Beginner’s Guide: How to Score in Padel

If you’re new to the padel sport, welcome to an exhilarating world of sport! Often referred as padel tennis, this dynamic game combines elements of tennis and squash, making it both engaging and fun. It’s important to know how to score if you want to enjoy the game and learn how to play. If you are a beginner to this sport, in this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the scoring system in padel sport, key strategies, and tips to improve your gameplay.

What is Padel?

A Brief Overview about Padel Ball and How to Play

Padel is a racquet sport that was invented in Mexico in the 1960s, and has become hugely popular, especially in Spain and Latin America. The game is usually played in doubles, on a smaller, enclosed court called a padel court. The teams consist of two players each, that are friendly but competitive at the same time.

The Padel Court

In order to understand padel, you need to understand what a padel court is. It measures 20 meters long by 10 meters wide, with glass walls. In fact, these walls are part of the game, so that players are allowed to use them to bounce shots back, like squash. In tennis, the net divides the court into two equal halves, similar to a tennis court.

Equipment Needed for Playing Padel Tennis

To play padel, you’ll need a few key items:

• Padel Racket: Unlike traditional tennis rackets, a padel racket has no string but is solidly designed for better control and handling.
• Padel Balls: TThey’re almost like tennis balls but less pressure that leads to more control and slower gameplay.
• Appropriate Footwear: Shoes with good grip are crucial, as the court surface can be slippery.

The Scoring System in Padel Ball

Points System for Padel

Padel uses a scoring system similar to tennis, which can initially seem confusing for beginners. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:

• 0 points: Love
• 1 point: 15
• 2 points: 30
• 3 points: 40
• 4 points: Game (to win the game, you need to win the point after reaching 40)

Games and Sets

• Games: To win a set a player or team must win six games. But they have to win by at least two games. In case the score is 5-5, one team must win the next two games to win the set.
• Sets: Most matches are played in the best of three sets. In order to win a match, a team must be able to win two sets.

Tiebreaks

If a set reaches a score of 6-6, a tiebreaker is played to determine the winner. Here’s how it works:

• In a tiebreak, players score points starting from 0.
• The first team to reach 7 points (with at least a 2-point lead) wins the tiebreak and, consequently, the set.

Understanding Padel Sports Scoring Through Examples

Let’s clarify the scoring system with a couple of examples:

Example 1: Scoring a Padel Game

Say you’re playing against another team, along with your partner. You get the first point, now the score is 15-0. You win the next point, and the score is now 30-0. Let’s say your opponents get the next point, bringing the score to 30-15. You then score the following point again, making it 40-15. Finally, you win the game by taking the last point, resulting in a score of 1-0 in games.

Example 2: Winning a Padel Set

Continuing from the previous example, let’s say the match progresses like this:

• Game 1: You win (1-0)
• Game 2: Opponents win (1-1)
• Game 3: You win (2-1)
• Game 4: You win (3-1)
• Game 5: Opponents win (3-2)
• Game 6: You win (4-2)
• Game 7: You win (5-2)
• Game 8: Opponents win (5-3)
• Game 9: You win (6-3)

You have won 6 games, and therefore you take the set!

Key Terms to Know for Padel Beginner

Understanding some essential terminology will help you navigate the game more effectively:

• Padel Racket: A specialized racket used in padel. Know how to handle it, it will greatly improve your game play.
• Padel Court: Get to know the dimensions and arrangement of a padel court, the walls, in particular.
• Volley: Hitting the ball before it actually bounces on your side of the court.
• Serve: How a point is begun. To make it to the top you need a good serve, a lead in the opening set is to your advantage.
• Smash: A powerful overhead shot intended to win the point immediately.

Strategies for Scoring Points

Of course it is important to know the scoring system but strategies are what will take you to the next level. Here are some tips:

1. Master the Serve

Serve is one of the main parts of the game. Serving well can get your opponent off guard and put you on the ground. Try serves that are flat and serves that are spin, to keep your opponents off balance.

2. Utilize the Walls

Padel sport is one of the sports that allows you to use the walls to your advantage, you can hit the ball off the back or the side walls creating challenging angles for your opponents. Get more accustomed to this technique by practicing wall shots.

3. Positioning is Key

Pay attention to where you are on the court. If you have good positioning you will be able to hit the ball better and respond to their shots better. Let yourself try to figure out where the ball will be and run accordingly.

4. Communicate with Your Partner

You can’t win in doubles without communication. Have discussions with your partner before the match and keep talking during the match. Make call out plays and be clear who shot which shot.

5. Work on Your Footwork

Padel requires good footwork. Get into the habit of moving fast and neat on the court to the ball. Your footwork really will go a long way in dictating how well you’re going to control your shots.

Common Mistakes to Avoid when Playing Padel Tennis

For beginners, making mistakes isn’t terrible but it may cost you points. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

1. Poor Serving Technique

A poor or unsteady serve places you in a bad position. You need to work to ensure you are starting a point strong with quality serving.

2. Over-Hitting

Beginners tend to hit the ball too hard which may lead to mistakes. Opt for accuracy and placement over power.

3. Neglecting Defense

Defensive play is important, but you don’t want to lose yourself in becoming too passive. To react to your opponent’s shot try to be in position for a nice return.

4. Ignoring the Walls

New players often forget to utilize the wall as their advantage. Practice shots that uses the walls to keep opponents on their toes 

Conclusion

With the padel ball scoring guide in hand, you’re ready to play! Practice, practice and practice let it become your second nature. Padel sport is exciting, and don’t be afraid to get a sneak peek into the game, including advanced techniques and strategies that will help you improve your skills. It has some similarities with Pickleball. Check out the guide of Padel Ball versus Pickleball if you would like to know what are the differences. Right now grab your padel racket, find a local padel court and play! With some time and some practice, you will learn this sport and become a confident and competent player. Happy playing!