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Their smash bounces and exits through the opening. Can you run out after it?
On courts with openings you may go out after a ball that has bounced once on your side, and return it, before it bounces again.
Their smash bounces on your floor and flies out through the side opening. You are quick. What are you allowed to do?
On courts with openings you may go out after a ball that has bounced once on your side, and return it, before it bounces again.
Why
Padel courts with side openings allow the game to continue outside the enclosure. If the ball bounces on your floor and then leaves through an opening, you may run out and play it back into the court, as long as it has not bounced a second time and you return it over the net (or through the opening back into play) without touching anything on the way. This is the spectacular shot of professional padel. It is also why a smash that bounces in and exits is not automatically a winner at the top level.
What this means at your level
Beginner
Not for you yet, and that is fine. Know that the point may not be over when the ball leaves the court.
Intermediate
Only chase it if you are already moving that way. Turning and sprinting after a ball through the opening is a good way to hit the post.
Advanced
The return from outside is nearly always a lob back through the opening or over the side. Aim high and central. You are trying to stay in the point, not win it.
Common questions
Their smash bounces on your floor and flies out through the side opening. You are quick. What are you allowed to do?
Go out through the opening and return it before it bounces again. On courts with openings you may go out after a ball that has bounced once on your side, and return it, before it bounces again. Padel courts with side openings allow the game to continue outside the enclosure. If the ball bounces on your floor and then leaves through an opening, you may run out and play it back into the court, as long as it has not bounced a second time and you return it over the net (or through the opening back into play) without touching anything on the way. This is the spectacular shot of professional padel. It is also why a smash that bounces in and exits is not automatically a winner at the top level.
Why not go out and return it, even after one bounce outside?
A second bounce anywhere, inside or out, ends the point. It must be returned before it bounces again.
What should a beginner do here?
Not for you yet, and that is fine. Know that the point may not be over when the ball leaves the court.
How does this change for an advanced player?
The return from outside is nearly always a lob back through the opening or over the side. Aim high and central. You are trying to stay in the point, not win it.
What do the rules say?
On courts with side openings, a ball that has bounced once on a pair's side and left the court may be played from outside and returned into play before it bounces again.
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