Thursday, 19 Sep 2024

Padel Rules

Padel is a captivating racquet sport closely related to tennis. While it may not enjoy the same level of popularity as tennis worldwide, it has gained significant traction in Spanish-speaking countries like Mexico, Spain, and Argentina.

Over the years, the sport has been making its mark in countries across the globe, with the UK experiencing a rapid uptake. British visitors to Spanish holiday resorts have been introduced to Padel, contributing to its growing popularity in the UK. The sport has also found a following in the USA, where it is commonly known as Paddle. Although it has been associated with exclusive country clubs, Padel is gradually making its way into schools and becoming more accessible to a wider audience.

Padel closely resembles tennis, but there are a few notable differences. Played exclusively in doubles, Padel takes place on an enclosed court, which is significantly smaller than a tennis court and features walls that can be utilized during the game. The balls used in Padel are almost identical to tennis balls, with slightly less pressure, and the scoring system remains the same.

Invented in Mexico in 1969 by Enrique Corcuera, Padel emerged when Corcuera modified a plot of land, enclosing it with walls, and started playing a form of tennis with his friend from Spain, Mr. Corcuera. The first official Padel court was installed in an exclusive Marbella club and gained popularity among Argentinian Polo players. They took the game back to South America, where its popularity flourished. Today, Padel is overseen by the International Padel Federation.

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Object of the Game

The objective of Padel is to win two out of the three sets that make up a match. To achieve this, each pairing must work together as a team to outplay the opposing pair. Considering the smaller court size and close proximity of players, a good understanding between teammates is crucial for success. Additionally, maintaining fitness is essential due to the demanding pace of the game.

Players & Equipment

Padel is played on an enclosed court that is just over a third of the size of a tennis court, measuring 20m x 10m. Like a tennis court, it is divided by a net, but Padel courts are surrounded by walls, adding an extra dynamic to the game.

The surface of a Padel court can be made from various materials, such as cement, synthetic materials, or artificial grass. The International Padel Federation stipulates that the playing surface should be terracotta, blue, or green.

Padel racquets differ significantly from tennis rackets. Padel racquets are made from composite materials and feature a perforated surface designed to allow airflow. With a face measuring 26cm x 29cm and an overall length of 45cm, Padel racquets are shorter than tennis racquets, making them easier to control.

Scoring

Scoring in Padel follows the same format as tennis. Points are awarded as follows: 15, 30, 40, and game. If the score reaches 40-40, it is known as deuce, and the first player or pair to gain a two-point advantage wins the game. Padel matches consist of three sets, with each set comprising six games.

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Winning the Game

To win a set, a pairing must win six games with a two-game advantage. If the score reaches 6-6, a tiebreak is played. The first side to reach seven points, with a two-point advantage, wins the tiebreak. If the tiebreak continues to be tied, another tiebreak is played, and the first side to establish a two-game lead is declared the winner. The first pair to win two sets is the overall winner of the match.

Rules of Padel

  • Padel matches should be played on a regulation Padel court measuring 20m x 10m, with a surface color of blue, green, or terracotta.
  • Padel games are played with two pairs of players using regulation Padel racquets.
  • A coin toss determines which team gets to choose whether to serve first or select the end of the court to start on.
  • Each match begins with an underarm serve that must be hit diagonally into the opponent’s court, similar to tennis.
  • The objective is for both teams to score more points than their opponents.
  • The opposition wins a point if any of the following occurs:
    • The ball bounces twice.
    • The ball strikes you or your teammate.
    • The ball hits the wire fencing or another fixture before going over the net or into the opponent’s court, which is considered out of bounds.
  • A Padel match consists of three sets, and the pair that wins two out of the three sets is declared the winner.