Understanding padel terms: a beginner’s dictionary
2 min read
Understanding Padel Terms: A Beginner’s Dictionary
Padel, a racquet sport that originated in Mexico, is gaining popularity across the world for its fast-paced gameplay and thrilling rallies. As a beginner, it can be overwhelming to understand the terms used by seasoned players. This guide is designed to help you understand some of the most commonly used padel terms.
1. Court
The padel court has specific measurements and is enclosed by walls. It measures 20m in length and 10m in width, with a net dividing it into two halves. The walls, which are typically made of glass, are used to keep the ball in play during rallies.
2. Serve
A serve is the start of each point in padel. The serving player must stand behind the baseline and hit the ball into the opposite half of the court, making sure it lands within specific boundaries.
3. Smash
A smash is a hard-hit shot that is used to end rallies quickly. It is typically hit overhead, and players use a lot of power to hit the ball into the opponent’s half of the court.
4. Lob
A lob is a shot that is hit high into the air, typically over the opponent’s head. It is a defensive shot used to buy time or create an opportunity for the player to recover or prepare for their next shot.
5. Volley
A volley is a shot that is hit before the ball bounces on the court. It is a quick shot that requires excellent reflexes and good hand-eye coordination.
6. Foot Fault
A foot fault is a penalty that occurs when a player steps on or over the baseline while serving. It results in the loss of the point and the opportunity to serve.
7. Advantage
Advantage refers to the situation in which one player is one point away from winning the game. If the opponent can win the next point, they will get back to deuce. If the player with advantage wins the next point, they win the game.
8. Deuce
Deuce is a score in which both players have won three points each. The next player to win a point gets advantage, and if they win the next point, they win the game.
Conclusion
Understanding padel terms is essential to improving your game and engaging with other players. This beginner’s dictionary includes only a few of the many padel terms you should become familiar with. Keep playing, and you’ll soon pick up on much more padel language.
