Padel has rapidly grown in popularity around the world, thanks to its fast-paced gameplay and accessible rules. If you’re new to the sport, understanding the basic rules is essential to enjoy the game and compete confidently. This guide breaks down the fundamental padel rules in simple terms, covering everything from court layout to scoring, serving, and ball play.
What is Padel?
Padel is a racket sport blending tennis and squash elements. Played mainly in doubles on an enclosed court, players use solid rackets and a low-pressure ball to rally back and forth. The unique use of walls around the court adds an exciting strategic layer.
The Padel Court and Equipment
Padel courts are smaller than tennis courts, measuring 20 meters long by 10 meters wide. Enclosed by glass walls and metal mesh fencing, the court’s design allows players to hit the ball off the walls after the bounce.
Players use solid, stringless padel rackets that are smaller and lighter than tennis rackets. The ball used is similar to a tennis ball but with slightly less pressure for longer rallies.
Number of Players and Match Format
Padel is primarily played as doubles, with two players on each team. Singles matches exist but are less common. Matches usually follow a best-of-three sets format, with each set requiring six games won by a margin of two.
Serving Rules
The serve in padel must be performed underhand, with the ball bouncing once behind the service line before being hit. The serve must land diagonally in the opponent’s service box.
Each player has two serve attempts per point. If both attempts are faults, the opposing team wins the point.
Scoring System
Padel scoring is identical to tennis:
- Points progress 15, 30, 40, then game.
- A player must win by two points if the score reaches 40-40 (deuce).
- Sets are played to six games with a two-game margin.
- A tiebreak is played at 6-6, typically first to seven points with a two-point lead.
Ball in Play and Walls
After the serve, the ball must bounce once on the ground before players can return it. A distinctive feature of padel is that players can hit the ball off the walls after it bounces.
The ball remains in play until it bounces twice, lands outside court boundaries, or hits the net without crossing.
Faults and Lets
Faults occur if:
- The ball bounces twice before being returned.
- The ball lands outside the court boundaries.
- The server misses the correct service box twice.
A let is called when the ball clips the net on serve but lands in the correct service box; the serve is then replayed.
Key Regulations
- Volleying the ball (hitting before it bounces) is allowed after the ball crosses the net.
- Players cannot touch the net or cross into the opponent’s court during play.
- The ball cannot be hit twice consecutively by the same player.
Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
- Trying to serve too hard instead of focusing on accuracy.
- Not communicating with your partner on court.
- Forgetting to use the walls strategically.
- Overreaching for shots, leading to errors.
Final Thoughts
Padel’s simple yet dynamic rules make it a fun sport for beginners and experienced players alike. By understanding these basics, you’ll be well-prepared to play your first match and enjoy all that padel has to offer.
