How to play Padel
The scoring system in padel follows the same structure as tennis. The first point won is called "15", followed by "30", "40" and "game" if one side wins all four points. If both sides have equally won three points, it is called "deuce". The next point won after deuce is called "advantage". Some padel tournaments may enforce the gold point rule instead, where the winner of the next point wins the game.
The first pair to win 6 games, with a minimum advantage of 2 clear games, wins the set. If there is a tie at 5 games, two more games are played until one pair wins by two clear games. If there is a tie at 6 games, a "tie-break" independent point system is used (best of 7 points). The match is the best of three sets, and two out of three sets need to be won to win the match.
In padel, all points begin with a serve, which must be hit diagonally across the net and bounce within the receiver's box. The server must bounce the ball within their service box, and their feet must be behind the service line. The ball must be at or below waist level when struck and served from left to right alternately. Players may choose who serves first in a set, but this order cannot be changed until the next set. The server may not touch the service line with their feet, nor the imaginary central line. The service is considered fault when: the server misses the ball, the ball bounces outside the receiver's box, the ball hits the server, his companion, or any object worn or carried by them, the ball touches the metallic fence before the second bounce, or the ball bounces in the receiver's box and goes out of court directly through the gates without a safety zone. If the ball served touches the net before landing in the receiver's box, the service will be repeated (let), provided it does not touch the metallic fence before the second bounce.
To return a serve in padel, the receiving player must wait for the ball to bounce within their service box and hit it before it bounces on the ground for the second time. Each player will receive the serve alternatively during the game, and the order cannot be altered within a set or tie-break. If the receiving order is altered during a match or tie-break, it must continue until the end of the game or tie-break where the mistake occurred. If the ball hits the receiving player or their padel bat before bouncing, the server is awarded a point.
In padel, players lose a point if they touch the net, hit the ball twice, hit the ball before it goes over the net, or hit the ball out of the court. The point is also lost if the ball bounces for a second time before being returned, hits any part of the player or equipment apart from the padel bat, or if a player serves two consecutive faults. Authorized out of court play is allowed when the ball bounces correctly and goes out of court over the end wall, but if it goes over the sidewall or through the door, the point is lost if the ball bounces for a second time or touches any element not related to the court.
Padel rackets come in different shapes, sizes, and materials. They are usually made of carbon fiber, fiberglass, or a combination of both. Carbon fiber is known for its stiffness, while fiberglass provides more flexibility. Some rackets also have a layer of Kevlar to enhance durability. The shape of the racket varies from round to teardrop, with teardrop-shaped rackets offering more power and control. The size of the racket head ranges from oversize to midsize, with the oversize providing a larger sweet spot. There are also differences in the weight and balance of the racket, with lighter rackets providing more maneuverability, and heavier rackets providing more power. Ultimately, the choice of racket will depend on the player's skill level and playing style.
Shop nowCompared to tennis balls, padel balls are smaller and have a lower compression, resulting in a slower speed and lower bounce. Padel balls are also only made of rubber, while tennis balls are made of felt and rubber. Tennis balls have a higher compression and bounce, which is suitable for the faster pace of the game. Padel balls are designed to be used on smaller courts, with walls, and therefore need to be more controlled, while tennis balls are designed to be used on larger courts, without walls, and require more power and speed. Additionally, padel balls are not interchangeable with tennis balls due to their differences in size and compression.
Shop now
.svg)