Everyone who plays Padel knows it’s a fun and engaging sport. Its worldwide popularity makes it one of the fastest-growing sports in the world.
If you’re here, you’re obviously interested in Padel. Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing with friends, getting a better understanding of the rules will allow you to play the game correctly while enjoying it a lot more.
This article will explain everything you need to know in a simple way so you can hit the court with confidence that you know what you’re doing.
Padel Rules: Everything You Need To Know
We’ve simplified the following rules into easy-to-read terms so you can understand how to play.
Game Format and Court Layout
Padel is always played in doubles, which means you will have one partner on each side of the court. The standard court size for Padel is 20 meters long and 10 meters wide.
Your court and your opponent’s court feature a glass back wall that measures 10 meters by 3 meters, topped with an additional meter of fencing. The sides of the court are also fenced, boxing the court in and creating a fast, unique play environment.
The Scoring System
Padels’ scoring system is extremely similar to tennis. It starts at love (0) and progresses to 15, 30, 40, and finally, game point.
In a professional match, a golden point system is used at deuce. This means the receiving side selects who will serve, adding a strategic element to the game.
When the score hits 6-6, a tie-break decides the set winner. Unlike tennis, where the first to 7 points wins, Padel requires a team to reach 7 points with a 2-point lead. So, if it’s 6-6, the tie-break continues until one team leads by two points, like 9-7 or 8-6.
Understanding the Bounce
One key Padel rule is how the ball lands within the confines of the court. If the ball bounces on the ground before hitting the glass or the fence, it’s considered a legal play.
However, it’s deemed a fault if it directly hits the glass or fence. Players can volley the ball, but if you hit it directly onto the glass, it will be out.
Glass and Fence Play
Players can use the glass walls to their advantage. You can hit the ball against the glass to send it to your opponent’s side, but hitting the fence directly results in a foul.
One key strategy in Padel is understanding how to use the walls effectively.

Serving Rules
Every point begins with a serve. The server must stand in the designated service box and bounce the ball before serving. The ball must be hit below waist level with an underarm serve and aimed diagonally into the opponent’s service box.
If the ball hits the fence or the side of the net during the serve, it is considered a fault. Players get a second serve, just like in tennis.
Partner Positions and Court Dynamics
While there are no strict rules about where you can stand on the court, it’s good practice that the server’s partner positions themselves near the net. This allows for quick reactions in volleying opportunities. The returner’s partner should align with the returner to recover after the return of serve.
Net Interaction
Similar to tennis, if a player touches the net with their racket or any part of their body, it is considered a fault. Players cannot reach over the net to hit the ball unless it has already bounced on their side. However, they can reach over to play if the ball bounces back to their side after hitting the glass.
Playing from Outside the Court
A unique, exciting aspect of Padel is the ability to play the ball from outside the court. If the ball bounces off the glass and goes over the fence, players can run outside to hit it back into play, provided it bounces on the opponent’s side first.
Always ensure there is enough space around the court to execute this move safely.
External Structures and Faults
It is considered out if the ball hits an external structure, such as a light post. If the ball bounces off the top of the fence, it is still playable, but hitting it directly results in an outcall.
Self-Refereeing
Players will usually self-referee in most padel games, especially when playing for fun or non-professional games. If there is any doubt about a call, it’s good sportsmanship to play a let.

Last thoughts on Padel Rules
Padel Rules are fairly straightforward and easy to understand. When playing the game, it’s a good idea to grasp the above so you can enjoy the game fully.
From scoring to serving, every aspect contributes to the unique experience of Padel. By familiarizing yourself with these rules, you can reduce disputes and enhance your enjoyment on the court.
FAQ’s
What are the basic padel rules for serving?
The ball needs to bounce first behind the service line and stay below your waist. You must serve underhand, and the ball must go over the net and land in the opposite service box.
Unlike tennis, you can’t serve overhand, and the ball can’t touch the glass walls before it lands in the service box. You get two tries to serve and must serve from behind the baseline.
Can you hit the wall in Padel?
Yes, hitting the wall in Padel is allowed and plays a key role in the game’s strategy. Padel rules let players hit the ball off any wall on their side of the court after it bounces on the ground.
The ball can bounce off several walls before returning to the other side. This wall play gives Padel a unique edge over other racquet sports.
What happens if the ball bounces twice in Padel?
In Padel, when the ball bounces twice, the other team gets a point. The Padel rules say players need to hit the ball before it touches the ground twice on their side.
This holds true even after the ball hits the walls or glass around the court – what matters is how many times it hits the ground. If you can’t send the ball back before it bounces a second time, your rivals win the point.
What is an illegal serve in Padel?
You will break padel service rules when the server crosses the service line before hitting the ball, lands outside the diagonal service box, uses an overhand motion, or touches the glass walls before hitting the ground.
New players need to know these padel rules to play well. Also, serving the ball above your waist or letting it bounce twice before you serve counts as a fault.
Can you hit the glass first in Padel?
No, you can’t hit the glass first when serving in Padel, but it’s allowed during regular play.
When a rally is going on, players can smack the ball straight against any wall or glass panel on their side of the court. But the ball must bounce on the ground at least once before hitting any wall on the other side. This leads to some exciting tactics and is one of the things that makes Padel so unique.
Can you serve backhand in Padel?
Backhand serves are legal in Padel rules as long as they follow the basic rules for serving: you have to hit the ball underhand, keep it below your waist, and serve from behind the service line.
Many players think the backhand serve works well to mix things up in their game and create different angles. This move can help put the ball in tough spots for your opponents to handle.