The Rules and Regulations of Padel
Jurgen Klopp loves it and calls it “the best sport of his life.” Football legend Zlatan Ibrahimović can’t seem to get enough of it. Padel, often compared to the excitement of pizza, was founded by Enrique Corcuera in Mexico in the 1960s. It’s an elegant fusion of tennis and squash, played on a small court surrounded by glass walls and metal fencing.
Typically played in doubles, padel is less physically demanding than tennis but equally challenging to master. The enclosed court ensures the ball stays in play longer, adding complexity to the game.
Basics of Padel
Padel is growing in popularity worldwide, especially in Spain, where it is the second-biggest sport after soccer. The rules were created in the early '70s, and in 1991, the International Padel Federation was founded, further standardizing the game. Since 1992, the Federation has produced global Padel championships, boosting the sport’s popularity.
Court Dimensions and Setup
The court is a 10 x 20 meter rectangle split in half by a net. Service lines on each side are approximately 6.95 meters from the net, and a central service line extends 20 cm beyond the service line. All lines are 5 cm wide and usually white or black for contrast.
Equipment
Padel Net: The net stretches 10 meters across the court, standing 0.88 meters high in the middle and 0.92 meters at the ends. It’s supported by side posts no higher than 1.05 meters.
Padel Racket: Rackets weigh between 330 and 385 grams, offering easy handling and better shot control.
Padel Balls: Slightly smaller than tennis balls, with a diameter between 6.35 cm and 6.77 cm.
Scoring System
Padel games consist of "games" and "sets." A set comprises 6 games, and the first team to reach 6 games wins the set. If both teams reach 5-5, a tie-break is initiated, requiring a 2-game lead to win (e.g., 7-5 or 9-7). Each game requires the first to secure 4 points, except in a deuce situation.
Scoring in a single set:
15 for the first point
30 for the second
40 for the third
Game for the fourth
A 6-6 tie triggers a tie-break or sudden death to determine the winner.
Padel Gameplay
Serve
To serve, bounce the ball inside the right cross-quadrant, then hit it diagonally into the service box on the opponent's side, keeping the serve below the waist. You get two chances to serve correctly. If the ball touches the net and lands in the correct square, it’s a let, and you can serve again.
Padel Shots and Techniques
Forehand and Backhand: Basics for newcomers, focusing on keeping the ball in play and bouncing it off the walls.
Volleys: Key offensive move close to the net, crucial for scoring points and disrupting opponents.
Smash: Powerful shot to end points, best executed while the ball is still high in the air.
Off-the-wall strokes: Unique to padel, using rebounds off the walls for strategic play.
Movement Strategies
Sync with your partner, moving forward and backward together. Adjust side to side based on the ball’s location, akin to car windshield wipers. Always consider your partner’s position to avoid creating openings for opponents.
Padel Regulations
Padel has its own set of rules, with some similarities to badminton and tennis. These rules ensure fair play and a standardized approach to the game.
Player Etiquette
Players must rely on fair judgment, exchanging handshakes at the start and end of each game. Immediate calls for "out," "let," or "fault" are crucial. Calm discussions resolve disputes, with unresolved issues resulting in replayed points or games.
Tournament Guidelines
Position of the Players: Players stand on either side of the net and change sides when the number of games played is odd.
Choice of Side and Service: Decided by a draw, with options to choose serving, receiving, or side.
The Serve: Specific guidelines for stance, ball bounce, and restrictions on movements.
Service Order: Decided at the beginning of each set and remains constant.
Return Order: Also decided at the beginning of each set and remains constant.
Number of Serves: A second serve is allowed if the first is not valid.
Preparation of the Receiver: The server must wait until the receiver is ready.
A Serve Touched by a Player: If touched before it bounces, the point goes to the server.
Interference: External disturbances result in a "let" or a point for the opponent.
Volley: Players can volley except during the serve.
Padel: Captivating Racquet Sport Enthusiasts
Padel is a thrilling blend of tennis and squash, captivating enthusiasts worldwide with its dynamic gameplay. With straightforward rules, a unique court setup, and diverse equipment, padel offers an accessible yet strategic sporting experience. Its global surge in popularity, especially in Spain, signifies its potential to become a major player in the sporting world. The sport’s blend of physicality and finesse, coupled with its emphasis on teamwork and strategic movement, ensures an exciting experience for players and spectators alike. As padel continues to expand globally, its future appears bright, promising a continued rise in popularity and a lasting impact on the world of sports.