Padel Rules: How To Play One of The Fastest Growing Paddle Sports

Padel is a racquet sport that combines elements of tennis, squash, and badminton. It is typically played in doubles on an enclosed court that is about one-third the size of a tennis court. The game is popular in many parts of the world, particularly in Europe and Latin America, and it's known for its accessibility, social nature, and relatively low barrier to entry for beginners.

It's a sport that can be enjoyed by players of all ages and skill levels, making it a popular choice for both casual players and those looking for a more competitive experience. The use of walls in play adds an element of unpredictability and strategy, making padel an exciting and engaging sport.

• Court:
  • Padel is played on a rectangular court with glass or wire mesh walls on all sides. The court is typically 20 meters in length and 10 meters in width, enclosed by walls that are approximately 3 meters high.

• Equipment:
  • Players use solid, perforated racquets that are smaller and lighter than tennis racquets. The ball used in padel is similar to a tennis ball but slightly depressurized, making it bounce less and creating a slower-paced game.

• Scoring:
  • Padel uses traditional tennis scoring, with points awarded as 15, 30, 40, and game. A tiebreaker is used if the score reaches 40-40 (called "deuce" in tennis).
• Serving:
  • The ball is served diagonally, and it must bounce once in the serving box before being hit by the server. The receiving team must let the ball bounce as well. After the initial bounce, the ball can be played off the walls, adding an element of strategy to the game.
• Scoring Lines:
  • Padel courts have several lines, including the service box, the service line, and the side walls. These lines determine where players must stand during serves and return of serves.
• Let Rule:
  • Padel has a "let" rule, meaning that if the serve hits the net and lands in the correct service box, it is replayed without penalty.
• Faults:
  • Common faults in padel include serving or receiving the ball outside of the designated area, touching the walls with the body or racquet, and failing to let the ball bounce once in the serving box.