PADEL

Padel was born in Mexico. A racket sport derived from tennis, it is played on a smaller court, framed by glass and wire mesh.

The score is calculated like in tennis. Another similarity is that the balls are of the same exterior but with slightly less pressure to avoid quick bounces. Team sport because practiced in double according to the official rules, it is nevertheless possible to see some smaller field, adapted to a practice in simple.

Its main difference is the fact that the balls can be played after bouncing on the glass or against the fences. However, the main rule is that the ball must touch the ground before it can be picked up after a bounce on one of the walls. Despite this, no-bounce shots such as net volleys and smashes are common in the game.

The sport takes the codes of tennis and adds a spectacular touch. Indeed, it is possible in Padel, to go out by the side doors in order to play a ball out after a rebound on the back glass, which gives magic points.

THE COURT

The field is 20 meters long and 10 meters wide, surrounded by fences and glass on the sides.

A net and two service squares constitute the playing surface (no lane lines, no back lines).

A back window topped by a fence closes the court on the whole width.

THE SERVICE

Easier than in tennis, the engagement is done from below after the ball bounces on the ground (without hitting the ball higher than the belt). It should be crossed, always starting from the right to the left (like in tennis).

A serve that touches the net is also considered a fault if it grazes the net and then touches the net after a single bounce.

However, the serve that hits the glass after the rebound is considered “valid” and the exchange can then continue.

As in tennis, a ball that hits the net and then bounces twice into the opponent’s service box is considered a “let” and therefore allows two more serves.

THE EXCHANGES

In the rally, after a bounce on the ground, the ball can touch any other surface several times (except the ground). Thus, the door handle, the fences, the walls… everything is part of the terrain and reserves unexpected trajectories.

The second rebound on the floor marks the loss of the point for the relaunchers. Just like a ball that, after a first bounce on the ground, goes out of the enclosure. A ball that bounces off a wall and returns to the batter’s side is also worth one point. However, after crossing the net, any ball that first touches a surface other than the ground is a “foul” for the sender.

Points are counted like in tennis (15, 30, 40, game, set, match).

WHO CAN PLAY PADEL?

The Padel is intended :

  • for beginners in snowshoe sports, as it is fun and accessible to all, and quickly provides pleasure
  • to friends and couples who are looking for a new “modern and fun” sport. The proximity of the 4 players on the court makes Padel a very friendly and fun sport.
  • tennis players and former players, in search of new sensations and challenges
  • teenagers and adults, young or old, looking to combine sport, tactics, teamwork, performance and fun
  • athletes, motivated by physical, technical, tactical and psychological performance.

In Switzerland, competitions adapted to all types of levels are regularly organized to allow everyone to find their pleasure.