padel rules for beginners

Padel Rules for Beginners

Padel is a racket sport that combines elements of tennis, squash, and badminton. It is a great way to improve your skills, stay fit, and have fun with friends. Here are the basic rules for beginners to get you started with padel.

The court

The padel court is similar to a doubles tennis court, measuring 20 meters long and 10 meters wide. The court is divided into two halves by a net. The playing area is surrounded by walls that can be used to hit the ball against.

The equipment

You will need a padel racket, which is similar to a large tennis racket, and a soft, hollow rubber ball. The rackets are usually made of carbon fiber or aluminum and have a strung area similar to a badminton racket. The ball is slightly smaller than a tennis ball and has a compression similar to a basketball.

The scoring system

The game is played in sets, with the first team to reach 11 points winning the set. A team must win by at least 2 points. If the score reaches 10-10, the team that reaches 11 points first wins the set. Each set consists of two games, with the first team to win both games winning the set.

The serve

The serve is underhand, with the ball bounced once before it is hit. The server must hit the ball so that it clears the net and lands in the box on the opposite side. The serve must also land within the boundaries of the court. If the serve lands outside the court or does not clear the net, it is a fault, and the serve goes to the receiving team.

The rally

After the serve is made, the ball can be hit against the wall as many times as desired until it is returned into play. The ball must clear the net and land in the box on the opposite side. If the ball lands outside the court or does not clear the net, it is a fault, and the rally ends. The fault team loses the point.

The doubles format

Padel is usually played as doubles, with four players on each team. Players should alternate positions on the court during play, with one player covering each half of the court. Communication between teammates is essential to coordinate defense and offense.

Etiquette and safety

It is important to respect the game and your opponent, and to follow the rules of etiquette and safety. This includes not using abusive language or rough play, and always making sure that you are aware of where your racket is at all times to avoid accidents or injuries.

In conclusion, padel is a fun and exciting sport that anyone can enjoy. With these basic rules for beginners, you can start playing padel with your friends or join a padel club and improve your skills with other players. Just remember to have fun, respect the game, and always play fair!