RULES OF PADEL

In padel, scoring is the same as tennis – but there are many differences between the sports. A padel court has walls, so shots can be played off them, like in squash.

Also, unlike tennis, when a ball is served it must bounce once on the floor then hit from below, or at, waist height. When serving, players have two attempts to hit into an opponent’s box.

Players can also volley the ball during a rally however the ball is determined as “out” should it hit a wall directly. In padel, players can bounce the ball off a wall on their own side of the court – similar to squash.

Like tennis, a set is won when a team wins six games and there is at least two games difference – failing that the set is decided by a tie-break. Matches are best of three sets.

Some padel courts are designed especially for singles, but around 90% of all padel courts in the world are doubles specific. As part of the LTA Padel Tour and World Padel Tour (the leading competition for elite players) only doubles is played.

 

What is My Rating?

Padel is a form of tennis that is easy to play, fun and extremely sociable. But how do I find out what standard I am?

The LTA have developed the LTA Padel Rating System to provide a standardised reference for all aspects of amateur and professional play.

 

BEGINNER: I'M JUST STARTING OUT

If beginner (selecting one of the following statements will determine your rating):

I am a beginner who is still working on getting the ball in play = 1.0

I can get the ball in play but my shots lack direction and control = 2.0

I can rally with basic shots but I lack technique = 2.5

I am pretty consistent and can use tactics like playing off the wall = 3.0

 

INTERMEDIATE: I PLAY TO A REASONABLE STANDARD

If intermediate (selecting one of the following statements will determine your rating):

I lack technique but do have some control on the court. Competent tennis and squash players who are new to padel come under this category = 3.5

I am quite controlled on the court, can cover it well, and have a basic understanding of padel tactics = 4.0

I am very good at covering the court, have a very good level of control, and have a good understanding of padel tactics = 4.5

I am an experienced tournament player who has a very good understanding of padel tactics = 5.0

 

ADVANCED: I COMPETE AT A NATIONAL LEVEL

If advanced (selecting one of the following statements will determine your rating):

I am a nationally-ranked padel player = 5.5

I am a semi-professional player. I am outside the top 250 in the men's professional rankings and top 150 in the women's professional rankings = 6.0

I am a professional player. I am inside the top 250 in the men's professional rankings and top 150 in the women's professional rankings = 6.5

I am a professional player. I am inside the top 150 in the men's professional rankings and top 50 in the women's professional rankings = 7.0