Padel is always played by four players (doubles) on a court measuring 20 × 10 metres, surrounded by glass walls and a metal mesh. Scoring follows the same system as tennis (15 / 30 / 40 / game), with sets played to 6 games and a tiebreak at 6:6.
What is different from tennis
- Servis The serve is delivered from below (below waist level) and must bounce once on the server's own side. The serve must be played diagonally into the opponent's court, just like in tennis. A second serve is permitted.
- Walls are in active play. After bouncing on the floor, the ball may rebound off the wall before being played. Opponents cannot play the ball directly from the wall; it must first bounce on the floor.
- Out This is a situation where the ball, after hitting the ground, strikes the post directly, hits the metal grid, or leaves the court over the top edge of the glass. In that case, your opponent scores a point.
- Volej It is permitted anywhere except for servicing: servicing must always be allowed to settle.
Scoring in a single sentence
Game: 0-15-30-40-game (on deuce "advantage" → game). Set: first to 6 games with a difference of 2; at 6:6 tiebreak to 7. Match: best of 2 sets.
Where to get a feel for the rules
The best option is to book a coaching session. In most padel centres in Prague (Padel Club Spoje, Padel Juice, SK Slavia Padel) They lend rackets and balls, and you'll master the basics within 60 minutes. You can see current available slots on kamnapadel.cz.
Three mistakes every beginner makes
- It is working at full capacity. Padel is about placement, not power. The wall will return anything hit too hard straight to your opponent's feet.
- He does not look at his opponent at the net. The key is to monitor their positioning, not just the ball.
- They are afraid of walls. The wall is your teammate: use it for defence and give the ball time to rebound.
Incidentally, you can master the rules within the first half-hour. The harder part is learning to see the game.
Hledáš volný padelový kurt? Podívej se na aktuální dostupnost na kamnapadel.cz.