Padel Rules Explained: The Complete Guide for Newcomers 2025

Padel has exploded onto the global sports scene, with over 35 million players worldwide as of 2025 according to the International Padel Federation (FIP). Whether you're a tennis player curious about this enclosed-court cousin, a complete beginner ready to try something new, or someone who's already played a few games and wants to understand the nuances, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about padel rules.

The beauty of padel lies in its accessibility combined with tactical depth. The rules are straightforward enough that you can start playing within minutes, yet mastering the strategic elements of wall play and positioning takes years of dedicated practice. By the end of this guide, you'll understand every aspect of the game from basic scoring to the intricacies of service rules and wall play regulations.

Understanding the Padel Court

Before diving into gameplay rules, it's essential to understand where padel takes place. The court structure itself is integral to the game and directly influences the rules.

Official Court Dimensions

According to FIP regulations, a standard padel court measures 20 meters (66 feet) in length and 10 meters (33 feet) in width, creating a total playing area of 200 square meters. The court is divided into two equal halves by a net, with each side measuring 10 meters by 10 meters. This makes padel courts significantly smaller than tennis courts, which measure 23.77 meters long and 10.97 meters wide for doubles play.

The service line sits 6.95 meters (approximately 23 feet) from the net, with a perpendicular center service line extending 20 centimeters beyond the service line to divide each service box into two equal sections. All court lines must be 5 centimeters (approximately 2 inches) wide.

The Net

The padel net spans the entire 10-meter width of the court. It stands 88 centimeters (approximately 2.9 feet) high at the center, rising slightly to 92 centimeters (approximately 3 feet) at the posts. This is slightly lower than a tennis net, which measures 91.4 centimeters at the center. The net is suspended by a metal cable with a maximum diameter of 0.01 meters, ensuring it remains taut during play.

The Enclosure: Walls and Fencing

What truly distinguishes padel from other racquet sports is the enclosed court structure. The back walls stand 3 meters (approximately 10 feet) high and are typically made of glass or solid transparent material to allow for regular ball rebounds. The final meter above the back wall is enclosed with metal mesh fencing, bringing the total back wall height to 4 meters (approximately 13 feet).

The side walls feature a stepped design. Near the back wall, the first section stands 3 meters high, transitioning to 2 meters as it moves toward the net. The remaining sections use metal mesh fencing to complete the enclosure. For indoor courts, a minimum clearance of 6 meters (approximately 20 feet) must exist above the playing surface.

Understanding the distinction between glass walls and metal fencing is crucial because different rules apply to each surface. The glass walls provide regular, predictable ball rebounds and are actively used during gameplay. The metal mesh fencing produces irregular bounces and has specific restrictions, particularly during serves.

Scoring System

One of the most accessible aspects of padel for tennis players is the identical scoring system. If you've ever watched Wimbledon or the US Open, you already understand how padel matches are scored.

Point Scoring

Individual points follow the traditional tennis sequence: Love (0), 15, 30, 40, and Game. When both teams reach 40-40, it's called "deuce." In traditional play, the receiving team then chooses which side receives the next point, and a team must win two consecutive points from deuce to win the game.

However, many recreational and professional padel formats now use the "golden point" rule. Under this system, when the score reaches deuce (40-40), the next point decides the game outright. The receiving team gets to choose which player returns the deciding point. This innovation keeps matches moving and adds dramatic tension to close games.

Games and Sets

The first team to win 6 games with at least a two-game advantage wins the set. If the score reaches 5-5, teams continue playing until one achieves a 7-5 advantage. If the score reaches 6-6, a tiebreak determines the set winner.

The tiebreak is played to 7 points, with a team needing to win by at least 2 points. If the score reaches 6-6 in the tiebreak, play continues until one team establishes a two-point lead. During the tiebreak, the team that received in the previous game serves first, with service alternating every two points thereafter.

Match Format

Standard padel matches are played as best-of-three sets, meaning the first team to win two sets wins the match. Professional tournaments sometimes feature best-of-five formats for finals or later rounds. A maximum rest period of 90 seconds is permitted between games, extending to 120 seconds at set changes.

The Serve

The serve in padel differs significantly from tennis, featuring an underhand motion that makes the sport more accessible to newcomers while still allowing for strategic depth.

Serving Technique Requirements

The server must stand behind the service line with both feet positioned between the center service line and the side wall. Before striking the ball, the server must bounce the ball once on the ground. The serve must be executed underhand, with the ball struck at or below waist height (specifically at hip level). At least one foot must remain on the ground throughout the service motion.

The ball must travel diagonally, landing in the opponent's service box on the opposite side of the court. After bouncing in the service box, the ball may hit the back glass wall and remain in play. However, if the ball bounces and then contacts the metal mesh fencing before the receiver plays it, the serve is considered a fault.

Service Faults

A serve is ruled a fault in the following situations: the server fails to contact the ball entirely; the ball lands outside the correct service box (the lines are considered part of the box and therefore "in"); the ball bounces and hits the metal fencing before the receiver can play it; the ball exits through the court door; the server's foot crosses the service line before striking the ball; or the server fails to bounce the ball before striking it.

Let Serves

A serve is called a "let" and must be replayed without penalty when: the ball clips the net but still lands in the correct service box and doesn't touch the metal fencing; a player on the receiving side isn't ready; or external interference disrupts the point. There's no limit to the number of let serves that can occur consecutively.

Two-Serve Rule

Like tennis, padel allows two attempts per serve. If the first serve is a fault, the server receives a second opportunity. A fault on the second serve results in a point for the opposing team. Importantly, if a let occurs on the second serve, only the second serve is replayed—not both serves.

Serving Rotation

The first serve of each game is made from the right side of the court, alternating to the left side and back for subsequent points. At the start of each set, the serving team decides which partner serves first; this order remains fixed throughout that set. If a serving order error is discovered, it must be corrected immediately, but all points played remain valid.

Gameplay Rules

Once the ball is in play, padel's unique characteristics truly shine. The interaction between the ball, walls, and players creates a dynamic that exists in no other racquet sport.

The Fundamental Ball-In-Play Rule

After the serve, every shot must clear the net and bounce on the ground in the opponent's court before touching any wall or fencing. If a shot hits the wall or fence directly without bouncing on the ground first, the point goes to the opposing team. This fundamental rule distinguishes padel from squash, where direct wall contact is permitted.

Using the Walls

Once the ball has bounced on the ground, players can use the walls to their advantage in two primary ways. First, they can wait for the ball to bounce and then rebound off the glass wall before returning it—this is particularly useful for retrieving powerful shots. Second, they can strike the ball so it bounces off their own side's glass wall before crossing the net into the opponent's court.

The glass walls provide consistent, predictable rebounds and are the primary surfaces used during wall play. The metal mesh fencing produces irregular bounces and has important restrictions: you cannot use your own fencing to direct the ball over the net, and during serves, contact with the opponent's fencing (after the bounce in the service box) results in a fault.

The One-Bounce Rule

The ball may only bounce once on the ground before being returned. If it bounces twice on one side, the point goes to the opposing team. However, after the initial ground bounce, the ball may contact multiple walls before the player returns it—the key is that only one ground bounce is permitted.

Volleys

Players may volley the ball (hit it before it bounces) at any point during a rally, with one exception: the serve return must be hit after the ball bounces. Volleys near the net are a crucial tactical element in padel, making net positioning and teamwork essential strategic components.

Outside-the-Court Play

One of padel's most spectacular elements is the ability to play balls outside the court enclosure. When a shot bounces in the court and then exits through the door or over the side fence, players may exit through the court doors to return the ball before it bounces twice. This creates dramatic rallies where players chase down lobs and smashes outside the playing area.

For this rule to apply, courts must have adequate space outside the enclosure. Tournament regulations typically require a minimum of 2 meters by 5 meters of clear space on each side. The ball must be returned so that it crosses back over the net and into the opponent's court—it cannot be played through the doors or gaps in the enclosure.

Winning and Losing Points

Understanding exactly when points are won and lost eliminates confusion during matches and prevents disputes.

Point Won By Your Team

Your team wins a point when: the opponent fails to return the ball before it bounces twice on their side; the opponent hits the ball into the net or outside the court boundaries; the opponent hits the ball directly into a wall or fence without it bouncing first on your side; the opponent is hit by the ball (except on the racquet); the opponent reaches over the net to play the ball before it has crossed to their side; or the opponent commits two consecutive service faults.

Point Lost By Your Team

Your team loses a point when: you fail to return the ball before it bounces twice; your shot fails to clear the net; your shot lands outside the court boundaries without bouncing in the opponent's court first; you hit the ball directly into walls or fencing without it bouncing in the opponent's court first; you or your equipment touches the net, posts, or any part of the opponent's court while the ball is in play; you hit the ball twice in one stroke (though accidental double contacts in a single motion are generally permitted); or you commit two consecutive service faults.

Partner and Team Rules

Padel is fundamentally a doubles sport, and specific rules govern how partners interact during play.

Partner Positioning

Both partners may stand anywhere on their side of the court during serve and play. The server's partner typically positions at the net, while the receiver's partner usually stands back in line with the receiver, though no positioning is mandatory.

Shot Rotation

Unlike beach volleyball or some other team sports, padel has no requirement for partners to alternate shots. Either player may hit any ball on their side of the court, provided only one player makes contact. Teammates should communicate clearly to avoid confusion about who will play each ball.

Interference and Obstruction

If a player's shot hits their partner before crossing the net, the point is lost. Similarly, if a player is obstructed by their partner from making a play, the point is not replayed—tactical positioning is part of the game.

Court Etiquette and Conduct

While not strictly "rules" in the gameplay sense, proper etiquette ensures enjoyable matches for everyone.

Changeovers and Rest

Teams switch ends after every odd-numbered game (1-0, 2-1, 3-2, etc.). During changeovers, a maximum of 90 seconds rest is permitted. The warm-up period counts as two games for the purpose of ball changes. At professional levels, the tiebreak counts as one game for determining changeovers.

Calling Lines and Disputes

In recreational play without officials, players are expected to make honest calls on their own side of the court. When a ball's landing is unclear, the point should be replayed. In competitive play with officials, the referee's decision is final, though video review may be available at professional events.

Equipment Requirements

Players must use approved padel racquets, which feature a solid face with holes (no strings) and a wrist strap. The racquet must be made of composite materials and conform to FIP specifications regarding size and weight. Balls must be FIP-approved, featuring slightly less pressure than standard tennis balls with a diameter between 6.35 and 6.77 centimeters.

Padel vs Tennis vs Pickleball: Key Rule Differences

Understanding how padel differs from similar sports helps players transition and appreciate each game's unique characteristics.

Padel vs Tennis

Court size represents the most obvious difference: padel courts (20m x 10m) are significantly smaller than tennis courts (23.77m x 10.97m for doubles). The enclosed walls in padel create entirely different tactical possibilities, allowing players to retrieve shots that would be winners in tennis. The underhand serve in padel is mandatory, unlike tennis where powerful overhand serves dominate. Both sports use identical scoring systems.

Padel vs Pickleball

While both use solid paddles rather than strung racquets, the similarities largely end there. Pickleball courts (13.4m x 6.1m) are much smaller than padel courts and feature no walls. Pickleball uses a plastic ball with holes similar to a wiffle ball, while padel uses a depressurized tennis-like ball. Scoring differs significantly: pickleball uses rally scoring to 11 points, while padel uses traditional 15-30-40 tennis scoring. Pickleball features a "kitchen" zone where volleys are prohibited, a concept that doesn't exist in padel.

Common Rule Violations and Misconceptions

Even experienced players sometimes misunderstand certain rules. Here are the most common areas of confusion.

The Fence vs Glass Wall Distinction

Many newcomers don't realize that different rules apply to glass walls versus metal mesh fencing. The glass provides regular rebounds and can be used freely during play. The mesh fencing has restrictions, particularly during serves, and cannot be used to direct the ball over the net from your own side.

Serve Contact Height

The rule states the ball must be struck at or below waist height, specifically at hip level. Some players incorrectly believe they can strike the ball anywhere below the shoulder. Officials at competitive events enforce this strictly.

Net Touching

Touching the net with any body part, clothing, or equipment during a point results in losing that point—even if the touch occurs after the ball is clearly out of play but before the point is officially over.

Playing Outside the Court

Players can only exit through designated doors to retrieve balls that have bounced in the court and then exited. You cannot exit to play a ball that never entered the court, and you cannot re-enter through any opening other than the official doors.

Getting Started: Practical Tips for New Players

Now that you understand the rules, here are some practical suggestions for putting this knowledge into practice.

First, find a facility near you with quality courts. Check out our comprehensive city guides for Miami, NYC, Los Angeles, Chicago, and other major markets to locate courts in your area.

Second, invest in proper equipment. Our beginner racket guide helps you choose the right paddle for your skill level, and our complete equipment essentials guide covers everything you need to get started.

Third, take a lesson or two. While padel rules are straightforward, proper technique—especially for wall play and positioning—benefits enormously from professional instruction. Most padel facilities offer beginner clinics and private lessons.

Conclusion

Padel's rules strike a perfect balance between accessibility and tactical depth. The familiar tennis scoring system, straightforward service rules, and intuitive wall play mechanics make the sport easy to learn. Yet the strategic possibilities created by the enclosed court, partner dynamics, and wall interactions ensure that mastering padel takes dedication and practice.

Whether you're planning your first match or refining your understanding after several games, these rules provide the foundation for enjoying padel to its fullest. The sport's explosive growth—now boasting over 35 million players worldwide—testifies to its appeal across ages and skill levels.

Ready to put these rules into practice? Find courts near you, grab a partner, and experience why padel has become the world's fastest-growing racquet sport. The walls are waiting, and the rallies will be spectacular.