Smash Your Way Through Padel Rules: The Ultimate Guide for UK Players! 🇬🇧

The Ultimate Guide to Padel Rules

Smash your way into the exciting world of padel! Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned player looking to refine your skills, this comprehensive guide is your key to mastering padel rules.

What is Padel?

For the uninitiated, padel is a fast-paced racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. Played in doubles on an enclosed court with walls and mesh, padel is renowned for its thrilling rallies and strategic depth.

The Court and Equipment

Before we dive into the rules, let's familiarize ourselves with the court and equipment. A padel court measures 20 meters in length and 10 meters in width. It is divided into two halves by a net, which is 88 centimeters high at the center and 92 centimeters high at the sides.

Each player uses a padel racket, which is solid and perforated to allow for better control and spin. The ball used in padel is similar to a tennis ball but slightly smaller and less pressurised.

Scoring in Padel

Padel follows a similar scoring system to tennis. The game is played in sets, with each set consisting of games. To win a set, a team must reach six games, with a lead of at least two games. If the score reaches 6-6, a tiebreaker is played to determine the winner of the set.

During a game, the scoring goes as follows:

• Love (0 points)

• 15 points

• 30 points

• 40 points

• Game
  

When both teams reach 40 points, it's called "deuce." From deuce, in the Advantage scoring system, a team must win two consecutive points to win the game. But, in the Golden Point scoring system, the next point after deuce decides the game.

PS: wonder where this peculiar scoring system comes from? We have a story about that 😉

Serving and Returning

Like in tennis, the serve is an essential part of the game. The server gets two attempts (first and second serve). To execute a valid serve, the server must stand behind the baseline, let the ball bounce once behind the service line, and hit it underarm (at the level of the waist or below, but not above).

The serve must be directed diagonally and the ball has to bounce into the opponent's service box. And if the first serve,

The returner must let the ball bounce before returning it. After the return, the game continues with volleys, where players can hit the ball before it bounces.

The Let Rule

In padel, if the ball hits the net during the serve, lands in the correct service box, and doesn't hit the fence before the second bounce it is called a "let." In this case, the server gets another chance to serve without any penalty.

The Fault on Serve

A padel serve is considered a fault if it doesn't meet several key requirements. Here's the breakdown:

• The server steps on or cross the service line while serving.

• The server doesn't have at least one foot on the ground when hitting the ball.

• The serve doesn't land into the opponent's service box.

• The ball hits the net and doesn't land in the service box.

• The ball hits the net, land in the service box and hits the fence before the second bounce.

• The ball doesn't hit the net, but it hits the fence after the first bounce.

Playing the Walls in Padel

In padel, a key feature of the game is using the walls to your advantage. Here's how it works:

• Volleys off the wall: You can let the ball bounce off the wall first and then return it towards your opponent's side.

• Wall Shots: you can hit the ball towards a side wall or the back wall so that it bounces off the wall and lands in your opponent's court.
  

Using the walls allows you to create unexpected angles and force your opponent out of position. And it can be a great way to return difficult shots and keep the ball in play.

Other Faults and Points

There are a few common faults and penalties in padel:

• The ball hits a player, it is a point for the opposing team.

• The ball hits any part of the enclosure, except the walls, it is out.

• A player touches the net, it is a fault.

• The ball hits the fence or the wall without bouncing on the ground first, it is a fault.

• The ball bounces twice on one side, it is a point for the other team.
  

Remember, fair play and sportsmanship are crucial in padel. Treat your opponents with respect and follow the rules to ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone.

Conclusion

Now that you're familiar with the rules of padel, it's time to grab a racket and hit the court!

Are you a padel club? Turn your rental rackets from a fixed cost into a new revenue stream with our bespoke padel rackets. Don't hesitate to contact us for more information or a personalised quote.

Join the padel revolution with Padel Vibes and experience the thrill of this incredible sport. See you on the court!