Padel Rules
Understanding Padel Tennis Rules and Techniques
Number one rule
Always secure your racket before you start to play by putting your hand through the loop!
The Court
The court is enclosed by a back wall standing 3 meters high, topped with an extra meter of fence, adding an extra layer of strategy to your game.
Scoring
Padel scoring is the same as tennis: 15-0, 30-0, 40-0, game. However in the World Padel Tour and very often all competitive matches at any level, a game is decided with a golden point at deuce.
The Bounce
The ball must always bounce off the floor before hitting the glass or fence. Any direct hit to the glass or fence is out. As in tennis the ball can only bounce once but you can volley before it touches the ground. The ball can be hit off the side or back glass but avoid the fence or top fence as those are out.
Net Play
You're not allowed to touch the net or the net posts and the ball must bounce on your side before you can reach over and contact it.
The Serve
You must serve within the diagonal rectangular box. The ball must bounce before serving and you must contact the ball below waist height. As in tennis you have a first and a second serve. If the ball bounces and hits the fence it's out. If the ball bounces and hits the glass it's in!
Positioning
Positioning is a very important tactic. When starting a point the partner of the server should stand at the net position. The partner of the returner should stay back with the returner. Throughout the match both players should move up and down the court together. Each player is responsible for their side of the court.
Running Outside the Court
If a player smashes the ball out of the court you are allowed to run outside the court to play the ball back in. .
Umpire
In the World Padel Tour, an umpire decides if a ball is in or out. When playing at lower levels you referee yourselves and etiquette states that if there is any doubt replay the point.
