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Arguably the single most important reason that Padel is exploding across the globe is that it is great fun. Come along to Padel39 and you will hear laughter and see a lot of smiles.
But, like any sport, padel comes with its own set of unwritten rules that help ensure the game is enjoyable for everyone involved. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, understanding and respecting padel etiquette can enhance your experience and that of your fellow players.
Here is the Padel39 guide to some essential do’s and don'ts on the padel court:
Call us old-fashioned, but punctuality is a basic sign of respect. Show your respect for your fellow players by arriving at the court a few minutes before you are scheduled to play.
This allows time for a physical warm-up, so you're ready to play when the game starts.
Punctuality sets the right tone for the match and ensures that you can fulfill your full court booking time.
Padel is a doubles game, and great teamwork is key to your enjoyment and success on court.
Regular communication with your partner helps avoid confusion and enhances your performance as a pair. Use simple / clear phrases like “mine” or “yours” to call the shots.
Don’t assume that your partner knows what you are thinking, so say it loud and proud!
When it's your turn to receive, be mindful that padel should be played at the pace of the server.
Try to be in position before the server is ready to start the point and avoid holding up your opponents. This will keep the match flowing - and the heart pumping.
Before starting actual scoring points in any match, it's customary to warm up by hitting gentle rallies with the opponents.
This gives all players a chance to get a feel for the ball and court conditions, helping to ensure a fair start.
The objective of a warm-up is not to obliterate your opponents - save that for the match itself and enjoy a friendly warm-up hit to ensure that everyone has hit some balls.
Padel is a competitive sport, but maintaining a positive and friendly attitude is essential and something we really encourage here at Padel39.
Whilst it is human to feel frustrated at times, you will not make friends by trying to cheat and a good sport will always congratulate good shots from both your partner and opponents.
Keep the mood light and fun, even in tough moments.
Even in casual games, following padel’s basic rules shows respect for the game and your fellow players.
It sounds obvious, but it is important to know the correct serving order, where to stand, and the scoring system when playing padel.
If you are new to the sport, we hold clinics here at Padel39 where you can learn in a very friendly environment, but you should never worry about asking your partner or opponents for clarification on any of the rules, as it will avoid any potential dispute.
If you're playing fun games with more than four players, rotate out fairly to give everyone an equal chance to play.
It is tempting to try to stay on court for longer as you will be enjoying yourself, but please be respectful to all players and share out court time fairly.
Padel is played as a pair. You should always remember that you have a partner and try to play as a team rather than as an individual.
Dominating the court will not only frustrate your partner but also likely lead to mistakes and, most likely, actually reduce your chances of success.
Trust your partner and give them space to play their shots. Clear communication will prevent overlaps and confusion.
Whilst there is plenty of space at Padel39, balls will inevitably occasionally stray into other courts when you are playing padel.
If you have hit your ball into another court, please wait for their point to finish before trying to retrieve your ball. They may well call a let and stop their point immediately, but do not assume that will be the case and simply march on to their court to get your ball.
Everyone has an off day, and mistakes happen. It could even be you making the mistakes!
Blaming or criticizing your partner for any mistakes is counterproductive and will only hurt your team’s morale.
Stay positive, offer encouragement, and work together to improve.
It can be tempting to smash the ball as hard as possible when an opportunity arises.
While powerful shots are part of the game and a valid tactic on occasions, unnecessary slamming, especially aimed directly at opponents, is considered unsportsmanlike and dangerous.
If you hit a serve or shot that is called out, don’t ignore it and play on. You should stop playing as soon as your opponent calls a fault.
Fair play is central to maintaining the integrity of the game.
Disputes can happen, particularly over whether a ball was in or out. It’s important not to let these disagreements escalate.
If there’s doubt or disagreement about a call, offer a let or simply move on without dwelling on it.
The focus should be on enjoying the game.
While we live in a connected world, it’s important to keep phones off the court during a match.
Checking your phone or responding to messages mid-game can disrupt the flow and is distracting for everyone involved.
A digital detox is very good for you and you should focus on enjoying your time on the padel court, rather than worry about checking your emails.
Good padel etiquette ensures that the sport remains enjoyable, respectful and fun for all players.
By following these simple do's and don'ts, you can help create a positive environment on the court, foster great relationships with your playing partners - and ensure that everyone has a great time.
That is what we are all about here at Padel39. Padel is not just about winning - it's about having fun, improving your game and enjoying the company of your fellow players.
Happy playing!
