Understanding Padel Scoring and Rules

Padel is a dynamic and engaging sport quickly gaining popularity worldwide. If you're new to the game, understanding the scoring system and basic rules is essential to fully enjoy and appreciate it. Here’s a concise guide to get you started.

Basic Rules of Padel

Padel is typically played in doubles on a court that's 10 meters wide and 20 meters long, enclosed by glass walls and metal mesh. The net stands at 88 cm high at the center and 92 cm at the sides. Padel rackets are solid with perforations and no strings, and the balls are similar to tennis balls but slightly less pressurised.

The game starts with an underhand serve, hit diagonally into the opponent’s service box. The server must keep at least one foot behind the service line and can’t step on or over the line until after hitting the ball. The ball must bounce once before hitting the glass walls, and players can use the walls to return the ball, similar to squash. It must not bounce twice on the ground before being returned.

Scoring System

The scoring in padel follows a similar format to tennis: 0 (Love), 15, 30, 40, and Game. A game must be won by at least a two-point margin. A set is won by the first team to win six games with at least a two-game lead. If the set reaches a 6-6 tie, a tie-breaker game is played and won by the first team to reach seven points, requiring a two-point margin. Matches are typically best of three or five sets, with the first team to win the required number of sets declared the winner.

Common Rules to Remember

During serves, the ball must be hit below waist height and bounced once before serving. It must land in the diagonal service box without touching the net. If it touches the net and lands correctly, it's a let, and the serve is retaken. During play, if the ball touches the net and lands in the opponent’s court, it remains in play. However, if it hits the wall or fence directly without bouncing on the court first, it's out of bounds. The ball must bounce on the court before it can be played off the walls.

Conclusion

Padel is a fun and social sport that's easy to pick up but challenging to master. Understanding the basic rules and scoring system will help you enjoy the game and improve your skills. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your knowledge, knowing the fundamentals of padel is key to making the most of this exciting sport. Grab your racket, hit the court, and have fun playing padel!