It’s quickly becoming a global sensation and it has finally arrived on South African shores. The Potchefstroom Country Club announced the arrival of Techno Padel earlier this year and finally opened its courts on the 1st of December.

What is Padel?
Padel is a racquet sport that generally follows the rules of tennis, but it has four walls like squash which makes it different. It’s played inside an enclosed court, so there are less limits to where you can hit the ball. There are quite a few rules to this game, so here’s what you need to know.
Dynamics of the game
1.Scoring
Padel is typically played as the best of three sets. Each set is first to six games, and a team must win by a margin of two games.
2. Serve
The game starts with an underhand serve. The server must drop the ball and hit it below waist level. The serve must be directed diagonally to the opponent’s service box.
3. Service box
The service box is marked by lines on the court. The ball must bounce once in the server’s service box and then in the receiver’s service box.
4. Double bounce rule
After the serve, both the serving team and the receiving team must let the ball bounce once before playing it. After the first bounce, volleys (hitting the ball before it bounces) are allowed.
5. Court dimensions
Padel courts are smaller than tennis courts, and they have glass or wire mesh walls around them. The dimensions of the court are 20 meters in length and 10 meters in width.

6. Scoring points
Points are scored like tennis: 15, 30, 40 and game. If the score reaches 40-40, it’s called deuce and a team must win with two consecutive points to win the game.
7. Faults
Faults include not hitting the ball into the opponent’s service box, not hitting the ball before it bounces twice or hitting the ball out of bounds.
8. Ball in play
Once the ball is in play, it can be played off the walls. Players can hit the ball directly into the opponent’s court or use the walls to create angles.
9. Change of ends
Players change ends after every set and also when the total games in a set add up to six (eg, 3-3).
10. Let
If the serve hits the net but lands in the correct service box, it is considered a let and the server gets another opportunity.
11. Overhead glass
The glass walls on the court are considered part of the playing area. If the ball hits the walls and goes into the opponent’s side, it is still in play.

Some ‘good-to-knows’
a. Hitting the ball twice in the same shot is not allowed.
b. You are not allowed to play without adjusting the safety rope/strap of the racquet.
c. If you touch the net with the racquet, clothes or any part of your body while playing, the point is won by your opponent.
More detailed rules
The above-mentioned rules provide a basic overview of Padel. However, it is always a good idea to familiarise yourself with the specific rules used in the facility where you are playing, as there can be variations. You can find more detailed rules to the game here: https://simplepadel.com/how-to-play-padel/
Information overload? If your head is still spinning with all the rules and regulations, just have a look at the tutorial video below and let the games begin!
If you would like to share a story with us or if you want us to share a story with the community, get in touch with us: potchgazette@thegotoguy.co.za
Potchefstroom - Johané van Dyk