Padel Rules

Everything you need to know to get started

The Basics

Padel is played on an enclosed court 10 meters wide by 20 meters long, surrounded by walls. It's almost always played in doubles (four players total).

The game uses the same scoring system as tennis (15, 30, 40, game). Matches are typically best of 3 or 5 sets.

Court & Equipment

The Court

• 10m x 20m playing area
• Net height: 88cm at center, 92cm at sides
• 4-meter high walls (glass or fencing)
• Service boxes on each side

Equipment

• Solid rackets with perforated surface
• No strings (unlike tennis)
• Padel balls (similar to tennis but slightly smaller)
• Lower pressure than tennis balls

How to Serve

Serves are always underarm. The ball must be hit below waist level.

• Bounce the ball once before hitting
• Serve diagonally into the opposite service box
• The ball must bounce in the service box first
• If it hits the net and lands in the service box, it's a LET (replay the serve)
• Two serves allowed per point (like tennis)
• Fault if ball hits fence/wire directly after bouncing

Scoring

Point System

Same as tennis: 0 (love), 15, 30, 40, game

First to 40 with 2-point lead wins the game

Sets

First team to win 6 games with 2-game lead wins the set

If tied 6-6, play a tiebreak to 7 points

Match

Usually best of 3 sets (first to 2 sets wins)

Playing the Ball

Valid Shots

• The ball can only bounce once on your side
• You can hit the ball after it bounces off YOUR walls
• Volleys (hitting before the bounce) are allowed
• The ball can hit your opponent's walls after crossing the net
• You can leave the court through doors to play a ball
• If the ball bounces in and then hits the net, it's STILL IN PLAY

You Lose the Point If...

• The ball bounces twice on your side
• You hit the ball into the net
• Your shot goes out of bounds without bouncing in
• The ball hits the wire fencing directly on your side
• You or your racket touches the net
• You hit the ball before it crosses to your side

Using the Walls

This is what makes padel unique! The walls are part of the game.

• After the bounce, the ball can hit your walls and is still in play
• You can hit the ball before or after it bounces off your wall
• Your shot can hit the opponent's walls after crossing the net
• The ball hitting the fencing/wire mesh directly is out
• Use angles and walls strategically to create difficult returns

Beginner Tips

Positioning

Stay close to your partner. Communication is key in doubles.

Use the Walls

Don't be afraid to play off the back wall. It's a key part of the game.

Placement Over Power

Control and placement beat raw power. Use angles wisely.

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