Your One-Stop Guide to Basic Padel Rules

Are you new to the world of padel, or simply need a refresher on basic padel rules? Look no further, as we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll be going over all the essential rules every padel player should know.

The Court and Scoring System

Padel is played on a court that is 10 meters wide and 20 meters long, with a net dividing the court in half. The game begins with a serve from the right-hand side of the court, and the server must aim to hit the ball across the net and into the opposite half of the court. If the serve lands in the service box, the point will start in a normal manner. However, if the serve lands outside the box or the player misses the ball, then the opponent gets the point.

The Serve

The serve is a crucial part of padel, so it’s important to know all the ins and outs of it. One of the most important rules to keep in mind is that the ball must be hit below the waist level. The server is also allowed only one try to hit the ball over the net and into the opponent’s half of the court. If the ball hits the net but lands in the correct service box, it is a “let” and the server may try again. A player can serve from anywhere behind the court’s baseline.

The Rally

Once the ball is in play, the game continues with a normal rally. During the rally, players take turns hitting the ball with a combination of volleys and groundstrokes. The ball is allowed to bounce once on each side of the court before it must be returned. If the ball lands outside the court boundaries, the point goes to the other side. If a player hits the ball into the net, the point goes to the opposing team.

The Scoring System

The scoring in padel is similar to that of tennis, with each game counting as one point. The only exception is that instead of the traditional love-fifteen-thirty scoring system, the points start at love and go up to 40. If the game score reaches deuce (40-40), then a player must win two consecutive points to win the game.

The Let Rule

The let rule is an important aspect of padel, and it applies to various situations. For example, if the ball hits the roof or a foreign object such as a spectator or light, the point is replayed. Similarly, if a player is hindered by their opponent’s or their own equipment, a let will be called.

The Volley

Volleys are an essential part of padel, and they happen when the ball is hit in the air before it bounces. During a volley, players are not allowed to touch the net or touch the opponent’s side of the court. The ball must be hit within the court boundaries to avoid conceding a point.

Conclusion

We’ve covered all the essential basic padel rules that every player should know. From the scoring system to the serve to volleys, these rules form the backbone of the game. Remember, as always, practice makes perfect. The more you play and learn about the game, the better you’ll become. So grab your padel racket and start playing!