What are the rules of padel?

Padel is a fast-paced and accessible racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. The game is almost always played in doubles and takes place on a court enclosed by glass walls and fencing. These walls are precisely what makes padel unique.

The rules of padel are very similar to those of tennis; for example, the ball must also be hit over the net and into the opponent's court. However, serves are underhand, with the ball having to bounce behind the service line before you serve. A major difference from tennis is that after the ball bounces off the ground, you can let it hit the glass wall before hitting it back. This can also be done via the wall, often leading to exciting rallies.

To help you get started with padel immediately, we want to help you learn the most important rules. Read on below to find out how our favorite game works!

The Padel Court

A padel court is 10 meters wide and 20 meters long. The court is completely enclosed by glass walls and fencing, the net is in the middle and is slightly lower than a tennis net. Each half of the court is divided into two service boxes and a backcourt.

Number of Players

Padel is mainly played 2-on-2. Singles (1-on-1) also exists but is less common and uses a modified court. Because padel is often played by four people, it is ideally suited for spending quality time with your friends, family, or colleagues. It's also a great way to meet new people, for example, by participating in tournaments.

Scoring

The scoring is the same as in tennis:

• 0 points = love
• 1 point = 15
• 2 points = 30
• 3 points = 40
• 4 points = game (with a two-point difference)

At 40-40 (deuce), a team must win two consecutive points to win the game.
A set is won at 6 games, with a minimum two-game difference.
At 6-6, a tie-break is usually played.

A match often consists of best of 3 sets.

The Serve

In padel, the service is different from tennis:

• The serve is hit underhand
  
• The ball must be struck at a maximum height of your waist
• The ball must bounce first before you serve
  
• The first serve is hit from the right side
• Subsequently, the serve is hit alternating from left and right
• You serve diagonally into the opponent's service box
• Without touching the net, the ball must first bounce on the ground in the service box, before hitting the wall

If the ball hits the glass or fence directly on the serve without bouncing, the serve is a fault.

As in tennis, you get two service attempts.

Returning the Serve

The receiver may:

• Only return the ball after it bounces
• Not return with a volley (a shot before the ball has bounced on the ground)
• May let it bounce and then hit it back via the wall

If the service ball bounces directly against the fence after hitting the ground, it is a fault.

During the Game

During a rally, the following basic rules apply:

• The ball may only bounce once on the ground
• After bouncing, the ball may hit one or more walls
• The ball may not be hit directly against the wall without first touching the ground
• Volleys are allowed, except for returning a serve

You may also hit the ball outside the court if the court has openings for it.

When do you lose a point?

You lose the point if:

• The ball bounces twice on your side
• You volley the ball on a service return
• The ball is hit directly against the wall without ground contact
• The ball hits the net and doesn't go over
• The ball flies outside the court without first touching the ground
• You hit the ball with your body
• You hit the net with your racket, body, or clothing

The Ball and the Racket

Padel balls resemble tennis balls, but there is indeed a difference. Padel balls have slightly less pressure and are slightly smaller. This means padel balls travel a bit slower than a regular tennis ball.

A padel racket does not have strings like a tennis racket, but a flat surface with holes in it, preferably from the Padellig brand, of course. Padel rackets are also a bit smaller, and the head is rounder and larger than with tennis rackets, which leads to a higher game tempo in padel. There are many different shapes and types of padel rackets for every level. Want to know more about which padel racket suits you best? Then read our blog about it.

Fair Play and Etiquette

Padel is known as a social sport, with a few unwritten rules:

• Always clearly call "out" or "in"
• Doubt = ball is in
• Replay the ball if there's any uncertainty
• Respect opponents and teammates
• Always stay friendly

Finally

Padel is easy to learn but certainly challenging! Thanks to the combination of underhand serves, the use of walls, and teamwork, padel is accessible for beginners and interesting for advanced players.

If you know the rules, you'll enjoy the game more and avoid arguments on the court.

Have fun playing! 🎾