How to Play Padel
Complete beginner's guide
Basic Rules of Padel
Understanding the rules is fundamental to enjoying padel. While padel shares some similarities with tennis, it has unique rules that make it distinct, especially regarding wall play and serving. This chapter covers the essential rules every player needs to know.
Scoring System Explained
Padel uses the same scoring system as tennis, which can be confusing for beginners. The scoring progresses through points, games, sets, and matches, with specific requirements for winning each level.
| Level | Progression | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Point | 0, 15, 30, 40, Game | Same as tennis scoring |
| Game | First to 4 points (with 2-point lead) | Must win by 2 points |
| Set | First to 6 games (with 2-game lead) | Tie-break at 6-6 |
| Match | Best of 3 sets | Most tournaments |
Point Scoring Details
The point scoring system works as follows:
- 0 (Love): Starting score for each point
- 15: First point won
- 30: Second point won
- 40: Third point won
- Game: Fourth point won (if ahead by 2)
If both teams reach 40 (deuce), one team must win by 2 points. This can continue indefinitely until one team achieves a 2-point lead.
Set and Match Structure
Sets and matches follow these patterns:
- Games: First to 6 games wins the set (must win by 2)
- Tie-break: At 6-6, a tie-break is played to 7 points
- Match: Best of 3 sets wins the match
- Tournament: Some tournaments use best of 1 set format
Serving Rules
Serving in padel is unique because it must be done underhand. This makes the serve less powerful but more strategic, emphasizing placement and spin over raw power.
| Rule | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Serve Position | Behind service line, between center and side | Underhand serve only |
| Ball Contact | Below waist level | Cannot be above waist |
| Service Box | Must land in diagonal service box | Cannot touch net or walls first |
| First Serve | One attempt allowed | Fault if unsuccessful |
| Second Serve | Second attempt if first fails | Double fault if both fail |
| Let Serve | Ball touches net but lands in | Serve is replayed |
Serving Sequence
The serving sequence follows this pattern:
- First Serve: Server gets one attempt to serve legally
- Second Serve: If first serve fails, server gets a second attempt
- Double Fault: If both serves fail, point goes to receiver
- Let Serve: If ball hits net but lands in, serve is replayed
- Service Change: After each game, serve alternates between teams
Service Positioning
Proper service positioning is crucial:
- Stand behind the service line
- Position between center mark and side line
- Serve diagonally to opposite service box
- Cannot step on or over service line
- Must serve underhand below waist level
Ball In-Play Rules
Understanding when the ball is in play and what constitutes legal play is essential. Padel's unique wall system creates specific rules about ball contact and court boundaries.
| Situation | Rule | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Contact | Ball must bounce once before hitting walls | Cannot hit walls directly |
| Wall Contact | Ball can hit walls after ground bounce | Walls are part of play |
| Net Contact | Ball can hit net during rally | Play continues if ball goes over |
| Double Bounce | Ball cannot bounce twice on same side | Point lost if double bounce |
| Player Contact | Players cannot touch ball with body | Only racket contact allowed |
| Racket Contact | Only one racket contact per shot | Cannot hit ball twice |
Wall Play Rules
The walls add complexity to padel rules:
- Ground First: Ball must bounce on ground before hitting walls
- Wall Contact: Ball can hit any wall after ground bounce
- Multiple Walls: Ball can hit multiple walls in sequence
- Return Over Net: Ball must go over net to opponent's side
- Wall Height: Ball can hit walls at any height
Court Boundaries
Understanding court boundaries is crucial:
- In Bounds: Ball lands within court lines
- Out of Bounds: Ball lands outside court lines
- Line Contact: Ball touching line is considered in
- Wall Contact: Walls are considered in bounds
- Net Contact: Net is part of the court
Court Boundaries and Legal Shots
Padel's enclosed court design means there are no traditional "out" shots. Instead, the game focuses on keeping the ball in play through strategic use of walls and court positioning.
Legal Shot Requirements
For a shot to be legal, it must meet these requirements:
- Ball must bounce once on your side before you hit it
- Ball must go over the net to opponent's side
- Ball can hit walls after crossing the net
- Only one racket contact per shot allowed
- No body contact with the ball
Illegal Shots
These shots result in losing the point:
- Hitting ball before it bounces on your side
- Ball hitting walls before bouncing on ground
- Double hitting the ball
- Ball touching your body or clothing
- Hitting ball into the net
- Ball landing outside court boundaries
Common Faults and Violations
Avoiding common faults is essential for successful padel play. Understanding these violations helps you play within the rules and avoid unnecessary point losses.
| Fault | Description | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Foot Fault | Stepping on or over service line during serve | Loss of serve |
| Double Bounce | Ball bounces twice before being hit | Loss of point |
| Body Contact | Ball touches player or clothing | Loss of point |
| Double Hit | Hitting ball twice in one shot | Loss of point |
| Net Touch | Touching net with racket or body | Loss of point |
| Out of Bounds | Ball lands outside court boundaries | Loss of point |
Service Faults
Common serving violations include:
- Foot Fault: Stepping on or over service line
- Overhand Serve: Serving above waist level
- Wrong Position: Serving from incorrect position
- Ball Toss: Dropping ball during serve
- Double Bounce: Ball bouncing twice before serve
Rally Faults
During rallies, avoid these common mistakes:
- Double Bounce: Letting ball bounce twice
- Body Contact: Ball touching player
- Double Hit: Hitting ball twice
- Net Touch: Touching net with racket or body
- Out of Bounds: Ball landing outside court
Equipment Violations
Equipment-related violations to avoid:
- Racket Specifications: Using non-regulation racket
- Ball Specifications: Using non-regulation balls
- Safety Cord: Not using required wrist strap
- Clothing: Wearing inappropriate footwear