Padel Rules Explained Simply — Everything You Need to Know

The basic rules at a glance

Before we get into the detail, here are the 6 rules that matter most in your first few sessions:

1. Always doubles — padel is always played 2v2. No singles.
2. Serve underarm — drop the ball, let it bounce, hit it below waist height diagonally into the opposite service box.
3. Ball must bounce before hitting your wall — the ball must hit the floor first. Then it can rebound off your glass walls and you play it back.
4. Volleys are allowed — you can hit the ball before it bounces, except when returning a serve.
5. Metal mesh is out — if the ball hits the metal fence without bouncing first, it's out. Glass walls are in play, metal mesh is not.
6. Scoring is the same as tennis — 15, 30, 40, game, set, match.

Serving rules

The serve is the most rule-heavy part of padel — but once you know it, it's simple and consistent every time.

What's in and what's out

This confuses more beginners than anything else. Here's the definitive guide to what's in play and what's not.

The wall rules — explained simply

The walls are the most unique and most misunderstood part of padel. Master this and everything else clicks.

The golden rule — the ball must bounce on the floor in your half of the court before it can touch your glass walls. Once it has bounced, the walls are completely in play.

Scoring explained

Padel uses exactly the same scoring as tennis. If you know tennis, skip this section. If you don't — here it is:

• Games: First to 6 games wins the set — must win by 2. At 6-6 a tiebreak is played
• Sets: Matches are typically best of 3 sets
• Tiebreak: First to 7 points, win by 2. Players take turns serving every 2 points
• Golden point: Many UK clubs use golden point at deuce — one sudden death point decides the game. Always check with your club before playing

Common faults and mistakes

These are the rules beginners break most often — know them before you step on court.

Let rules

A let is when the point is replayed with no penalty. Lets happen in these situations:

• Serve hits the net and lands in — the serve is replayed. Unlike tennis where a net cord serve is replayed, in padel the serve must clear the net cleanly. If it clips the net and lands in the correct box, it's a let and you reserve again.
• Ball enters the court from outside — if a ball from another court rolls onto your court mid-point, a let is called
• Player distraction — if a player is genuinely distracted by something outside their control during a point

Rules FAQ

Can I serve from anywhere?

No — you must serve from behind the service line on your side of the court, within the area to the right or left of the centre line depending on whose turn it is to serve. You alternate sides each game.

What happens if the ball hits the post?

If the ball hits the net post during a rally and lands in your opponent's court — it's in and counts as a good shot. If it happens on a serve — it's a fault.

Can the ball go through the gaps in the fence?

Officially no — if the ball exits through a gap in the metal fence it's out. In practice at recreational level, a let is usually called and the point replayed. Check with your club or opponents before you start.

Who serves first?

Traditionally decided by a coin toss or racket spin. The winning team chooses to serve first or chooses which end to start on. Serving rotates every game — the team that received in game 1 serves in game 2.

Can both partners on a team hit the ball?

No — only one player should hit the ball per shot. If both players hit the ball simultaneously or consecutively, it's a fault and the point goes to the opponents.

Is there a shot clock in padel?

No formal shot clock at recreational level. Players are expected to serve at a reasonable pace. At professional level there are time limits between points.