If you’re new to padel, you’re not alone. This fast-growing racket sport has taken the world by storm, attracting players of all ages and backgrounds. But before you grab your racket and hit the court, it’s important to get to grips with the padel rules that shape the game. Fortunately, they’re simpler than they may seem once you understand the basics, you’ll be playing confidently in no time.
In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll walk you through the most important padel rules you need to know, so you can focus on having fun, improving your skills, and staying on the right side of the rules.
What Is Padel?
Padel is a doubles-only game (in official settings) played on an enclosed court roughly a third the size of a tennis court. It combines elements of tennis and squash, using glass walls as part of live play. Because of its smaller court size, padel is less physically demanding than tennis but just as exciting—and sometimes even more tactical.
The game is governed by official padel rules, established by the International Padel Federation (FIP), but recreational players often adopt slightly simplified versions to ease into the sport.
The Basics of Padel Rules
One of the most straightforward padel rules is how to start a point. Like tennis, padel begins with a serve—but the serve must be underhand and bounce once behind the baseline before being hit diagonally into the opponent’s service box.
Here are some core padel rules every beginner should know:
- Scoring follows the tennis format: 15, 30, 40, and game.
- Sets are played to six games, and a match is typically best of three sets.
- Serves must bounce behind the serving line and be hit underhand.
- The ball must bounce once before hitting any wall.
- You can use the glass walls after the ball has bounced on your side.
These fundamental padel rules ensure fair play and provide a structure that’s both accessible and competitive.
Serving Rules in Detail
Serving is where many beginners trip up, but it’s easy once you’ve got it down. According to official padel rules, the server must:
- Stand behind the baseline.
- Drop the ball and hit it below waist level.
- Serve diagonally across the court.
- Ensure the ball lands within the opposite service box.
If the serve hits the net but lands correctly in the service box, it’s a let and can be replayed. You get two chances to serve, just like in tennis. Get both wrong, and it’s a double fault.
Understanding these padel rules will help you start points correctly and avoid unnecessary errors.
What’s In and What’s Out?
Knowing whether the ball is in or out is essential in padel. The padel rules state:
- A ball is in if it lands within the lines (including the lines themselves).
- A ball is out if it hits the wall or fencing before bouncing.
- If the ball bounces and then hits the glass wall, it’s still in play.
This is where padel differs from other racket sports. The ball can bounce off the walls after it hits the ground and still be playable. This feature makes wall positioning and anticipation crucial elements of strategy.
Doubles Format and Positioning
Padel is almost always played in doubles. The padel rules make teamwork essential. Both players must stay alert and communicate constantly. You don’t switch sides after every point only after completing each game.
Because of this fixed format, court positioning becomes key. Following the padel rules about positioning not only ensures fair play but also helps with effective coverage and coordination.
Ball in Play: Live Walls and Bounces
Another area where the padel rules differ from tennis is in live ball movement after bouncing. For example:
- If your opponent’s shot bounces on your side, hits your back glass wall, and then you return it that’s legal.
- If your shot hits your own glass wall before crossing the net, that’s not legal.
These wall-based padel rules take time to get used to, but they open up fun angles and smart strategies once you learn how to use them.
Common Rule Mistakes to Avoid
Many beginners violate padel rules without realising it. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Hitting a volley (a shot before the bounce) while standing inside the service box after a serve—this is not allowed.
- Smashing the ball so hard it rebounds off the back wall and flies out of the court unless it’s a clean winner, it’s often ruled out.
- Serving overhand padel rules are clear: serves must be underhand.
Being aware of these common errors will improve your play and reduce disputes on court.
Learning the Rules Makes You a Better Player
While it might seem like a lot to take in, once you start playing, the padel rules quickly become second nature. Knowing them well helps you feel confident, improves your matchplay, and ensures that you’re a good partner and opponent.
Whether you’re playing socially or aiming to join a local league, understanding the padel rules is your ticket to more enjoyable and competitive games.
Final Thoughts
Padel is one of the most accessible and exciting racket sports out there, and with the padel rules simplified, anyone can pick it up and start enjoying the game. Mastering the rules gives you a strong foundation one that leads to better rallies, smarter strategies, and ultimately, more wins.
So grab a racket, call a few friends, and get ready to hit the court. With the padel rules in your back pocket, you’re well on your way to loving the game.
