this exciting and energetic sport. Remember, as with any new activity, practice is key. The more you play, the more comfortable and confident you’ll become on the court. So grab a racket and head to your nearest padel court – the fun is waiting for you!