Padel Rules

The Basics

Padel is usually played in doubles on an enclosed court measuring 10m x 20m. The court is surrounded by glass walls and metal mesh, and these surfaces form part of the game. Scoring follows the same format as tennis: 15, 30, 40, deuce and advantage. Matches are typically played as the best of three sets.

Serving

Each point begins with an underarm serve. The server must stand behind the service line, bounce the ball on their own side, and strike it at or below waist height. The serve must be played diagonally into the opposite service box, and players are allowed two serves. If the ball lands correctly and then hits the metal mesh on the serve, it is a fault.

Playing with the Walls

The walls are one of the features that makes padel unique. After the ball bounces on your side of the court, it may hit the glass and still be returned. Players can also use their own wall or glass after the bounce to send the ball back over the net, provided the return lands correctly in the opponents’ court. That is where a lot of the game’s tactical side comes from.

Common Faults

You lose the point if:

• the ball bounces twice before you return it
• you hit the ball into the net
• you double hit the ball
• the ball hits you, your partner, or anything either of you is wearing or carrying
• the ball hits the metal mesh or the ground on your own side after your shot
• you serve two faults in a row

These are some of the most common faults players need to understand before getting on court.

Padel vs Tennis

Padel uses the same basic scoring system as tennis, but the game feels very different. The serve is always underarm, the court is smaller and enclosed, and the walls are in play. That gives padel a more tactical, more social and often more accessible feel from the very first session.