New to padel? This quick guide gives you the key rules, court basics, and scoring so you can hit the ground running.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know the match structure, where to stand, and how to serve. You’ll also learn how points are scored and when you’ll win a match.
A short summary of padel rules
| Rule Area | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Format | Played in pairs as doubles. |
| Scoring | Same scoring system as tennis (15, 30, 40, game). |
| Service | Underarm serve from right service court, diagonally across. Ball must bounce once before contact. Hit at or below waist height. Keep one foot on the ground; feet must not touch or cross the service line. Serve must land in opponent’s service box. Bounce then side/back wall = valid; bounce then fence = fault. Net then correct bounce = let; net then fence = fault. Two serves allowed. |
| What’s In | Lines are in play only on the serve. Ball may be played off any wall on your own side after a bounce. |
| What’s Out | Ball bounces twice on your side. Ball hits you or your teammate in play. Ball hits fence, posts, or fixtures before crossing net. Ball hits fence or wall before bouncing on opponent’s side. |
| Volleys | Allowed anytime except on serve or return of serve. |
Understanding padel rules: basics and overview
Padel is a doubles racquet sport played on an enclosed court, blending elements of tennis and squash. It uses solid, stringless rackets and low-pressure balls. Like tennis, the scoring is familiar, but padel also lets you play shots off the walls after the ball bounces.
If you’re brand new, our beginner’s guide on how to play padel walks you through the game step by step.
How padel differs from tennis and squash
- Court size: smaller than a tennis court (20m x 10m), enclosed with glass and mesh walls
- Equipment: solid, perforated rackets instead of strung frames
- Gameplay: always doubles, with a lower net and the unique use of walls for returning shots
- Rallies: longer and more strategic thanks to slower balls and court design
Court dimensions and layout
- Length & width: 20 metres long, 10 metres wide
- Net: sits in the centre, slightly lower than tennis
- Service boxes: marked for diagonal serves
- Walls: glass or mesh, typically 1.8m high at the sides and up to 3–4m at the ends — check local club rules for exact heights
Number of players & positioning
- Teams: always two players per side
- Typical setup: one player near the baseline, one at the net, though positions shift constantly based on the rally
- Tip: learn to use the walls early; it’s one of padel’s biggest tactical advantages
Quick tips for following the rules
- Aim for accuracy and consistency over raw power
- Communicate with your partner about lobs, middle shots, and court coverage
- Anticipate the rebound off walls. It can turn defence into attack
Padel serving rules
Serving is the first shot of every point and it sets the pace for the rally. Knowing the rules means you can play fairly and avoid losing points on technicalities. In padel, the serve is always underarm and played diagonally into the opponent’s service box.
Underarm serve technique and legal contact point
The serve starts from the right-hand service court and you alternate sides after each point. Let the ball bounce once before you strike it, and make contact at or below waist height with an open racket face. Keep at least one foot on the ground as you hit and avoid swinging above shoulder height.
- Always let the ball bounce before hitting
- Keep contact below waist height
- Never let the racket cross or touch the net
Service court, foot placement and bounce requirements
Stand fully behind the service line until the ball is hit. Stepping on or over the line before contact counts as a fault. The ball must land in the opponent’s diagonal service box to be valid. If it bounces in the correct box and then hits the side or back glass, the serve is still good.
Faults include:
- Stepping on or over the service line before hitting
- Hitting the mesh fencing directly from the serve
Let, fault and second serve scenarios
If the ball clips the net and still lands in the correct box, it is called a let and the serve is replayed. A ball that lands outside the box, hits the net and goes out, or strikes the mesh fencing is a fault. After a first fault you get a second serve using the same rules. Two consecutive faults and you lose the point.
Quick tips for better serving
Practice hitting the ball at waist height to improve accuracy and consistency. Check your foot position before every serve to avoid unnecessary faults. Aim for placement and angles to force weak returns rather than relying on power.
For a deeper dive into technique, see our full guide on how to serve in padel.
Padel scoring system
The padel scoring system is almost identical to tennis, which makes it familiar for many beginners. Before every match, check the local rules, as they can vary.
Especially around whether deuce is played as a regular deuce or with a golden point. This decision affects how games at 40–40 are decided.
Points, games and sets
Points are scored as 15, 30, 40 and game. If both teams reach 40–40, it’s called deuce. The first team to win six games wins the set, but they must lead by at least two games unless a tie-break is played.
Most matches are played as best of three sets, meaning the first team to win two sets takes the match.
When the score in games reaches 6–6, many clubs use the standard tennis tie-break, where the first to 7 points (with a two-point lead) wins the set. Some local leagues or social matches may use a different tie-break format, so it’s worth checking before you start.
If you’re planning your first session, it also helps to know how long a padel match lasts.
How deuce can be played
There are two main ways to handle deuce:
- Regular deuce: A team must win two consecutive points to take the game. Winning the first point after deuce gives “advantage”, and winning the next point wins the game. If the opposing team wins a point at advantage, the score returns to deuce.
- Golden point: At deuce, a single deciding point is played. The receiving team chooses which side will receive the serve. The winner of this point wins the game. This method is often used in tournaments and leagues to speed up matches.
How to win a match
To win a match, a team must win the required number of sets. Usually two out of three. Consistently winning games within each set is key to building a match lead. In competitive play, staying composed at crucial points like deuce or tie-breaks can make the difference.
Practical tips
- Focus on placement and consistency to build game wins rather than relying solely on power
- Always confirm the scoring format before the match starts
- Practice serving and returning under pressure to prepare for deuce or tie-break situations
Padel etiquette and player safety
Court etiquette
Talk to your partner before the match about who takes centre shots and lobs. This prevents confusion during rallies.
Wait until a rally ends before entering or crossing the court. Always return stray balls to players on other courts without interrupting play.
Scoring agreements
Decide on the scoring format before starting. Choose between golden point or regular deuce at 40–40 to avoid disputes.
Call out scores clearly so all players agree.
Respect and fair play
Keep noise levels respectful and avoid distracting opponents. Treat officials and players with courtesy.
If there’s a “let” or disputed point, accept the decision calmly and continue play.
Net rules
Do not touch, lean on, or grab the net during play. This is a fault.
Player safety
Wear non-marking shoes with good lateral support to prevent slips. Always use a wrist strap on your racket.
Warm up and stretch for 8–10 minutes before starting to reduce injury risk. Stay hydrated and take short breaks between games.
Dispute resolution
If disagreements arise, resolve them politely using official padel regulations as a guide.
Good communication and a solid grasp of the rules make matches fair, safe, and enjoyable.ic match rules, and always put safety first. This way, everyone can play more often and with confidence.
