PADEL RULES EXPLAINEDEverything you need to play with confidence
Just discovered padel and feel like everyone else knows something you don’t? We’ve been there. This guide breaks down every rule — scoring, serving, walls, faults and lets — so you can step on court knowing exactly what you’re doing. No jargon, no assumptions.
Players Per Court — padel is always played as doubles, two players on each side of the net
Court Size — the enclosed glass and metal court is roughly a third the size of a tennis court
Typical Score — matches are best of three sets, each set first to six games with a tiebreak at 6-6
In short: padel is a doubles racket sport played on an enclosed court with glass walls. You serve underarm, score like tennis, and the walls are live — meaning the ball can bounce off them and stay in play. Most beginners pick up the core rules within a single session. This guide covers everything else so you can play properly from day one.
The Padel Court: What You Are Playing On
Court Dimensions and Layout
A standard padel court measures 20 metres long and 10 metres wide — roughly a third the size of a tennis court. That smaller footprint is a big part of why the sport is so accessible. The court is divided in half by a net that sits at 88cm in the centre and rises to 92cm at the posts. On each side of the net, the court is split into two service boxes by a centre service line. These boxes are where the action begins every point.
The entire court is enclosed by a combination of solid glass walls and metal fencing. The back walls — behind each baseline — are typically glass, standing 4 metres high. The side walls step down to 3 metres partway along the court before transitioning to metal mesh fencing. Understanding this layout matters because every surface is live during play, and the angles off each wall behave differently depending on material and height.
The Service Line and No-Volley Zone
About 6.95 metres from the net, on each side, there is a service line parallel to the net. This line — combined with the centre line — creates the two service boxes. When you serve, the ball must land within your opponent’s diagonally opposite service box. Unlike tennis, there is no concept of a formal “no-volley zone” or kitchen in padel, but the serve must bounce in the service box before the receiver can return it.
There is no line along the baseline in padel because the back wall acts as the boundary. As long as the ball hits the back wall after bouncing on your side, it is still in play — for the defending team, that is. For a serve, the rules are stricter: if the ball hits the back wall on the fly after landing in the service box, it is typically a fault. We cover this in more detail in the serving section below.
Equipment: Rackets, Balls and Footwear
Padel uses a solid, stringless racket (called a pala) with a perforated surface. Rackets are shorter than tennis rackets and cannot exceed 45.5cm in length, 26cm in width, or 38mm in thickness. The ball looks almost identical to a tennis ball but has slightly lower internal pressure, giving it a slower, more controllable bounce that suits the enclosed court.
For footwear, most players quickly learn that regular trainers are not ideal. Clay-court or padel-specific shoes with a herringbone sole give you the grip and lateral support you need on the artificial grass surface that covers most padel courts. We have a full guide to padel footwear in the gear section, but the short version is: do not wear running shoes if you want to move well and protect your ankles.
Serving Rules: How Every Point Starts
The Underarm Serve
One of the first things new players notice is that the serve in padel is underarm, not overhead. This is not optional — it is the rule. When serving, you must bounce the ball on the ground behind the service line and hit it at or below waist height. The waist is defined as the level of the server’s hip bone at the point of contact, so you cannot simply drop your hips and hit it high.
The serve is hit diagonally, just like in tennis — right service box to right service box, left to left. You get two attempts per point: a first serve and, if that fails, a second serve. Because the serve is underarm and slower than tennis, it is not the weapon it is in other racket sports. Most competitive padel points begin after the serve and the return — the real game starts in the rallies that follow.
Where the Serve Must Land
For a serve to be good, it must land inside the diagonally opposite service box — the rectangular area bounded by the net, the centre service line, the side wall, and the service line. The ball can touch the centre line or the service line and still be in. If it lands outside any of these boundaries, it is a fault.
Here is where it gets slightly technical: after landing in the service box, the ball is allowed to hit the side wall. However, if it bounces and then directly hits the back wall without the receiver choosing to play it, the rules consider the effect on the receiver. In practice, most clubs and recreational players treat a serve that bounces up into the back wall as a let or fault — check local club rules. In official World Padel Tour (WPT) competition, a serve that hits the wire fencing on the side wall after bouncing is a fault.
Let Serves and Foot Faults
A let serve occurs when the ball clips the top of the net and still lands correctly in the service box. In this case, the serve is replayed with no penalty — you get that attempt again. If the ball clips the net but lands outside the service box, it counts as a fault.
Foot faults happen when the server steps on or over the service line before making contact with the ball. You must keep both feet behind the line and within the imaginary extension of the centre service line. In recreational play, foot faults are rarely called strictly, but in competitive padel they can cost you the point. A practical habit is to start your serve motion well behind the line so you never get close to the boundary.
The Padel Scoring System
Points, Games and Sets
Padel uses the same scoring system as tennis. Within each game, points progress from 0 (love) to 15, 30, 40, and game. If both sides reach 40-40, it is called deuce. From deuce, one side must win two consecutive points: the first gives them advantage, the second wins the game. If the team with advantage loses the next point, it returns to deuce.
Games are grouped into sets. The first team to win six games wins the set, provided they lead by at least two games. If the score reaches 6-6, a tiebreak is played. Most padel tiebreaks follow the standard tennis format: first to seven points with a two-point lead, switching ends when the total points played reaches six and then every six points thereafter. Matches are typically best of three sets, and there is usually a super-tiebreak (first to ten points) in place of a full third set at recreational and club level.
Who Serves and When
At the start of a match, a coin toss or spin of the racket determines which team serves first and which end each team starts on. The serving team rotates who serves each game — so if Player A served the first game, Player B serves the second game for that team. The opposing team also alternates serve between its two players each time service changes hands.
Ends are changed after the first game, then after every two games. In a tiebreak, ends change every six points. Keeping track of who serves next can be confusing for new players — the simplest approach is to agree before the match which player serves first, then just alternate each game. After a set ends, the team that received in the last game of that set serves first in the new set.
The Golden Point Rule
In professional padel on the World Padel Tour and FIP-sanctioned events, deuce has been replaced by the “golden point” rule. When a game reaches 40-40, the receiving team chooses which side of the court the serve is directed at — forehand or backhand — and the next single point decides the game outright. There are no more deuces and no more advantages.
This rule was introduced to speed up matches and increase tension at key moments. It has proved controversial among traditionalists but is now firmly embedded in the professional game. At club and recreational level in the UK, most clubs still play traditional deuce, but it is worth confirming with your opponents before you start. Playing the wrong format for several games and then realising mid-set is more common than you would think.
Walls and Bounces: What Makes Padel Unique
Using the Walls in Play
The walls are not just boundaries — they are active parts of the game. After the ball has bounced once on your side of the court, it can hit the back wall or side walls and remain in play. You can then hit it back over the net from that position. This is the mechanic that makes padel so tactically rich and enjoyable. A ball that looks like it is heading out can rebound off the back glass and come right back into a playable position.
Importantly, the ball can only bounce once on the floor before you must hit it. It can hit multiple walls after that single bounce, and you can let it do so if the angle suits you. Some of the most spectacular shots in padel — the bajada and the vibora — rely entirely on reading how the ball will come off the back glass and timing your swing to meet it at the right height and angle.
Hitting the Ball Over the Fence
In an advanced technique called “salida por tres” — or going out three — a player can actually leave the court through one of the open gate sections at the side to retrieve a ball that has gone over the back fence. The ball, having bounced once on their side, gone over the back wall, and remained technically in play if unobstructed, can be chased and hit back onto the opponent’s court from outside the enclosure.
This rule exists because the back and side walls do not always fully contain the ball — some courts have gaps or low fencing that allow the ball to pass through. If a ball exits through a gate or over the fence, the player can legally follow it and return it over the net. This is a rare scenario in casual play but it does happen, and watching a professional player sprint out of the court, retrieve the ball, and lob it back is one of the most exciting moments the sport produces.
Walls on the Opponent’s Side
You are also allowed to hit the ball off your own side walls as part of your return — this opens up a huge range of creative shots. A classic example is the “bandeja” (tray shot), which is hit with enough slice that it bounces low and kicks into the side wall, making the return extremely difficult for opponents.
However, your shot must go over the net and land on the opponent’s side of the court before touching any wall on their side. You cannot play the ball directly into their side wall or back wall without it touching their court floor first — that would be a fault. The sequence on their side must always be: over the net, bounce on floor, then wall (optional). This sequence is the core rule that governs almost all decision-making in padel rallies.
Faults, Lets and Hindrance Rules
What Counts as a Fault During a Rally
A fault during a rally — meaning a point lost — happens in several ways. The most common are: hitting the ball into the net, hitting it out of the court (over or through the fencing where exits are not available), allowing the ball to bounce twice before hitting it, or touching the net or the opponent’s court with your racket or body. You also lose the point if the ball hits you or your partner before you have attempted to play it.
A ball that hits the wire fencing on your own side of the court before bouncing on the floor is out — you cannot play a ball directly off a wall without a floor bounce first (except when it comes off the opponent’s side walls after clearing the net and landing on your side). These distinctions matter and are worth walking through slowly when you first start. Most recreational games will have one or two disputed calls every session until everyone is clear.
Let Calls During a Rally
A let during a rally — where the point is replayed rather than awarded — typically happens when an external interference occurs. This includes a ball from an adjacent court rolling onto yours during a point, a distraction caused by a third party, or a genuine safety concern. In organised competitions, the referee can call a let at any time for interference.
Unlike serve lets, rally lets are uncommon and require a genuine reason to replay the point. Claiming a let because you mishit or lost concentration is not valid. In recreational games, the standard is a common-sense conversation between the four players. If everyone agrees something interrupted play genuinely, replay the point. If there is any doubt, the point typically goes to the team that was in a winning position when the interruption happened — though in friendly games most players just agree to replay.
Hindrance and Body Contact Rules
Players must not obstruct their opponents’ view or movement when they are attempting to play the ball. This is called hindrance. In practice it means you cannot stand directly in your opponent’s line of sight as they prepare to hit, and you must give them reasonable space to play their shot. The ball is considered in play once it crosses the net — at that moment both teams should be making way for the other side to return.
If the ball hits you or your partner during play — including on the volley before the bounce — your team loses the point unless you were already in the act of playing the shot. If the ball hits any equipment you are carrying (extra balls in a pocket, a second racket) it is also your point lost. The rule of thumb is simple: only your racket should make contact with the ball during a live rally.
Common Rule Mistakes New Players Make
Volleying the Return of Serve
One of the most consistent mistakes we see from players coming from a tennis background is attempting to volley the return of serve. In padel, the receiver must let the serve bounce before returning it. You cannot intercept the serve on the fly — even if it is sitting up perfectly and your instinct is to punch it. Doing so costs you the point immediately.
The server’s partner, however, can volley freely. Once the serve has bounced and been returned, both teams can volley at will. The confusion usually arises because the receiver’s partner is often positioned at the net and can look like they should be volleying — but it is specifically the receiver who must wait for the bounce. Once the return of serve is played, the point is fully open and volleys are encouraged.
Misreading the Double Bounce Rule
Another frequent error is confusion about when the ball has bounced twice. In padel, the ball must bounce at least once on the floor on your side before you can hit it — and you cannot let it bounce twice. One floor bounce is mandatory on the return of serve. After that, volleys are legal. The wall does not count as a bounce for this purpose: a ball that bounces once on the floor and then hits the back wall is still a single bounce ball and you can play it.
Where players get confused is with the ball that takes a low bounce off the glass and seems to “double-bounce” quickly. If you cannot reach it before the second floor contact, that is your point lost. Experienced players learn to read the pace off the back glass quickly and move early — this anticipation is the single most valuable skill to develop in your first six months of playing.
Incorrect Service Motion and Position
New players frequently serve too high — instinctively swinging at chest or shoulder level from a tennis habit. Remember: the ball must be hit at or below waist height, and the motion must be underarm. Any contact above the waist on the serve is a fault, regardless of where the ball lands. Referees and opponents can call this and it will cost you the serve attempt.
Position faults are also common early on. You must stand within the width of your side of the court, to the right or left of the centre line depending on which box you are serving from. Serving from the wrong box is rare but does happen in the chaos of a close game. The server’s partner can stand anywhere on their side, but moving aggressively to intercept the return before it lands in the service box can lead to a hindrance call if they block the receiver’s vision.
You know the feeling — you step on court, everyone else seems to know what they’re doing, and you’re quietly hoping nobody asks you to call the score. Most amateur players pick up the game fast but carry half a dozen rule misconceptions for years. Most players don’t realise that the walls are working for them, not against them. The honest truth is that once these rules click, padel stops feeling like organised chaos and becomes the most addictive sport you’ve ever played.
Who This Is For
Complete beginners who have never played padel before and want a full rules overview before their first session
Tennis or squash players making the switch who need to unlearn certain habits and understand what is different
Regular players who want to clarify the grey areas — wall rules, serve faults, let calls — before playing in their first club competition
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you serve in padel?
In padel, you serve underarm with an overhand swing below waist height. Bounce the ball on the ground behind the service line, then hit it diagonally into the opponent’s service box. You get two attempts. The ball can touch the side wall after landing in the box but must not directly hit the back wall or fencing after bouncing. A ball that clips the net and lands correctly is a let — replay the serve.
Can the ball hit the walls in padel?
Yes — after bouncing once on the floor on your side, the ball can hit any wall and remain in play. You can then hit it back over the net. Your shot must land on the opponent’s court floor before touching their walls. You can also use your own side walls creatively when hitting, producing angled shots that are very difficult to return. The wall is one of the most distinctive and tactically rich parts of the game.
How is padel scored?
Padel uses the same scoring as tennis: points go 15, 30, 40, game. Games are grouped into sets, first to six games with a two-game lead or a tiebreak at 6-6. Matches are best of three sets. In professional padel, deuce is replaced by a single “golden point” at 40-40. At recreational level most clubs play traditional deuce. A super-tiebreak to ten points is common as a match decider at club level.
What happens if the ball goes over the back wall in padel?
If the ball bounces on your side and goes over or through the back wall or fence, it is still technically in play. A player can leave through the side gate to retrieve it and play it back — this is called “salida por tres.” However, if the ball exits through a section of fencing that was not a designated opening, or hits a permanent obstruction, the referee will typically call a let or fault depending on the circumstances and the specific court.
Keep Reading
Build Your Full Recovery Plan
Padel Elbow Guide
Diagnosis, causes, and what is actually happening in your body.
Recovery Hub
Post-match recovery, sleep, nutrition, and return-to-play.
Prevention Hub
Warm-up, mobility, strengthening — stop injuries before they start.
Best Padel Rackets
The support gear that actually helps — tested and reviewed.
