Juan Lebron fell in love with padel because of its unique twist
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01
How is padel different from other racquet sports?
Padel is a unique twist on elements of tennis and squash. Its engaging elements, social aspects, and strategic depth make it both accessible and challenging for players of all levels.
World number one Alejandro Galan
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Padel has added some elements that tennis doesn't have, but it's better in my opinion.
So what are the key differences that add to the fun? Here's a quick breakdown:
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Coat size: Padel is played on a small enclosed court surrounded by glass walls, allowing ball rebounds to be incorporated into the gameplay.
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racket: A solid, non-gut racquet provides more control and power compared to a traditional stringed racquet.
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ball: A decompressed ball bounces more slowly, allowing for longer rallies.
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serve: The game of padel requires an underhand serve, as opposed to an overhand serve in tennis.
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Larry: Padel rallies tend to be longer than in tennis, as the use of walls allows the ball to be kept in play more. On a technical level, it is easier to learn than tennis, so there are usually fewer errors during a padel match.
02
How does the scoring system work in Padel?
Padel's scoring system is similar to tennis. You need to win 6 games to win a set, and the points increase with game points of 15, 30, and 40. If both teams are tied at 40, the game goes to “Deuce”. From there, he must secure two consecutive points for either team to win. One to gain an “advantage,” and one to claim victory.
Some tournaments implement “golden points” to eliminate advantage. That is, the team that scores points when the game goes to deuce wins the game. Golden points are certainly seen as having the effect of increasing tension and speeding up matches.
03
How does the service work on Padel?
The serve must be executed under the armpits, and the ball must first bounce on the floor on the receiver's side of the court before the serve is executed and immediately after, before the return hit is made. The underarm serve rules are designed to reduce the power and advantage of the serve, and the game focuses on rallies and strategic play rather than serve-based points. Similar to tennis, the serve must go diagonally across the court and into the opponent's service box marked by the center line.
Padel will keep you hooked. That's something you don't find in other sports.
The server makes two attempts to get the serve into the correct box. If the first serve fails (either hits the net, goes out, or lands in the wrong box), the server attempts her second serve. Two consecutive faults earn the opponent a point.
04
How are padel walls used?
Walls can be used to bounce the ball and allow for a variety of shots, extending player creativity and precision to the game.
After the ball goes over the net, it may bounce first on the ground on the receiver's side and then on the wall on the receiving side. The shot is considered valid even if the ball bounces off the ground and then hits the wall twice or bounces off two walls without being touched. However, once the ball hits the wall, it cannot bounce again on the same side of the court. The ball also cannot touch elements on the ceiling or walls, such as lights or fences.
Ultimately, frequent use of the wall leads to a higher level of play and is central to your padel strategy. By hitting the glass, players can create angles and shots that are impossible in other racquet sports. This tactic can surprise opponents, open up the court for offensive play, and change a defensive position into an offensive position.
Incorporating walls into padel allows for more dynamic shots during play.
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05
What types of padel shots are there?
Padel boasts a wide repertoire of shots. Here are some of the key candidates you need to know about.
The bandeja, or “tray” shot, is a basic overhead shot, used primarily when the ball is high and the player is near the net, but not close enough to perform a smash. It combines elements of smash and slice, creating a slower, more controlled shot that allows players to maintain aggressive positioning without overcommitting. Technically, the player hits the ball with an open racket face, giving it a slice and a slightly downward trajectory, aiming to place the ball deep into the opponent's court. Bandeja's tactical purpose is to keep his opponent at the back of the court, making it difficult for him to attack and preparing for potential net-he plays or counter-his lobs.
The racket should develop your strengths…it has a huge impact on you and reflects your playing style.
The vivola, or “viper” shot, is an advanced variation of the bandeja that adds spin and speed. It is performed with a quick whip-like movement, and the ball is hit using a combination of slice and side spin. This shot is particularly effective because it creates an unpredictable bounce, making it difficult for your opponent to hit back accurately. Vibora is used to apply pressure from an attacking position, often aiming at the sidewall to maximize the difficulty of the return.
A volley, similar to tennis, is a shot taken before the ball bounces, usually taken near the net to provide offensive pressure. The objective is to hit the ball early, reduce the opponent's reaction time and limit defensive options. Technically, volleying requires a short, compact swing and steady wrists to control the direction and pace of the ball. Players aim to hit volleys strategically in order to move opponents out of position or find openings in the defense.
Bea Gonzalez knows the importance of the right padel racket
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The smash is one of the most powerful and decisive shots in padel, used to end a point when the ball is high enough and within striking distance. The shot is a complete overhead swing, with the aim of either hitting the ball directly out of the court (if the rules and court design permit) or driving the ball into the opponent's court with such speed and angle that it cannot be returned.
Technically speaking, smashes require proper timing, body rotation, and wrist snaps to generate power and direction. Tactically, it is used when a player has a clear offensive advantage, often following a weak return or a failed lob against an opponent.
A lob is a strategic shot that pushes the opponent back from the net, creating space and time. Its tactical purpose is to disrupt the opponent's court positioning, forcing him to retreat and opening the front of the court for subsequent attacks. Technically, a lob is performed with a gentle upward stroke, intended to send the ball flying over the opponent's head while ensuring that the ball falls deep into the court to prevent easy smash returns. This is a critical shot to change the dynamics of the point, transition from defense to offense, or simply reset a rally from a disadvantageous position.
06
What are the different playing positions?
Team dynamics are very important, and roles are often defined by position on the court. One plays primarily on the backhand side (left side), the other on the forehand side (right side).
The backhand player is often considered the more aggressive of the two. This aggression manifests itself in the form of powerful smashes, decisive volleys and aggressive shots aimed at unsettling the opponent and dominating the net. Their role is to create point-winning shot opportunities and constantly put pressure on the opponent. Aregaran is the epitome of his players, with his aggressive viboras and volleys, and his ideal backhand with a deadly smash.
Forehand-side players often take on a more support role, focusing on consistency, placement, and point setup. They excel at keeping the ball in play, adjusting angles, and using strategic lobs and drop shots to disrupt opponent positioning.
However, in today's advanced and dynamic world of padel, there are forehand side players who have the perfect package and can defend and attack in equally impressive ways. Juan Lebron is a perfect example of a “well-rounded” padel player.
absolutely! Padel is primarily played in doubles, and communication and teamwork are essential for positioning, shot selection, and tactical play. A well-coordinated team can dominate the court by outsmarting their rivals through strategic, solid play and mutual support, even if they are less skilled than their opponents.
LeBron and Galant: World No. 1 in a sport primarily played in doubles
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08
What kind of equipment do padel players use?
Here's an overview of the Padel-specific kit players will need to start playing.
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Padel racket: Padel racquets are shorter and wider than tennis racquets, have a hard surface with holes, and offer a variety of features based on their shape, weight, and materials used. Beginners should look for a racket with a good balance of power and control to develop their game. “The racket should develop your strengths. It has a huge influence on you and reflects your playing style,” he says. bea gonzalez.
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shoes: The support and grip of the court surface (usually artificial grass with sand) is very important. Shoes designed specifically for padel offer the best combination of durability, traction and stability for quick movements, turns and lateral movements.
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Padel ball: These balls have slightly lower internal pressure than the balls used in tennis, so they have less bounce. This characteristic lends itself well to small, enclosed padel courts.
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coat: Padel is played on an enclosed court, approximately one-third the size of a tennis court, surrounded by a single-piece wall made of glass or solid material.
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4 players: Padel is usually played as doubles, so a total of four players are required to start a match.
Now that you have all the information you need to watch it, you can actually go out and start playing it yourself.
