Padel Court Regulations
Padel is a fast-growing sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. The game is played on a court surrounded by walls, and knowing the regulations of the court is essential for players to have a fair and enjoyable game. Here are some key regulations that players should be aware of:
Court Dimensions
A padel court is rectangular in shape, with dimensions of 20 meters in length and 10 meters in width. The court is divided into two equal halves by a net, which is 10 meters in length and 88 centimeters in height at the edges and 92 centimeters in the middle. The walls surrounding the court are 3 meters in height and are considered in play during the game.
Markings on the Court
There are various markings on the padel court that players need to be familiar with. The service box is a 3-meter square area located at the back of the court on each side of the net. The service line is a perpendicular line that divides the service box into two equal parts. There are also side lines and a back wall line that define the boundaries of the court.
Service Rules
When serving in padel, players must stand within the service box and hit the ball diagonally to the opponent’s court. The serve must be hit underhand and below waist height. The server is allowed one fault, and if the ball hits the net and goes over on the serve, a let is called and the serve is retaken.
Scoring System
Padel uses a similar scoring system to tennis, with games played to a set number of points. A game is won by the first pair to reach 6 games with a difference of at least 2 games. If the score reaches 6-6, a tiebreak is played to determine the winner of the set.
Clothing and Equipment
Players are required to wear appropriate footwear on the padel court, typically non-marking shoes that provide good grip on the surface. Padel rackets are similar to tennis rackets but have small holes in the head to reduce air resistance. Players also need to wear eye protection to prevent injuries from stray balls.
Conclusion
Understanding the regulations of the padel court is crucial for players to compete effectively and enjoy the game. By familiarizing themselves with the dimensions, markings, rules, and equipment requirements, players can ensure a fair and competitive match on the court.