Padel Rules Explained: Complete Guide to Playing Your First Game

Complete Guide to Padel Rules

Understanding the rules of padel is essential for enjoying the game. This guide covers everything you need to know to play your first match confidently.

The Basics

Court Setup

20m long x 10m wide
Divided by a net (88cm high at center, 92cm at posts)
Enclosed by walls: glass at the back and sides, metallic mesh above
Service boxes marked on each side

Match Format

Always played in doubles (2 vs 2)
Best of 3 sets
Tiebreak at 6-6 in each set

Scoring System

Padel uses the same scoring as tennis:

Points: 15, 30, 40, Game
Deuce: When both teams reach 40-40
Advantage: Next point after deuce
Set: First to 6 games with 2-game lead
Tiebreak: At 6-6, first to 7 points with 2-point lead

Serving Rules

How to Serve

Stand behind the service line
Bounce the ball and hit it at or below waist height
Hit diagonally into the opponent's service box
The ball must bounce in the box before hitting any wall

Service Rules

Two serves allowed per point (like tennis)
Server's feet must stay behind the service line
Ball must bounce once before being struck
Underhand serve only—no overhead serves allowed

Let (Replay)

A let is called when:

The ball touches the net and lands in the correct box
There's interference during the point

Wall Play Rules

After the Bounce

Once the ball bounces on your side, you can:

Hit it directly back
Let it hit the back wall and then return it
Let it hit the side wall and then return it

Key Rule

The ball must bounce on the ground before hitting a wall on your side. You cannot volley a ball that hasn't bounced.

Hitting Off the Walls

You can hit the ball so it bounces on your opponent's side and then goes off their walls. They can still return it after it hits their walls.

Winning a Point

You win the point when:

The ball bounces twice on the opponent's side
The opponent hits the ball into the net
The opponent hits the ball out (over the walls or mesh)
The opponent hits the ball before it bounces (volleying off the wall directly)

Common Faults

Service Faults

Ball doesn't land in correct service box
Hitting above waist height
Not letting the ball bounce before serving
Foot fault (stepping over the line)

General Faults

Ball bouncing twice on your side
Touching the net
Hitting the ball before it crosses the net
Ball hitting you or your partner

The "Salida por Tres" (Exit Shot)

In professional padel, players can exit through the side door to play a ball that went over the back wall. This advanced rule adds excitement but requires specific court features.

Positioning and Strategy

Basic Positions

One player at the net, one at the back
Or both players at the net (offensive)
Or both at the back (defensive)

Strategic Tips

Use the walls strategically
Communicate with your partner
Target the middle or opponent's weaknesses
Vary your shots: lobs, volleys, and smashes

Etiquette

Good Sportsmanship

Call your own faults honestly
Acknowledge good shots
Keep the ball moving between points
Shake hands after the match

Court Etiquette

Wait for adjacent courts to finish points before retrieving balls
Keep noise reasonable
Return balls promptly

Ready to Play?

Now that you know the rules, it's time to hit the court! Find a padel facility near you using our court finder and put your knowledge into practice.

Remember: the best way to learn is by playing. Don't worry about making mistakes—focus on having fun and the skills will come naturally.