Padel Rules Explained: A Complete Guide for New Players
Learn the essential rules of padel in this complete guide for new players. Master the serve, wall play, and scoring to start playing today.
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New to padel? While it looks like tennis, the rules and the glass walls make it a completely different game. Here is everything you need to know to play your first match.
Quick Answer: The Basics of Padel Rules
Padel is predominantly played in doubles on a glass-enclosed court that is roughly one-third the size of a tennis court. While the scoring system is identical to tennis, the gameplay is distinct due to the use of the surrounding glass and mesh walls. The key rule to remember is that the ball must always hit the ground before it touches any part of the wall or fence to be considered 'in'. This allows for exciting rallies where players can play the ball off their own glass to return it to the opponent's side.
The Underhand Serve
The serve must be hit underhand at or below waist level. It must land in the opponent's service box after bouncing once.
Mastering the Glass Walls
One of the most unique aspects of padel is the glass walls. The ball must always hit the ground before hitting a wall to be considered 'in'. After it bounces, it can hit any number of walls before being returned.
Scoring System
Padel uses the same scoring as tennis: 15, 30, 40, and Game. Matches are typically best of three sets.
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FAQ
Q: Can I play padel singles?
A: While singles courts exist, padel is almost exclusively played as a doubles sport.
Q: Is the ball the same as a tennis ball?
A: They look similar, but padel balls have slightly less pressure to suit the smaller court.
Ready to Play?
ow that you know the rules, it's time to grab a racket and find a court! Check out our Start Here guide for more tips.
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