Padel is a racquet sport, which is played in doubles only. It can be played indoors or outdoors. Players are enclosed in an area measuring 10 by 20 meters with transparent glass walls and wire mesh fencing. A net separates the two teams and the court is marked out with service line boxes. Walls around the court mean that the ball can stay in play while adding more excitement to spice up the game!

 

Objective of the Game

The objective of Padel is to win two out of the three sets that constitute a match. In doing so, each pair must work as a team to outplay the opposition. Because the court is enclosed and is smaller than a tennis court, the teammates are closer to each other, which develops good communication between them.

The pace of the game will enhance footwork and balance, which means that fitness and agility will improve.

Points:

• Padel uses the same scoring system as tennis.
• Six games are needed to win a set and the team which wins two sets wins the game.
• Points are scored exactly the same as in tennis, i.e. 15/0, 30/0, 40/0, advantage, deuce, etc.
• If a set reaches a 6-6 tie, the first to 7 points (tiebreaker win by 2) will determine the winner of the set.

Serve:

• All serves must be underhand

• Served diagonally like tennis, with two serve attempts allowed (first and second service).
• The server must be behind the service line before serving.
• The server first bounces the ball then contacts it below waist level.
• If the ball hits the net and bounces in the box it is a let. If it touches the wire mesh fencing before the second bounce, it is a fault.
• The returner should stand behind the service line, diagonally opposite of the server.
• The ball must bounce in the service box before being hit by the returner.
• If the ball does not bounce in the box, it is a fault.

Play:

• Once the ball is in play, all balls which cross the net must first bounce on the ground on the opponent’s side before hitting a wall.
• Players may hit the ball after it has bounced off a wall to send it back to the opponent’s side.
• Players may hit a volley or smash.
• Just as in tennis, the ball may only bounce once on your side, and it may only be hit once.

The Court & Equipment 

Padel is played on an enclosed court that is just over a third of the size of a tennis court and has a playing surface of 10 by 20 meters. Resembling a tennis court it is divided in the middle by a net, but unlike tennis the court is surrounded by walls which play an integral part of the game. The surface of the court can be made from asphalt or artificial grass.

The balls used are the same as in tennis; high altitude for elevated play or low altitude for sea level play.

The racquets used in Padel differ substantially from tennis racquets. Padel racquets are made from composite materials such as carbon fiber, graphite and foam with a perforated surface that is ergonomically designed to allow for airflow. The face measures 26cm x 29cm and the overall length of the racquet is 45cm with a thickness of 38mm. Since it is much shorter than a tennis racquet, it is much easier to control.

P.S- But be very careful, as it will be the most addictive sport you would’ve ever played!