Padel Rules
Padel is fun, fast, and easy to pick up, even if you’ve never held a racket before. But before stepping on court, it helps to know the basic padel rules so you can focus on the rallies instead of second-guessing the score.
Everything You Need to Know Before You Play
The Court & Equipment
Padel is played on an enclosed court measuring 10m x 20m, surrounded by glass and mesh walls. Unlike tennis, the ball can bounce off these walls and still stay in play, which makes rallies last longer and games more exciting.
Net height: 88cm in the middle, 92cm at the posts.
Racket: Solid, stringless, perforated face.
Ball: Similar to tennis, but slightly less pressure for a softer bounce.
Scoring in Padel
The scoring system is the same as tennis:
15, 30, 40, game. Matches are usually best of three sets. At 6–6, a tiebreak is played (first to 7 points, win by 2).
Simple enough: win four points to take a game, win six games to take a set.
Serving Rules
Serving in padel is unique:
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Serve underarm, hitting the ball below waist height.
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The ball must bounce behind the service line before being struck.
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Serve diagonally into your opponent’s service box.
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You get two chances, just like tennis.
Remember: no volleys allowed on the return of serve.
When the Ball is in Play
Here’s where padel gets exciting: the walls are part of the game.
The ball must first hit the ground before it touches a wall or fence.
If it hits a wall before bouncing, it’s out.
You can hit the ball off your own walls before returning it.
The ball is out if it bounces twice, hits the net, or goes out of the enclosure.
Doubles Play
Padel is almost always played as doubles (2 vs 2). Good communication, quick reflexes, and smart positioning matter more than raw power.
Padel FAQs
Is padel the same as tennis?
No. Padel combines elements of tennis and squash, played on a smaller, enclosed court with solid rackets.
Can you volley a serve in padel?
No. You must let the ball bounce once before returning a serve.
Do you always play doubles?
Yes, almost always. Singles courts exist but are rare.
Can you play the ball outside the court?
Yes, in some venues, you’re allowed to run out of the door and hit the ball back in.