Padel, a fast-paced racquet sport, combines elements of tennis and squash. As a player, understanding whether a ball is in or out is crucial for fair play and accurate scoring. Let’s dive into the key factors that help you make the right call on the court.
1. Rebound Angle and Spin
When the padel ball rebounds from the wall, observe its angle and spin. Here’s what to look for:
- High Rebounds: If the ball rebounds from the wall at the same angle or higher than its approach angle, it likely hit the ground before the wall and is in. The primary direction of the bounce will be upward.
- Low Rebounds: Conversely, if the ball rebounds lower than the approach angle, it probably hit the wall first and is out. The momentum after bouncing will keep it at a lower trajectory away from the wall.
- Backspin Rebounds: When a shot has been played flat, the spin will cause the ball to kick-on towards the wall. After connecting with the wall, the ball will tend to pop into the air with backspin. A backspin rebound indicates that the ball was in.
- Topspin Rebounds: If the ball rebounds from the wall before bouncing, the imparted topspin will keep it low and fast. A topspin rebound suggests that the ball hit the wall first and is out.
2. The Elusive “Egg” Shot
In padel, there’s a term called the “egg.” It refers to that rare shot where the ball lands in the exact notch between the court and the wall. When a ball is an “egg,” it shows none of the usual rebound characteristics. It’s nearly impossible to determine if it’s in or out. These shots are often called as a let even after video review, and the point is replayed.
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