Padel Glossary A-Z

After deuce, the player/team that wins the next point has advantage. They must win the following point to win the game.

The most common padel court surface, typically with sand infill for traction.

The glass wall at the back of each side of the court. Balls can be played off it after bouncing.

Playing the ball after it rebounds off the back glass. A fundamental defensive skill in padel.

Where the racket's weight is centered. High balance = more power, low balance = more control and maneuverability.

A defensive overhead shot hit with slice, used to maintain net position while keeping the ball in play. The arm moves in a tray-like motion (bandeja means "tray" in Spanish).

The primary frame and face material in premium rackets. Provides stiffness, power, and durability.

The line dividing the two service boxes on each side of the court.

Players switch sides after every odd game (1, 3, 5, etc.) to equalize court conditions.

A soft, low shot played from the baseline that lands at the feet of net players, forcing them to hit up and giving you time to approach.

A counter-attack shot hit while moving backward, redirecting the opponent's pace.

A shot hit diagonally across the court to the opposite corner.

A drop shot that barely clears the net, effective when opponents are positioned deep in the court.

The entry/exit points on the sides of the court. Players can exit through these during play.

Two consecutive service faults, resulting in a lost point.

A shot hit parallel to the sideline, straight ahead rather than diagonally.

A groundstroke hit with pace, usually flat or with slight topspin.

Ethylene Vinyl Acetate - a common racket core material. Comes in soft (control), medium, and hard (power) densities.

An invalid serve - either missing the service box, hitting the fence, or being served incorrectly.

The metal mesh sections of the court walls, typically above the glass. Balls react differently here.

A more flexible material than carbon, often used in beginner rackets for added comfort.

International Padel Federation - the global governing body for the sport.

A softer core material than EVA, offering more comfort and touch but less power.

Protective tape applied to the racket's edge to prevent damage from wall and floor contact.

A hook shot played from behind with a curved swing path. Used for creative angles.

A lob - a high, deep shot used to push opponents back from the net and create time or switch positions.

A tie-breaker system where at deuce (40-40), the receiving team chooses which side receives, and the next point wins the game.

A serve that hits the net but lands in the correct service box, requiring a replay of the point.

The barrier in the center of the court, 88cm high at the center and 92cm at the posts.

A thin wrap applied over the base grip for improved traction and sweat absorption. Should be replaced regularly.

A defensive shot where the ball bounces off the side glass, then the back glass before you hit it.

Court placement strategy. In padel, the team at the net typically has the advantage.

Training balls with solid rubber cores. More durable but different bounce characteristics.

Standard match balls filled with pressurized gas. Provide optimal bounce but lose pressure over time.

A sequence of shots after the serve, continuing until one side wins the point.

A smash - an aggressive overhead winner. The most powerful shot in padel.

A smash aimed at the side glass that bounces out of the court through the open side - an unreturnable winner.

A smash that hits the side glass, then the back glass, and exits the court. Very difficult to execute.

A shot with extreme topspin that dips quickly after crossing the net.

The diagonal area where the serve must land. Smaller than in tennis.

The line marking the back of the service box, located about 3 meters from the net.

The glass walls on the sides of the court. Create unique angles and shot opportunities.

A small hop taken just before the opponent hits, preparing you to move in any direction.

The optimal hitting area on the racket face that produces maximum power and control. Larger on round rackets, smaller on diamond shapes.

A special game played at 6-6 to decide the set. First to 7 points with 2-point lead wins.

An aggressive overhead shot with heavy side spin, designed to win the point outright. More powerful than a bandeja, it makes the ball kick unpredictably off the glass.

Hitting the ball before it bounces. Essential for net play in padel.

The practice period before a match, typically 5-10 minutes of rallying and serves.

World Padel Tour - the premier professional padel circuit, featuring the world's best players.

Worn on the wrist to absorb sweat and prevent it from reaching the grip.