Understanding the Basics: A Comprehensive Padel Glossary for Beginners

If you’ve recently taken an interest in padel, you may find the sport’s terminology slightly confusing. Padel is a racquet sport played on a smaller court than that of tennis, and understanding the basic padel glossary is essential to enjoying the game. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get started.

The Court

The padel court is 10 meters wide and 20 meters long. The court is divided into two parts by a net, and players can hit the ball off any wall, including the back wall. The walls are considered to be in play, and the ball must hit them before landing on the ground.

The Ball

Padel balls are similar to tennis balls but slightly smaller and lower in bounce. They are made with pressurized rubber and come in various colors. Players must use padel balls approved by the International Padel Federation.

The Racquet

Padel rackets are shorter than tennis rackets and have holes in their surface to reduce wind resistance. They are typically made of fiberglass or carbon fiber and have a grip similar to that of tennis rackets.

The Serve

The serve is the starting point of every point in a padel game. The serving player must stand behind the baseline and must hit the ball into the opposite diagonal box. The ball must land inside the service box without touching the net. If the serve is not successful, the player gets a second chance. If the second serve is also unsuccessful, the point goes to the other team.

The Point

A point is scored when a player or team faults, hits the ball out of bounds, or fails to make a legal return. The first team to score six points wins a game, but they must win by two points.

The Lob

A lob is a shot hit high into the air that travels over the opposing player’s head. Lobs are useful when defending or when the opposing team is close to the net. They can also be used to create an angle for a winning shot.

The Smash

The smash is a powerful overhead shot that is hit aggressively towards the opponent’s side of the court. It is typically used when a high ball is hit to the player near the net.

The Bajada

The bajada is a shot hit low and fast towards the ground that makes it difficult for the opposing team to return. It is typically used when a player is trying to gain control of the point.

The Vibora

The vibora is a fast-moving shot hit at an angle, similar to a volley in tennis. It is played with a short backswing and can surprise the opposing team.

The Chiquita

The chiquita is a soft, short shot played off the front wall. It is typically used when a player is in a defensive position and wants to maintain control of the point.

In conclusion, understanding the basics of padel is essential for any beginner. Learning the padel glossary will help you communicate effectively with other players and understand the rules of the game. So grab your racket, hit the court, and start having fun playing padel.