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How long can you take between points?
Points are continuous. A short interval between points, a longer one at the change of ends.
Your partner likes to walk to the back glass, towel off and chat before every serve. Is there a limit?
Points are continuous. A short interval between points, a longer one at the change of ends.
Why
Padel is meant to be played continuously: a short interval between points, in the order of twenty seconds, and a longer break at the change of ends. The server serves to the receiver's reasonable pace, and the receiver must be ready in reasonable time. In a refereed match, repeated delay is a warning and then a point. In club padel nobody holds a stopwatch, but the pair that keeps a steady rhythm plays better than the pair that stops to discuss every point.
What this means at your level
Beginner
Between points, say one thing to your partner at most, then get back into position. Long chats break your own rhythm.
Intermediate
Use the time you do have deliberately: a breath, a look at where they are standing, one plan for the point.
Advanced
If the other pair slows the game down when they are losing, keep your own rhythm and be ready. Do not let their pace become yours.
Common questions
Your partner likes to walk to the back glass, towel off and chat before every serve. Is there a limit?
A short fixed time, around twenty seconds. Points are continuous. A short interval between points, a longer one at the change of ends. Padel is meant to be played continuously: a short interval between points, in the order of twenty seconds, and a longer break at the change of ends. The server serves to the receiver's reasonable pace, and the receiver must be ready in reasonable time. In a refereed match, repeated delay is a warning and then a point. In club padel nobody holds a stopwatch, but the pair that keeps a steady rhythm plays better than the pair that stops to discuss every point.
Why not as long as the receiver agrees?
The receiver has to be ready, and the server has to serve to the rhythm of the game, not the other way round.
What should a beginner do here?
Between points, say one thing to your partner at most, then get back into position. Long chats break your own rhythm.
How does this change for an advanced player?
If the other pair slows the game down when they are losing, keep your own rhythm and be ready. Do not let their pace become yours.
What do the rules say?
Play should be continuous. A short interval is allowed between points and a longer one at the change of ends; deliberate delay can be penalised by the referee.
Puzzles like this one
Can you volley the return of serve?
The return of serve must bounce. It is the one ball in padel you are not allowed to volley.
beginnerThe ball bounced then hit your own back glass. Still in play?
One bounce on the floor, then any number of walls. Only a second floor bounce ends the point.
advancedThe smash sent the ball out through the side opening. Chase it?
If the court has an opening, you may leave through it and play the ball back, before it bounces a second time.