The Rules of Padel (Paddle Tennis) - EXPLAINED!

Summary

Padel, or Paddle Tennis, is a dynamic variation of tennis, popular in Spain, Mexico, and Latin America. Played as singles or doubles, it features a smaller court enclosed by Perspex walls, with solid, stringless paddles and a unique ball. Players serve underhand, aiming to bounce the ball into the opponent's court, using the walls for strategic plays. Scoring follows tennis rules, with sets determined by winning 6 games, and matches decided by 2 or 3 sets. Key differences include the ability to play off walls and the court’s boundaries, adding exciting dynamics to the game.

Takeaways

• 😀 Padel (Paddle Tennis) is a variation of tennis, popular in Spain, Mexico, and Latin American countries.
• 😀 Padel can be played as singles or doubles, with doubles being the more common format.
• 😀 The court is 25% smaller than a regular tennis court, measuring 20m long and 10m wide, with a net height of 88cm.
• 😀 The court is enclosed by 3m high Perspex walls, adding a unique dynamic to the game.
• 😀 Players use solid, stringless paddles, and the ball is slightly different from tennis balls.
• 😀 The game begins with a serve, and the ball must be hit below the waist and diagonally into the opponent's court.
• 😀 Players have a maximum of one bounce to return the ball, and the walls can be used to keep the ball in play.
• 😀 Scoring follows the same system as tennis, with points awarded as 15, 30, 40, and 4 points needed to win a game.
• 😀 A set is won by winning 6 games with at least a 2-game lead, and the match is won by winning 2 or 3 sets.
• 😀 Unlike tennis, the ball can be played off the walls and even outside the court, leading to more exciting plays.
• 😀 Key infractions in Padel include hitting the ball into the net, touching the net, hitting the ball twice, and committing a double fault.
• 😀 During a serve, if a player commits two faults, the opponent automatically gets a point (double fault).
• 😀 Deuce occurs when the score is 40-40, and players must win two consecutive points to win the game.
• 😀 A tie breaker is used when sets are tied at 6-6, with the first player to score 7 points winning the set.

Q & A

What is Padel, and how does it differ from traditional tennis?

Padel, also known as Paddle Tennis, is a variation of tennis, mainly popular in Spain, Mexico, and Latin American countries. The primary differences are the smaller court size, the solid stringless paddles, and the ability to play the ball off Perspex walls, which adds more dynamics to the game compared to traditional tennis.

What are the dimensions of a Padel court?

A Padel court is 20 meters long and 10 meters wide, making it approximately 25% smaller than a standard tennis court. The net is 88cm high in the middle.

Can players use the walls in Padel, and how does this affect the game?

Yes, players can use the Perspex walls to play the ball, which adds an extra dimension to the game. This makes for longer rallies and more strategic plays, keeping the ball in play for longer and allowing for unique shot opportunities.

What is the basic objective of a Padel match?

The goal of a Padel match is to win sets faster than your opponent by scoring points. A point is won when the opponent fails to return the ball properly, either by not returning it or allowing it to bounce twice.

How is scoring structured in Padel?

Scoring in Padel is similar to tennis: 15, 30, 40, and game point. A player must win four points and be at least two points ahead to win a game. To win a set, a player must win six games and lead by at least two games.

What are the rules around serving in Padel?

In Padel, the server must bounce the ball behind the service line and hit it below the waist into the opponent's service box. Players have two chances to serve. If they fail both times, it results in a double fault, and the opponent wins a point.

What happens if a legal serve hits the net in Padel?

If a legal serve hits the net but still lands in the opponent's service box, it is called a 'let.' The server is allowed to serve again without penalty.

What is a 'deuce' in Padel?

A 'deuce' occurs when the score is tied at 40-40. From this point, a player must win two consecutive points to win the game.

What is the significance of a 'tie breaker' in Padel?

A tie breaker is used when the score is tied at 6-6 in a set. Players alternate serves, and the first player to score 7 points wins the set.

Are there any fouls or infractions in Padel?

Yes, there are several infractions in Padel. These include hitting the ball into the net and having it land on your own side, touching the ball with any part of your body other than the racket, committing a double fault, or touching the net.