Pádel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world—and for good reason. It combines the best elements of tennis and squash, is easy to learn, and incredibly fun to play. If you’re new to the sport and want to understand the basic padel rules, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started.
Whether you’re picking up a padel racket for the first time or planning your first social match at a local padel club, mastering the rules is the first step. Let’s dive in.
🔹 What Is Padel?
Padel is a doubles racket sport played on an enclosed court slightly smaller than a tennis court. It’s typically played in pairs (2v2), though singles padel does exist. The walls are used during play, making it dynamic and strategic.
👉 Want to try it for yourself? Find a local padel court near you or book a venue.
🔹 Basic Rules of Padel
1. The Serve
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The serve must be underhand and hit below waist height.
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The server must bounce the ball once behind the service line before hitting it diagonally into the opponent’s service box.
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The ball must bounce in the box and can hit the side or back glass (but not the wire fence) after bouncing.
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You get two chances to serve (just like in tennis).
2. Scoring System
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Padel uses the same scoring system as tennis: 15, 30, 40, and game.
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A match is usually best of 3 sets.
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To win a set, a team must win 6 games with at least a 2-game lead. At 6–6, a tiebreaker is usually played.
📘 Learn more about padel scoring rules and how to keep score during matches.
🔹 How to Win Points
Points are won when:
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The ball bounces twice on the opponent’s side.
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The opponent hits the ball into the net.
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The ball hits the wire fence or walls before bouncing on the court.
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The ball goes outside the court boundaries without bouncing inside first.
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The opponent fails to return the ball legally.
You can also use the glass walls after the bounce to return shots—a unique feature of padel.
🔹 Court Layout and Equipment
Court Dimensions:
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10 metres wide and 20 metres long.
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Enclosed by glass walls and metal mesh.
Equipment:
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Solid padel rackets (no strings).
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Pressurised padel balls (similar to tennis balls, but slightly lower pressure).
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Non-marking shoes with good grip for artificial turf.
🛒 Check out our beginner padel gear guide or shop top-rated rackets.
🔹 Key Rules to Remember
| Rule | Summary |
|---|---|
| Ball Bounce | Ball must bounce before hitting the walls. |
| Use of Walls | After a bounce, players can play off the walls. |
| Serving | Underhand only, diagonally across the net. |
| Out of Bounds | Ball going outside the court without a bounce = point lost. |
🔹 Tips for Beginners
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Focus on consistency over power.
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Use the glass walls to your advantage.
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Communication with your teammate is key.
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Learn how to position yourself on court effectively.
💡 Discover our Top 10 Padel Tips for Beginners and improve your game fast.
🔹 Final Thoughts
Padel is not only fun and social but also accessible for all skill levels. By learning the basic padel rules, you’ll be ready to step on the court with confidence and enjoy the fast-paced, strategic nature of the sport.
Whether you’re playing for fitness, fun, or competition, understanding the rules is essential for progress and enjoyment. Bookmark this page, share it with friends, and get ready to experience one of the most exciting sports today!
