Una de las primeras cosas que debes aprender en Padel son las Reglas del Juego. Si eres un ex-jugador de tenis o squash, encontrarás muchas similitudes. Esto incluye llevar la puntuación y la pelota en sí (aunque tiene menos presión que la típica pelota de tenis).
Dicho esto, aprende las 22 reglas más importantes del pádel a continuación:
COMENZANDO EL JUEGO
REGLA 1. ELECCIÓN DE LADO Y DE SERVICIO
La elección de bandos y el derecho a sacar en el primer juego se decide por "empate".
La pareja que gane el sorteo tiene derecho a elegir entre;
a) Sirviendo o recibiendo el servicio, en cuyo caso la otra pareja elige el lado de la cancha,
b) El lado de la cancha, en cuyo caso la otra pareja puede optar por sacar o recibir,
c) Solicitar que sus oponentes elijan primero.
CONSEJO RÁPIDO: Cómo jugar un empate: una jugada normal se juega sin un servicio adecuado. Después de que el punto supera los 3 rallies, los ganadores de ese punto tienen derecho a elegir.
REGLA #2. POSICIONES DE LOS JUGADORES
Este juego requiere 4 jugadores y se juega en parejas.
Dos jugadores se paran en las áreas ubicadas a cada lado de la red. El servidor pone la pelota en juego y el receptor la devuelve.
El receptor puede pararse en cualquier parte de su área de la cancha al igual que el compañero del receptor y el compañero del servidor.
CONSEJO RÁPIDO: Posicionamiento del compañero del servidor: siempre se recomienda que el compañero del servidor permanezca en la red.
RULE #2. PLAYERS' POSITIONS
This game requires 4 players and is played in pairs.
Two players stand in the areas located on either side of the net. The server puts the ball into play and the receiver returns the ball.
The receiver may stand in any part of their area of the court as can the partner of the receiver and the partner of the server.
QUICK TIP: Positioning of the Server Partner: It is always recommended for the partner of the server to stay up at the net.
Players change sides when the number of games played is an odd number. If an error is made and the players do not change sides they should rectify the error as soon as it is discovered to follow the correct order of play.
(Maximum rest time between games is 90 seconds).
The "Perfect Positioning" of the server as well as his/her partner is explained in the video below.
THE SERVE
RULE #3. SERVICE ORDER
The players who have the right to serve in the first game of each set decide which of the two partners will serve first. At the end of the first game the pair receiving starts serving, this alternation continuing for all the games of a set.
Once the service order has been decided it can not be changed until the beginning of the following set.
At the beginning of each set the players who have the serve decide which of the two will serve first and from then on the service is taken in turns.
If a player serves out of turn, the player whose turn it should have been must serve as soon as the error is discovered. All points counted before the error are valid but if there has been only one service fault before the error is discovered this will not be counted. In the case that a game finishes before the error is discovered, the service order continues as it is (in error) until the end of the set.
RULE #4. NO. OF SERVES
The server is allowed a second serve if the first is not valid. The second serve is made from the same side as the first and immediately after it.
RULE #5. THE SERVE
The serve must be carried out in the following way.
a) The player who serves (the server) must have both feet behind the service line between the central service line and the side wall. The ball is served over the net diagonally into the opposite service area, the ball must bounce inside or on the line which limits the service box. The first serve being from the right hand side after which the ball is served from alternate sides.
b) The server must bounce the ball behind the service line and in the area between the central line and the side wall.
c) A disabled player with only one arm may bounce the ball using the racket.
d) The server may not touch the service line with their feet, nor enter the boxed area delimited by the continuation of the central line given that the serve is diagonal.
e) At the moment of serving the player must hit the ball at or below waist level and at the time of hitting the ball must have at least one foot on the ground.
f) When serving the player (server) may not walk run or jump, small movements which do not affect the initial stance not being considered a change of position.
g) Should the player miss the ball when trying to hit it, the service will be considered as taken.
h) If the ball is served inadvertently from the wrong side the error should be corrected as soon as it is discovered. All points obtained in this situation are considered valid however, if only one service fault has been made this should also count.
The "Serve in Padel" video below can guide you further.
RULE #6. SERVICE FAULT
The following are considered service faults:
The server infringes Rule #5. (see THE SERVE above)
The server completely misses the ball when attempting to serve
Once served, if the ball bounces outside the lines of the service area of the player receiving service. The lines are counted as in
Once served, if the ball hits the servers partner
Once served, if the ball passes over the net, bounces and touches the fence which marks the boundary of the opponents' court before the second bounce (service only)
Once served, if the ball touches one of the walls in the service area of the server even when later the ball goes over the net and into the opponents area
If the ball bounces incorrectly and it is not possible to hit or recuperate it
If the server takes more than 25 seconds to serve following the previous point
RETURN OF SERVE
RULE# 7. RETURN ORDER
The players who receive the service in the first game of each set decide who will be the first to receive the serve. That player will continue to receive the first serve of each game until the end of the set.
The players alternate in receiving the serve, once the order has been decided it cannot be changed during the set but can be changed at the start of the following set.
If during a game the order of receipt of serve is altered by the players receiving the serve play continues in this way until the end of the game in which the error occurred. In the following games the receiving players must adopt the initial order of play, if the error is discovered when the wrong player returns the service the receiving players lose the point.
RULE #8. SERVICE RETURN
a) The player who returns the serve must wait until the ball bounces in their service area and hit it before the second bounce.
b) If the ball bounces twice inside the area even after hitting one of the [back] walls the service is considered good and the point goes to the side who served.
In installations with "edges" (in the case of the balling hitting the corner or edge which forms the union between the wall and the lateral wall with the fence) the serve will only be considered good if after bouncing the ball hits the mentioned edge/ corner and carries on in the direction of the receiver.
c) If the receiving player hits the ball before it bounces or is a fault in the service they lose the point.
The "Where to Return" video below can guide you further.
RULE #9. PREPARATION OF THE RECEIVER
The server must not serve until the player who is receiving the serve is ready and if the receiver is not ready, or makes no effort to return the ball, the server cannot claim the point even if the service was good.
Likewise, the receiver cannot claim the point if the service is out. The receiving player may stop play if not ready. However the 25 second rule, Rule #6, must be respected.
RULE #10. A SERVE TOUCHED BY A PLAYER
If the player who is receiving the service or their partner is hit by, or touches the ball with the racket before it bounces, the point is won by the server.
RULE #11. REPETITION OF A POINT OR "LET" BALL
a) The ball touches the net or the net posts (if inside the area of play) and then falls in the area of the receiver of the serve, as long as it does not touch the metal fence before the second bounce.
b) If after the ball has touched the net or posts (if inside the area of play) it then hits either player or any part of their body
c) A "let" is played if the person receiving the serve is not ready (Rule #9).
If the "let" is produced in the first service this should be repeated. If the "Let" is produced in the second service the server only has the right to one more serve.
A point being played is a "let" under the following conditions:
If the ball splits or breaks during the game.
If play is interrupted by unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of the players.
The player who during the game considers that a situation in which a "let" is required must immediately make it known to the umpire, not letting play continue, as the right to stop a point is lost once the point has finished.
The umpire can order the repetition of a point in which case the server has the right to two serves.
RULE #12. INTERFERENCE
When a player is disturbed by anything out of their control with the exception of the installations of the court or partner a "let" must be played and the point repeated.
If a player deliberately or involuntarily disturbs an opponent during play, in the first case the umpire will concede the point to the opponents and in the second will order a "let" when the point is won by the player who created the disturbance.
SCORING
RULE #13. SCORING
When a couple have won the first point the score is 15, When they win the second point the score is 30. When the third point is won the score is 40 and the fourth point won is counted a game except in the event that both couples have won three points each when the score is then 40 all or deuce.
The next point is called "advantage" in favor of the winners of the point and if the same couple wins the next point they win the game. If they lose the point the score returns to 40 all or deuce. And so on until one couple wins two consecutive points.
The first couple to win 6 games with a minimum of a two game advantage wins the set. In the case of a draw at 5 all the players must play two more games until one pair wins 7-5 but if a draw is reached at 6-6 the pair with a two game advantage will win unless a "tie-beak" has previously been agreed upon. (Rule #14).
Matches may be the best of 3 or 5 sets. In matches which are the best of 5 there can be an additional rest period of 10 minutes after the 3rd set if requested by one of the couples.
RULE #14. "TIE-BREAK"
When previously established in the event of a draw at 6 all a "tie-break" is played.
The "tie-break" is won by the first couple to win 7 points as long as there is 2 point advantage.
The first service in a "tie-break" is taken from the right hand side of the court by the player who would have served normally and who only serves once. The service then goes to the opponents who have 2 services but take the first serve from the left hand side of the court.
Players change sides every 6 points (set) and have 25 seconds to do so.
The winners of the set with a "tie-break" win the set 7-6
The service of the following set is started by the couple who did not start serving in the tie-break.
DURING THE GAME
RULE #15. BALL IN PLAY
The ball is hit alternatively by either player of each pair.
The ball is in play from the moment it has been served (unless it was out or let) and remains in play until the point has been decided. This occurs when the ball touches the walls of the opponents' side of the court directly or the metal fencing, bounces twice on the ground or when having been hit by a player it bounces correctly on the opponents' side and having passed the limits of the court bounces a second time.
A player can play the ball into the opponents' side making it bounce and then leave the court by the upper limits.
NOTE: The players can leave the court and hit the ball as long as it has not bounced for a second time. In order to do so the court must meet a series of conditions:
a) Both sides of the court should have two central entrances.
b) Each entrance should measure a maximum of 0.82 x 2 meters and a minimum of 0.72 x 2 meters.
c) There should be no physical object outside the court in a minimum space of 2 meters width, 4 meters length on both sides and a minimum of two meters height above the net height.
If the ball passes the net, bounces in the opponents court, leaves the limits of the court, and comes back into play having hit any object outside the court, the player who hit the ball out of the court is considered to have won the point even though their opponent could have returned it.
If the ball passes the net and having passed into the opponents court goes out of the court through a hole or flaw in the metal fencing, or remains caught in it, the point is won by the player who hit the ball.
A player can hit the ball against any of their walls and make it pass over the net into the opponents' court except for the serve.
A ball which bounces in the angle (corner) formed by one of the walls of the "U" and the ground it is considered good. (The ball known colloquially as "egg" is good).
RULE #16. VOLLEY
Any player can volley the ball, except for the serve.
RULE #17. BALL WHICH BOUNCES ON AN INSTALLATION
If the ball bounces in any of the installations having bounced in the court, the ball will remain in play and should be returned before it bounces in the court for a second time.
If the ball bounces off the lights or the roof, in the case of covered courts, the point finishes.
RULE #18. CORRECT RETURN
The return is correct:
a) If the ball touches the net or its posts (if they are inside the area of play) and then bounces into the opponents' court.
b) If the ball after bouncing in the court and then hitting one of the walls returns to the court of the player who hit it and the player hits it, as long as they or any part of their clothes or the racquet have not touched the net, its posts or the court of the opponents.
c) If as a result of the direction and force of the shot, the ball bounces in the opponents' court and goes out of the limits of the court or hits the roof or lights or any other object not part of the installations of the court.
d) If the ball in play hits any object situated in the opponents' court (another ball, any part of their clothing or even the racquet). The point will be won by the person who played the shot.
e) If the ball bounces in the opponents court and afterwards touches the metal fence or any of the walls. The opponent should return it before it bounces for a second time in their court.
f) Any scooped or pushed balls will be considered good as long as they have not been hit twice and the impact occurs during one movement.
RULE #19. LOST POINT
A team loses a point:
a) If one of the players, their racquet or anything they are carrying touches any part of the net, including the posts and the vertical middle post, or the opponents part of the court, including the metal fence while the ball is in play. The middle vertical post situated in courts without doors is considered to be an integral part of the court up until 0.92 meters. From 0.92 the vertical middle post is considered neutral zone so the players can hold onto it.
If the ball bounces for a second time in the court before being returned
If the ball is volleyed back before it has passed the net
If a player hits the ball in such a way that it directly hits any of the walls of the opponents' court, the metal fence or any object outside the court
If the player returns the ball, it hits the net or its posts and then the ball does bounce in the opponents' court
If a player hits the ball twice (double hit)
If the ball in play hits the player or anything on them except the racquet
If a player hits the ball and this touches any of the metal fence of the court of their own court
If they touch the ball hitting it with the racquet
If they jump over the net while the point is in play
Only one player may hit the ball. If both players of a pair either simultaneously or consecutively hit the ball they will lose the point
NOTE: It will not be considered a double hit when both of the players try to hit the ball simultaneously and only one hits it or when the other hits their partner's racquet
RULE #20. (TEMPORARY)
In some courts there is a space between the posts holding the net and the fencing. If the ball goes down said area it will only be considered good if the umpire considers the ball was higher than the net.
RULE #21. CONTINUOUS PLAY
Play should be continuous from the first serve until the end of the match except:
a) In the permitted rest periods (RULE 1).
b) In the changes of side of the court (RULE 1).
c) In 5 set matches where there can be a rest of 10 minutes (RULE 13).
d) The match should never be suspended, delayed, or interrupted with the aim of permitting players to recuperate energy or to receive advice or instructions (except during the permitted time).
The umpire will decide in said suspension, delay or interruption. There will be no tolerance for naturally losing their powers. The judge's criteria will be valid in those cases that are the consequence of accidents.
If the match is suspended for reasons outside the players control (rain, lack of lighting etc.) when the match restarts the players have the right to warm up as follows:
a) Match suspended for up to five minutes, no warming up.
b) 6 to 20 minutes, three minutes warming up.
c) More than 21 minutes, five minutes warming up.
The match should restart exactly as it finished, i.e. at the same score, with the same player serving and the same location of the players in the court
If the match is suspended due to lack of light, the match should be stopped when the number of games is even so that when it is restarted both pairs are on the same side as when the match was suspended.
RULE #22. BALL CHANGES
The balls will be changed during the match as follows:
In the last tables the balls will be changed in the event of a third set except for the semi finals and the finals.
In the semi-finals and finals the balls will be changed in the following manner: the first change will take place after the first 11 games. The following change after the next 13 games and so successively.
If there are three balls they cannot be changed unless indicated by the rules or with the permission of the tournament umpire.
When the balls should be changed after a certain number of games and are not changed in the correct manner then the mistake should be rectified when the pair who should have served with the new balls has to serve. Afterwards, the balls should be changed so that the number of games between ball changes is that originally planned.
When a ball is lost the umpire will ensure that it will be replaced by one in the conditions as those in play, otherwise, the whole set of balls will be changed.