Padel Explained: How to Play the Trendy Racket Sport

Watch out pickleball…there’s a new game in town!

The newest trend emerging in racket sports is Padel, a game that combines the elements of both tennis and squash. This new game is played as doubles and uses scoring similar to tennis. It was invented in Acapulco in 1969 and brought to Spain in 1974, where its popularity began to soar. While it’s still mostly played in Spain and other European countries, Padel has now made its way to the United States. It’s played on an enclosed court about one-third the size of a tennis court, and slowly but surely, more and more Padel clubs are opening in Wisconsin. 

Padel is a relatively easy game to learn, though it can take time to master all the necessary skills. Let’s take a look at the rules and how the game is played!

Equipment

There are three main pieces of equipment you need to play Padel. 

1. Padel racket: This racket is a solid, perforated racket without strings. 

2. Padel ball: Padel balls are similar to tennis balls but with slightly less pressure. 

3. Court: A Padel court is enclosed with glass and mesh walls measuring 10 meters wide and 20 meters long. 

Basic Rules

The basic premise of Padel is that the players are hitting the ball back and forth over the net, much like tennis or pickleball. However, the ball can bounce off the walls after hitting the ground. Players can choose to either hit the ball directly or let it bounce off the walls, they can also use the walls to return the ball, similar to squash. 

Serve

The serve must be underhanded, and the server must bounce the ball on the ground behind the service line before hitting it at or below waist height. The ball is required to land on the opponent’s diagonal service box and the server gets two opportunities to complete the serve correctly.

Scoring

Scoring in Padel follows the same rules as tennis: points are scored as 15, 30, 40, and game. A team needs at least two points over their opponents to win the game. 

Matches are usually best of three or five sets, with six games needed to win a set. Tiebreakers are played when the set is 6-6.

Play

After the server hits the ball over the net and it lands in the correct boundaries, the ball must bounce on the ground before hitting the walls. Players can then hit the ball or bounce it off the walls to return it. 

Shots

Some common shots in Padel include: 

• Volleys: Hit the ball before it bounces

• Lobs: Hit the ball to push opponents back

• Groundstrokes: Hit the ball after it bounces

• Smashes: Powerful overhead shots to finish points

Faults

There are a few faults in Padel. They are:

• The ball hits the net and lands outside the service box

• The ball bounces twice before being returned

• The ball hits the mesh fencing before bouncing

• The ball is hit out of bounds without bouncing in the court first

Padel Strategies

Once you get the hang of serving, bouncing, and returning the ball, you can focus on developing your Padel strategies. 

Communication

Maintain constant communication with your partner to cover the court effectively. Always decide in advance who will take shots that go down the middle of the court. 

Use the Walls

Take advantage of the walls while playing and try to utilize them for strategic returns. Practice letting the ball bounce off the walls to set up better shots. 

Positioning

Make sure you are working with your partner to maintain a balance between offense and defense. You can stay close to the net for volleys and smashes, but always be ready to move backward quickly. 

Practice and Have Fun!

Like any new sport, it takes time and practice to build up your skills. Always try to have fun with Padel, even if you haven’t quite mastered these new skills or lose a set. Check out Padel clubs in your area and find some friends who are interested in playing with you. It's a great way to get some exercise and spend time with your friends.

Contact C&C Courts for Backyard Sport Court Installation

If you are looking for a great way to get exercise and have fun at the same time, consider building a backyard sport court. C&C Courts specializes in building many kinds of sports courts, including basketball courts, tennis courts, pickleball courts, and more. We also build multi-sport athletic courts, which give you the freedom and flexibility to play many sports, rather than committing to one in particular. 

Check out our unique Design a Court feature to get a 3D visual of your new backyard sports court. 

For more information or to request a quote, give us a call at 414-377-5294.