What is Padel?
Padel is an entertaining racket sport that emerged from the combination of tennis and squash, becoming popular initially in Mexico in the late 1960s and later in Spain. Padel has gained significant interest worldwide in recent years and can be played on both outdoor and indoor courts. Serving as both a competitive sport and a enjoyable social activity, learning and playing Padel is quite easy. Here are the basics of Padel game and rules:
Padel Court and Equipment
A Padel court is a rectangular area measuring 10 meters in width and 20 meters in length. It features walls or glass panels surrounding the perimeter. Additionally, there is a net in the middle of the court, and each side has service boxes of equal size and shape.
The essential equipment needed for playing Padel includes:
Padel rackets: Specifically designed Padel rackets are similar to tennis rackets but slightly smaller.
Padel ball: A pressurized ball resembling tennis balls but slightly smaller, with the ability to bounce off walls.
Padel Game Rules
The Padel game follows basic rules similar to tennis but with some differences. Here are the fundamental rules of Padel:
Service: The service must be made from anywhere behind the serving line. It is directed diagonally to the opponent's service box.
Sequential Serving: Players take turns serving. The serving player alternates at the beginning of each game.
Service Line: During the serve, the server must hit the ball from behind the service line, located in the middle of the court.
Second Serve: If the first serve hits the net and lands outside the opponent's service box, it's called a "two" fault. After a two fault, the server gets a second chance to serve.
Walls: The ball can bounce off the walls on each hit. Players can use the walls to their advantage in directing the ball.
Scoring: In Padel, scoring is done as 15, 30, 40, and game. At 40-40 (tie), there is an advantage, followed by the game point. In sets won with a two-game difference, a tie-break is played.
Padel provides both an enjoyable exercise and a social activity suitable for both beginners and experienced players. Utilizing the walls and employing tactical shots on the court offer players a strategic experience. If you haven't tried it yet, head to a Padel court and discover this exciting sport!