padel.tennis rules

Padel tennis rules

Padel tennis is a fast-paced, exciting racquet sport that combines elements of tennis, squash, and ping-pong. It is played in a purpose-built enclosed court, with players using a hard-plastic ball and wooden paddle racquets to hit the ball over a net. Here are the rules of padel tennis:

COURT AND EQUIPMENT

The padel court is a rectangular enclosure, similar to a doubles tennis court, with glass or Plexiglas walls. The court is divided into two equal halves by a net. The court floor is usually made of concrete or asphalt and is textured to provide traction. Players use wooden paddle racquets with a strung area measuring between 90-120 sq in (550-760 sq cm) and a maximum length of 15.5 in (39 cm). The ball is made of hard plastic and must weigh between 1.87 oz (52.5 g) and 2.07 oz (58.3 g) and have a diameter of 1.97 in (50 mm).

GAME PLAY

The game is played by two teams of two players each, with each player taking turns to hit the ball over the net. Players can hit the ball offensively or defensively, using the paddle racquet to send the ball to their opponents or keep it in play. Points are scored when a player fails to return the ball, hits the ball out of bounds, or commits a fault, such as touching the net or glass with their body or racquet. The first team to reach 11 points wins the game, but if the lead goes to 10 points, the serving team must win by 2 points.

SERVING

Service is taken from behind the baseline at the right or left side of the court, with the server alternating sides after each point. The server must hit the ball diagonally across the court and under the crossbar of the net, with the ball striking any part of the receiver's court. If the server fails to do so, the serve is considered a fault, and the receiver scores a point.

RETURNING THE BALL

When returning the ball, players must hit it diagonally opposite to where it was served. Players can hit the ball offensively or defensively, using spin, lob, or power shots to control the trajectory and speed of the ball. If a player fails to hit the ball diagonally opposite to where it was served, they commit a fault, and their opponents score a point.

COURT BOUNDARIES

The court boundaries are marked by lines on the floor, and players must hit the ball within these boundaries or risk faulting. If a player hits the ball out of bounds, their opponents score a point. Additionally, if a player's body or any part of their racquet touches the net or glass during play, they commit a fault, and their opponents score a point.

In conclusion, padel tennis is an exciting and fast-paced racquet sport that combines elements of tennis, squash, and ping-pong. Players use wooden paddle racquets to hit a hard-plastic ball over a net in an enclosed court. The game is played by two teams of two players each, with points scored when a player fails to return the ball or commits a fault. Games are won by the first team to reach 11 points, with a lead of 10 points requiring a 2-point advantage.