Padel Basics

Basic Rules of Padel

1.     Teams:

·     Padel is usually played in doubles (two players on each side), but singles play is also permitted.

2.     Scoring: The scoring system is similar to tennis:

·       Scoring in each game is as follows: 0 (love), 15, 30, 40, and game.

·       The advantage rule applies at 40-40 (deuce).

·       A player must win six games to win a set but must lead by at least two games.

·       If the score is 6-6 in games in a set then a tie break to seven points is played (one team must win in the tie break by two clear points).

·       Matches consist of three sets. If both players have a set (1-1) then the third set shall decide the winner of the match.

3.     Serving:

·       The serve must be underhand and below waist height.

·       The ball must bounce once before it is hit.

·       The server must aim for the opponent's service box.

·       The ball may hit the walls after bouncing in the service box, and the serve counts as valid.

·       If the ball hits the net, bounces in the service box, and hits the side or back wall, it's a let (so another serve is required).

·       If the ball hits the net and lands in the service box and hits the wire fencing, it's a fault.

·       If the ball hits the cage or the wall before bouncing in then it is a fault.

·       The server has two attempts to hit a serve, if a server serves a fault on the second serve, then the point goes to the opponent.

·       The server must keep one foot on the ground while hitting the serve.

4.     Returning the Ball:

·       Players can hit the ball before (except on return of serve) or after it bounces once.

·       After a bounce, the ball is allowed to hit the walls.

·       A player can hit the ball off their side of the wall so that it rebounds onto the opponent’s side of the court.

5.     Fouls and Faults:

·       A fault occurs if the serve does not land in the correct service box.

·       The ball must only bounce once, if it bounces twice it is a fault and a point will goes to the opponent.

·       When serving you must remain with both feet behind the service line until the ball is hit, failure to do this will result in a footfault. The first footfault in a point is a let, and if a second footfault follows straight after, then it will result in a loss of a point.

6.     Ball in Play:

·       The ball remains in play as long as it is not hit outside the court boundaries or hits an obstruction.

·       A ball must land within the court area to be considered in play.

·       You can use the doors to run outside and try and return the ball to keep the point in play.

7.     Player Movement:

·       Players can use the walls to play the ball to their advantage.

8.     Change of Serve:

·       Players take turns serving after every game, rotating serve order just like in tennis.

9.     Shots:

·       Forehand/backhand

·       Serve

·       Vibora

·       Bandeja (check out our blog on how to master the Bandeja here).

·       Chiquita

·       Off the wall strokes

·       Lob

·       Volley

·       Smash