As padel is growing in popularity, many PE teachers are enquiring about how they can get their students and/or schools involved.
There are a number of options available;
Coaching – if you are a qualified PE teacher with a padel court in your school then we would advise that you link in with us to see when we will be hosting the next coaching training and certification. For those already certified by the PFI we will hold continuous training and update clinics. info@padelfederation.ie
Visit a local club – you can link in with a local club to visit and book lessons. If you are bringing a class, without the assistance of a coach, please see the rules below to help you
Request a visit from the team/coach for a demonstration – there are a number of coaches availableto call to your school and do a demonstration on padel. They will bring rackets, balls, nets and give an overview of the game.
Encourage your school to consider building a court – if your school is looking at upgrading or building new sports facilities, please see here for information on the benefits of building a padel court in your school Padel Court in your school | Padel Federation of Ireland (eblana.solutions)
Padel rules to help you get started;
Basic Padel Rules
The Padel Federation of Ireland follows the rules of the International Padel Federation (FIP).
Format
All play in the sport of Padel is doubles format.
Scoring
In the sport of Padel, the same scoring system is used as in the sport of tennis.
Service
With regard to service, the following rules apply:
- In Padel, all play begins with an underhand serve from the right service court into the opponent’s court diagonally across similar to tennis.
- The server must allow the ball to bounce once before hitting it and the ball must be hit below waist level.
- The serve must land in the opponent’s service box. If the ball bounces in the service box and strikes the side or back wall, it is a valid serve and must be played by the opposing player. If the ball lands in the service box and hits the wire fencing, it is considered a fault.
- The server must keep at least one foot on the ground when hitting the serve. The server’s feet may not touch or cross the service line while serving.
- In Padel, similar to tennis, the server has two opportunities to complete the serve.
Fair Play
The following are considered fair play situations in the sport of Padel:
• The court lines are considered in play only during the initial serve. Otherwise, they are not a factor in determining the outcome of each point in the game between opposing players.
• All players are permitted to play a ball off any of the walls on their own side of the court.
Loss of point
The opposition wins a point when any of the following events occur:
- The ball bounces twice in any area on your side of the court.
- The ball strikes you or your teammate while in play.
- The ball hits the wire fencing, posts or any other fixture before going over the net or landing on the opponent’s court.
Out of bounds
The ball is considered out of bounds and a point is given to the opposing players if the ball hits the wire fence or walls before bouncing on the opponent’s side of the court.
Overhand strokes
The ball can be taken out of the air by any player except on the initial serve and the return of serve.
See extended version of rules from the International Padel Federation – www.padelfip.com
Download file here: Rules-of-Padel
