Learn the Game
Padel Rules
New to padel? Here is everything you need to know about the rules of the game.
The Basics
- Padel is played in doubles on an enclosed court roughly 25% smaller than a tennis court.
- The court is surrounded by walls of glass and metallic mesh which can be used during play.
- Scoring follows the same system as tennis (15, 30, 40, deuce, advantage).
- Matches are typically best of three sets.
Serving
- The serve must be underarm and hit at or below waist height.
- The ball must bounce once in the service box before the receiver plays it.
- The server stands behind the service line and serves diagonally into the opposite box.
- Two serves are allowed per point, just like tennis.
Playing the Walls
- After the ball bounces on the ground, it can hit any wall and still be in play.
- Players can play the ball off the back or side walls.
- The ball cannot hit the fence/mesh on the full during serve return.
- This is what makes padel unique and exciting - the walls add a whole new tactical dimension.
Key Differences from Tennis
- Underarm serve only (no overhead serve).
- Smaller court with walls that are part of the game.
- Solid, stringless padel rackets are used instead of tennis rackets.
- Played exclusively in doubles format.
- Generally easier to learn, making it accessible to players of all ages and abilities.