If you’re new to padel and eager to learn how to play, understanding the rules is essential for getting started. This sport, which is always played in doubles, offers a thrilling combination of strategy and skill. Let’s break down the core rules and gameplay elements that will help you understand how padel works.
The Court and Equipment
Padel is played on a specially designed court that’s smaller than a traditional tennis court. The court measures 20 meters long and 10 meters wide, and is surrounded by glass walls, a metal fence, and doors on either side. There are two service boxes on either side of the net, similar to tennis, and the walls play a key role in the game.
Basic Gameplay Rules
Starting a Point
Each point begins with an underhand serve, where the server must stand behind the service line. The serve must land in the diagonally opposite service box before it can enter the rally. The ball must bounce on the court before it touches the walls or metal cage to remain in play. If the ball hits the cage directly without bouncing, it’s considered out, and the point goes to your opponents. A serve that touches the wall is valid, as long as it bounces in the correct area first.
Bounce Rules
Players are allowed only one bounce of the ball on their side before hitting it back. If the ball bounces twice, your opponents win the point. The ball can bounce off any of the surrounding walls during the rally, but it must bounce within the boundaries of the court to stay in play.
Using the Walls
Unlike traditional tennis, padel allows players to use the walls as part of their strategy. You can let the ball hit the back or side walls before returning it. Additionally, you can intentionally hit the ball against the wall to create tricky angles or rebounds for your opponents. However, the ball cannot hit the metal cage on your side, and serves cannot touch the cage.
Scoring in Padel
The scoring system in padel follows the same structure as tennis. Points are scored as:
- 15 (1 point)
- 30 (2 points)
- 40 (3 points)
If the score reaches 40-40, it’s known as deuce. To win the game, you must gain a two-point advantage. After deuce, the next player to win a point gets the advantage, and they must win the next point to win the game. If they lose the advantage, the score returns to deuce.
Winning Games and Sets
To win a game, you must be the first to win four points with a two-point lead. To win a set, you need to win six games with a two-game margin. If both teams are tied at 5-5, the set continues until one team leads by two games, making it a 7-5 win or potentially a tiebreaker at 6-6.
The Serve in Padel
To serve, you must stand behind the service line and hit the ball underhand. The ball must land in the opposite service box, and it’s considered out if it hits the cage or lands outside the box. If the ball hits the back wall after bouncing, the point is live and continues.
Players alternate serving every game, meaning each player gets the chance to serve once during a set.
Strategy and Tactics
Padel is not only about hitting the ball but also about positioning and using the court’s walls to your advantage. In a rally, you can deliberately aim for the walls to force awkward angles for your opponents, making it more difficult for them to return the ball.
Key Padel Rules to Remember
– Points are started by an underhand serve, and each serve must land in the correct service box.
– The ball must bounce once on your side before you can hit it; if it bounces twice, your opponents win the point.
– You can use the walls to bounce the ball back into the play area.
– Players take turns serving every game.
– Padel scoring is the same as tennis, with games, sets, and the need to win by two clear points.
Padel is an accessible and exciting sport that combines elements of tennis and squash, with a unique emphasis on wall play and positioning. By understanding the basic rules and mastering the serve, bounce, and wall techniques, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying this fast-paced game. Whether you’re playing casually with friends or in a competitive match, padel is sure to provide hours of fun and challenge.
