RULES

Padel game rules

Everything you need to know before stepping on court. Serving, scoring, wall rules and common situations.

Basic rules

  • Always in doubles
    Padel is played 2 vs 2. Singles are not played on standard padel courts.
    01
  • Underhand serve
    The serve must be hit below waist level. Bounce the ball first, then hit. Serve diagonally, like in tennis.
    02
  • Ball bounces before wall
    When receiving a serve or shot, the ball must touch the floor first. Only then can it hit a wall. If it hits the wall before the floor, the point is lost.
    03
  • Walls are in play
    After bouncing off the floor, the ball can rebound off any wall on your side. You can hit the ball after it bounces off a wall. This makes padel unique and strategic.
    04
  • No double bounce
    The ball can only bounce once on the floor on your side. After a second floor bounce, the point is lost.
    05
  • Net rules
    The ball must not touch the net during the serve (let = replay). During play, the ball may touch the net and remain in play if it lands in the opponent's court.
    06
Scoring
Padel uses the same scoring system as tennis. If you've never watched tennis, here's a simple table:
Deuce (40:40)
When the score is 40:40, it's called "deuce". To win the game, you must win two consecutive points. The first point after a deuce gives "advantage". If the same player wins the next point, they win the game. If they lose, it goes back to deuce.
Sets and match
  • 1 set = 6 games (with 2 game advantage)
  • At 6:6, a tiebreak is played (first to 7 points)
  • Match = best of 3 sets (or 1 set in friendly games)
Where to stand?
The server stands behind the service line on their side. The first serve always starts from the right side (facing the net). After each point, the side alternates.

How to serve?
  • Bounce the ball on the floor
  • Hit underhand (below waist)
  • The ball must land diagonally in the opposite service box
  • If the serve hits the net and lands in the correct box = let (replay)
  • If the serve is out = fault. Two faults = double fault = point to opponent

Wall rules

Walls make padel different from every other racket sport. Here are the key principles:

  • The ball bounces off the floor and then hits the wall

    Allowed. You can hit the ball after it rebounds off the wall. This is a standard situation in padel.

  • The ball hits the wall before the floor

    If the opponent's shot hits the wall on your side before the floor, you win the point.

  • The ball goes over the wall

    If the ball flies over the glass wall or the fence top, the point is lost by the player who hit it.

  • Can I hit the ball before it bounces?

    Yes. A volley (hitting the ball before it touches the floor) is allowed and often used at the net.

  • Can I leave the court?

    Yes. If the ball flies out through the side opening (above the fence), you can exit and hit it from outside.

  • Can I hit the opponent's wall?

    Yes. Your shot can hit the opponent's wall after it crosses the net and first touches the floor on their side.

Common beginner mistakes


  • Serving overhand like tennis. Padel serves are underhand only.
  • Being afraid of the walls. Walls are your friend. Let the ball bounce and hit calmly.
  • Standing too far from the net. The attacking position in padel is at the net.
  • Hitting too hard. Padel is about control and placement, not power.

Ready to try?

Book a court or your first training. Coaches will help you master all the rules in practice.
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