Padel Basics
What is padel all about?
Padel got its start in Mexico in 1969, then quickly took off in Spain—where it’s now a national pastime. These days, padel is exploding worldwide and is known as the fastest-growing sport in the world. In the U.S., Miami has been the padel epicenter, but courts are popping up all over the country.
Padel is a fun mix of various racquet sports, played on turf with a net, and surrounded by four glass walls. The ball stays in play off the walls, which makes for long, exciting points. Played mostly as doubles with four to a court, padel’s social aspect is a key part of its culture. Padel is easy to learn, a blast to play, and a challenge to master.
What are the rules?
Scoring
Padel scoring is much like tennis: Love, 15, 30, 40 and Deuce. At deuce, a golden point is often played to break the tie. Sets go to 6 games, win by 2, with a tiebreaker at 6 all.
The Serve
The server must bounce the ball behind the service line and hit an underhand serve crosscourt into the opposite service box. The ball must be struck at or below waist level. Two serves, including lets.
In and Out
During play, the ball must first hit the turf to be considered in. If it hits the glass or fence first on the opposite side, the ball is out. Players may return the ball off the glass or the fence on their own side of the net during regular play. Serves may be returned off the glass, but a serve that hits the fence after the turf is considered out.
Playing off the Walls
The walls are what make padel so exciting and challenging. If a ball passes you, you may let it bounce off the glass and then hit it before it touches the ground. You may even use the walls on your side of the court to make your shot.
Winning points
Points are won whenever a ball cannot be returned over the net or if the ball bounces twice.