Padel Rules: Everything You Need to Know
Padel is a rapidly growing sport that combines fun, strategy, and accessibility. If you’re new to the world of padel, understanding the rules is essential. This article outlines the basic rules of padel, so you can step onto the court well-prepared.
Basic Rules of Padel
1. The Playing Area
Padel is played on a rectangular court measuring 20 meters long and 10 meters wide, surrounded by walls made of glass or fencing. The court is divided by a net that is slightly lower than in tennis. The walls are part of the game, giving padel its unique dynamic character.
2. Scoring System
The scoring in padel is similar to tennis. A match is played in sets, and a set is won by the team that first wins six games, with a margin of at least two games. A game is scored as follows: 15, 30, 40, and game point. At a tie of 40-40 (deuce), a team must win two consecutive points to win the game.
3. The Serve
The serve in padel must always be underhand. The ball must bounce behind the service line and cannot be struck above the waist. The ball must then land diagonally in the opponent’s service box. Like tennis, the server gets two attempts to serve correctly. If the ball hits the net but lands in the correct area, the serve is replayed.
4. Game Play
After the serve, the game continues, and the ball can be returned in various ways. Players may let the ball bounce on the ground and against the walls before returning it. However, the ball can only bounce once on the ground before it must be returned. The ball must reach the opponent’s court directly or via the walls.
5. Scoring Points
A point is scored if:
– The ball bounces twice on the opponent’s court.
– The opponent hits the ball into the net.
– The ball lands outside the lines of the playing area.
– The opponent hits the ball directly against one of their own walls without it touching the ground first.
6. Teams
Padel is typically played in doubles, with two teams of two players competing against each other. Communication and teamwork are essential, as most points are won through clever placement and cooperation.
Key Rules at a Glance
- Underhand serve,
- Scoring similar to tennis.
- Use of walls during play.
- The ball can bounce a maximum of once on the court.
- Usually played in doubles format.
Conclusion
Padel is a dynamic and accessible sport with simple rules, offering plenty of room for strategy and collaboration. Whether you’re a beginner or have experience in other racket sports, these rules will prepare you to hit the padel court. Padel provides a fantastic mix of physical challenge and social play, making it an ideal sport for players of all levels.
