Padel Tennis is a fast-emerging racquet sport that is a blend of tennis and squash. It is popular in Europe and making inroads in India, it is fun, social and easy to learn by beginners. This guide will discuss padel tennis, padel court rules in India Padel Federation, paddle ball skills, scoring and equipment, providing you with an overview on how to play so that you can start playing padel ball like a pro.
Padel is regulated by the International Padel Federation (FIP) and is promoted in India by the Indian Padel Federation (IPF).
What is Padel Tennis?
Padel Tennis is a pair game on a smaller enclosed court (10m x 20m) having glass and mesh walls. In contrast to tennis, the ball may hit the walls once touching the court, which provides the strategy and excitement.
Key Features:
- Competed mostly in doubles.
- Plays solid padel rackets without any strings.
- Unlike in tennis, serves are underhand.
- Game is actively played on walls.
Padel is simple to learn by beginners, and offers higher levels of tactics to the experienced player.
Dimensions and Rules of Padel Court
| Primary/Secondary | Dimension / Info | Notes |
| Court Length | 20 meters | Normal doubles court |
| Court Width | 10 meters | |
| Net Height | 88 cm in centre, 92 in posts | |
| Wall Material | Glass and mesh of metals | Allows ball to rebound |
| Service Box | 3m x 5m | Like tennis, serve diagonally |
Court Rules:
- The games are normally played as three set matches.
- Each set will take 6 games with 2 game lead.
- Ball has to bounce once in service box then it has to be returned.
- It is possible to strike ball against walls once they have bounced on the ground.
To standardize play in competitions, Indian Padel Federation courts abide by the following international dimensions.
Equipment Needed
Racket
- Padel racket that is solid and has holes.
- Shorter than tennis racket so that it is easier to maneuver.
Ball
- Like tennis balls, but a little bit lighter.
- Gives a chance to play longer rallies and walls.
Shoes
- Soles to grip on artificial or synthetic turf surfaces, not marked.
Optional Gear:
- Gloves, eye protection or wristbands for beginners.
- Official game score board.
The proper equipment will guarantee safety, performance and fun in learning padel tennis.
How to Play Padel Tennis
Basic Gameplay
- Serve: Bounce ball in service box diagonally underhand.
- Return: The opponents are supposed to strike ball back when it bounces.
- Wall Usage: Ball can bounce off walls once they are on court.
- Scoring: Same as tennis (15, 30, 40, game)
- Rally: Continue until ball bounces twice or hits walls incorrectly
Key Techniques:
- Volleying: Play ball with a blow before it hits the ground in order to surprise the opponent.
- Lobs: Push ball high to back wall which requires defensive play.
- Smashes: Strong shots that are meant to end point by the quickest time possible.
Padel is different to tennis because it is effectively used on walls and angles.
Difference between Tennis and Padel
| Feature | Padel Tennis | Tennis |
| Court Size | 20m x 10m | 23.77m x 8.23m (singles) |
| Walls | Glass & mesh used in play | No walls |
| Racket | Solid, pierced, no strings | Stringed, larger |
| Serve | Underhand | Overhand |
| Number of Players | Mostly doubles (4 players) | Singles or doubles |
Padel tends to be social and more rapid, which is appropriate to beginner players and families.
Benefits of Padel Tennis
- Physical Fitness: Makes you more agile, more enduring, and reacts faster.
- Mental Focus: Strategy and use of walls will cultivate mental ability.
- Social Interaction: Principally doubles, helping to build a team and communication.
- Ease of entry: Not difficult to master, not very physical as compared to tennis.
Padel is also expanding fast in India, Europe and South America, as an alternative to standard tennis.
Padel Tennis Scoring System
- Matches: Best of 3 sets
- Each set: 6 games, with 2 game advantage.
- Tiebreaker: Played at 6-6, to 7 with 2-point advantage.
- Scoring according to tennis: 15 -30 -40 -Game.
Pro Tip: In doubles, be careful in counting games and points to avoid conflict.
Padel Federation, India and Tournaments
- The Padel is managed and promoted in India by Indian Padel Federation (IPF).
- Organizes tournaments and licences official courts.
- Coaches, trains and represents internationally.
Famous Indian Padel Venues:
- Gurugram Padel Academy
- Mumbai Padel Club
- Bangalore Padel Center
The IPF will be a body that guarantees uniformity and professional development of padel in India.
Basic Errors
- Striking ball without using walls in a strategic manner.
- Incorrect underhand serve
- Little regard to footwork and positioning.
- Excessive aggression in the form of playing without tactic.
Hack: Concentrate on simple rallies, co-ordination, and wall play before trying out more complicated shots.
FAQs: Padel Tennis
Q1. What is padel tennis?
Ans. Padel is a racquet game that is a combination of both tennis and squash, and it is usually played in doubles on a smaller enclosed court which is surrounded by walls when in play.
Q2. What are the number of players in padel tennis?
Ans. Regular matches are 4 players (doubles), although singles matches can be played over smaller courts.
Q3. Padel requires what equipment?
Ans. You must have a padel racket, low pressure ball, and non-marking shoes. Additional equipment can be optional such as wristbands or protective equipment.
Q4. What are padel tennis rules?
Ans. Play alternative diagonally, rally up to the time the ball bounces twice or is struck in a wrong direction and also use walls to outsmart your opponents.
Conclusion
Padel Tennis is a social, fast-paced and fun game that can be played by any beginner and professional player. This is essential in knowing what is padel tennis, paddle ball tricks, the court rules and regulations of the Indian Padel Federation, and scoring so as to enjoy and play the game well.
Gallant Sports is involved in designing padel courts, training, and equipment solutions to popularize the sport in India to make it available to schools, clubs, and the community.
Begin playing padel now to become fit, strategic, and social and play the latter in a new version of traditional racquet sports.
