Glossary Terms

The Frame of a padel racket is the outer structure that provides shape and stability. Made from materials like carbon fiber or fiberglass, the frame affects the racket’s durability, weight, and balance. A well-constructed frame is crucial for maintaining control and power in shots.

The term Freezer refers to a tactical situation in padel where one player is deliberately targeted repeatedly by the opponents, often leaving their partner (the “freezer”) with little to do. This strategy aims to exploit the weaker player, minimizing the stronger player’s involvement in the game.

Fuera/Fuera de Pista means “out of court” in Spanish. In padel, this term is used when the ball leaves the enclosed court area after a bounce or a hit. Some courts allow players to retrieve the ball from outside the court, leading to spectacular and challenging points.

Game Patterns in padel refer to the strategic sequences of shots and positioning that players develop to gain an advantage over their opponents. Understanding and implementing effective game patterns can help players control the flow of the match, forcing errors from the opponent and setting up winning shots.

Gancho is a type of overhead shot in padel where the player hits the ball with a hook-like motion, typically directed cross-court with a sharp angle. This shot is often used to surprise opponents and create difficult returns, taking advantage of the court’s angles and the opponents’ positioning.

A Globo, or Lob, is a high, arcing shot aimed at pushing the opponents back towards the baseline or even over their heads. It’s a defensive shot used to reset the rally or regain control when under pressure. A well-executed lob can turn defense into offense by forcing opponents into a difficult position.

The Golden Point is a rule used in some padel matches where, at deuce (40-40), the next point decides the game. This rule speeds up the game and adds pressure, as there is no advantage or second chance after deuce—whoever wins the golden point wins the game.

A Half Volley is a shot in padel where the ball is hit immediately after it bounces, often as a reflexive or defensive play. This shot requires good timing and quick reactions, as it’s typically used when the ball is too low to volley but too close to the player to allow for a full…

The Handle of a padel racket is the part that players grip. It’s typically covered with an overgrip or cushioning material to enhance comfort and prevent slipping during play. The handle’s size and shape can affect a player’s control and comfort, making it an important consideration when choosing a racket.

A Kick Serve in padel is a type of serve where the ball is hit with topspin, causing it to bounce high and move unpredictably after it hits the ground. This serve is used to put pressure on the returner by forcing them to adjust to the ball’s varying height and spin.

The Kick Smash is a powerful overhead shot where the ball is struck with heavy topspin, causing it to bounce high and away from the opponents, often off the back wall. This shot is intended to end the point, either by winning outright or forcing a weak return.

A Let in padel is called when a serve hits the net and still lands in the correct service box, requiring the serve to be replayed. Unlike tennis, padel only allows for a let on a serve; once the rally has started, balls hitting the net and landing in are played as normal.