Padel Rules: How To Play Padel Tennis

It’s a sport that’s gathering a lot of interest these days and for good reason. Padel tennis is tennis with a kick, incorporating the walls and a new set of rules that are sure to keep your doubles-games exciting, competitive, and energetic. So, how is played and what do you need to get started? Today we are going to discuss how to play Padel tennis and let you know exactly what you need to start playing this exciting game for yourself. It is highly addictive, however, so consider yourself thoroughly warned!

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What is Padel tennis?

The first Padel tennis court was built by a man named Enrique Corcuera in 1969, at his vacation home in Acapulco. While he is given credit for inventing the game, some claim it goes back as far as the 1920’s, but whatever the case the game caught on. With the first official Padel courts soon built afterward in Spain, it got European attention and visiting Argentinian Polo players even took it back with them to South America.

Fast forward to modern-day and it’s all over the world, with a recent popularity boom which is growing in Sweden. It’s fun, fast-paced, and great for a little variety in your sports routine. There are, however, a few things that you will need if you want to get in on the action.

What does a Padel court look like?

A Padel court is a 4-walled area of play that has dimensions of 20 x 10 meters. It’s got a net in the center like you would with tennis, however, part of the fun is the fact that you can use the walls! The playing surface is supposed to be terracotta in shades of blue or green (per the official rules), but the court surface could be cement or even synthetic grass.

What equipment do you need?

Padel racquets are definitely not tennis racquets, with a length of 45cm and a ‘face’ with a surface area of 26 x 29 cm. Padel balls and tennis balls are virtually the same, with only the internal psi pressure being different. Your average tennis ball has a psi of 14 and a Padel ball has a psi of 11.

As Padel tennis is usually played with doubles, you’ll need a racket for yourself and your partner will need to get one. The same goes for your opponents and once you’ve got these, the balls, and have reserved a place to play you are ready to try Padel tennis.

Beginning the match

The start of the match involves a coin-flip in order to decide which side will be serving first. The winner also gets to choose which side that their pair will be playing on. The serve is an underarm serve, below hip-height, and the ball is bounced into play, rather than launched as you would in tennis. Now you just need to know how to score and how to win, so let’s proceed and get you ready to play.

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What are the rules for playing Padel tennis?

Padel Tennis has your basic tennis rules but there are a number of variations that you will need to learn since you are incorporating the walls. Here are the ways in which you and your partner may score points:

  • If your opponent hits the ball into the net
  • If the ball hits one of your walls or leaves the enclosed ‘cage’ area
  • If the ball bounces more than twice on the ground on their side
  • If your opponent gets hit by the ball
  • If the opponent hits the fence/wall on their side before the ball crosses the net

How do you win the game?

Scoring is done like tennis, with counts of 15, 30, 40, and then the game is won. A 40-40 tie in Padel is referred to as a ‘Deuce’ and is settled by the first side to score again twice. You and your opponent will play for the best out of 3 sets and each set will consist of 6 games.

This gives you plenty of time to work up a sweat and a strategy and once you’ve had a taste of Padel action you won’t be going back soon to Tennis.

So, what are you waiting for?

Now that you know the rules you are ready to give this popular game a try and see what all the fuss is about. Get your gear and make a reservation at your nearest Padel court location, which you can find via Google if you just do a search for ‘Padel court locations near me’. Finally, get plenty of sleep the night before, because this game gets crazy and you are in for a workout.

Good luck and we hope you have a great time discovering your new favorite sport!

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