Basic Padel Rules and Scoring

Padel is played in doubles on a court that is 20 meters long and 10 meters wide, surrounded by glass walls and nets. Scoring is the same as in tennis: 15, 30, 40, and game. You must win by two clear points, and at 40-40, a deciding point called a "golden point" is played. A set is won by the pair that first wins 6 games with a margin of at least two games. Matches are played in the best of three sets.

The ball must bounce once on the ground before being returned, and after bouncing, it can hit any wall but never the same wall twice in a row. The ball cannot bounce twice on the ground either.

How Serving Works in Padel

The serve in padel is hit underhand, roughly at hip height, diagonally into the opponents' box. The ball must bounce once before the receiver can return it. The serve must land behind the service box on the opponents' side.

If the serve is missed, you get a second chance, just like in tennis. After each completed game, the server changes, and after each set, you change sides.

The Walls - An Important Part of the Game

What makes padel unique compared to other racket sports is the walls. They are an active part of the game and open up opportunities for creative shots and exciting rallies. The ball can hit the walls before going over to the opponents' side, allowing you to use them to create difficult angles and surprising shots.

It is permitted to hit the ball directly into a wall on the opponents' side, as long as it bounces on the ground before going out of the court or hitting another wall.

Important Rules Regarding the Walls:

• The ball can bounce a maximum of once on the ground before it must be hit over the net
• The ball can hit any number of walls, but never the same wall twice in a row
• If the ball bounces over the back wall, it is out

Positions and Rotation in Padel

In padel, you don't rotate in the same way as in tennis. Instead, you have one player at the net and one at the back, and you keep these positions throughout the game. However, after each game, you change sides so that everyone gets to play both the front and back positions.

The front player covers the net and tries to put pressure on the opponents with volleys and smashes. The back player has a more defensive game and tries to keep the ball in play with stable groundstrokes. Cooperation and communication between the players are essential.

Common Rule Violations to Avoid

To keep the game flowing smoothly, it's important to be aware of the most common rule violations. Here are some situations to watch out for:

• The ball cannot bounce twice on the ground before being hit
• The ball cannot hit the same wall twice in a row
• The ball cannot hit the metal posts or the ceiling above the court
• You cannot obstruct or disturb the opponents when they are about to hit the ball
• The ball must go over the net between the posts, not outside

By understanding these basic rules, you'll quickly get into the game and can focus on developing your technique and having fun on the court. Padel is a social and accessible sport where joy and fair play are central. So bring a cheerful attitude to the court - it will make the experience even better for you and your fellow players!