Understanding the padel rules is one of the first things any new player needs to tackle, and the good news is that they’re simpler than they look. Padel borrows its scoring from tennis and its wall play from squash, creating a ruleset that’s intuitive once you’ve played a few times.
This guide covers every rule you need to know before stepping on court for the first time.
Padel Rules Explained: The Court and Equipment
Court dimensions: A padel court measures 20 metres long and 10 metres wide, enclosed by glass walls at the back and sides and metal mesh higher up. The net divides the court in half.
The walls: The glass walls and metal mesh are part of the court and in play throughout the match. The ball can bounce off walls and still be returned — this is one of padel’s defining features.
Rackets: Padel rackets are solid with no strings. Maximum length is 45.5cm. Any racket meeting these specifications is permitted.
Balls: Padel balls must meet FIP or ITF specifications. They look similar to tennis balls but are slightly smaller and pressurised to a lower level.
Padel Rules Explained: Starting the Match
Coin toss: Before the match begins a coin toss or racket spin determines which pair serves first and which end each pair starts on.
Serving pair: The pair that wins the toss chooses whether to serve first or which end to start on. The losing pair gets whichever option remains.
Changing ends: Pairs change ends after the first set, after the third set, and at the midpoint of any deciding set.
Padel Rules Explained: The Serve
The serve in padel has specific rules that differ significantly from tennis:
Underarm only: The serve must be struck underarm. Overhead serves are not permitted.
Bounce first: The server must bounce the ball before striking it.
Below waist height: At the moment of contact the ball must be at or below the server’s waist height.
Diagonal: The serve is hit diagonally from the right service box to the opponent’s left, and from the left service box to the opponent’s right.
Behind the service line: Both feet must be behind the service line when the serve is struck. At least one foot must remain on the ground.
Two attempts: The server gets two serves. If both fail the point goes to the receiver.
Let: If the serve clips the net and lands in the correct service box it’s a let, the serve is retaken without penalty.
Back wall let: If the serve bounces in the correct service box and then hits the back wall before the receiver can play it, it’s also a let and the serve is retaken.
Padel Rules Explained: Receiving the Serve
Must bounce first: The receiver must let the serve bounce before returning it. Volleying the serve is not permitted and results in losing the point.
Back wall: If the serve bounces in the service box and then rebounds off the side or back wall, the receiver must still play it as it remains in play.
Padel Rules Explained: During the Rally
Once the serve has been returned, the following rules apply:
Bounce or volley: After the serve, players can hit the ball either after it has bounced once or before it bounces — a volley. There is no restriction on volleying during open play.
One bounce maximum: If the ball bounces twice on your side before you play it, you lose the point.
Walls on your side: If the ball bounces on your side and then hits the back or side wall, you can still play it. This is a fundamental part of padel strategy.
Walls on the opponent’s side: You can hit the ball into the glass walls on your opponent’s side after it has bounced on their side. The ball must bounce on their side first. You cannot hit directly into their wall on the fly.
The metal mesh: If the ball hits the metal mesh fence on your side after bouncing, it’s still in play. If it hits the metal mesh without bouncing first, the point is lost.
Net cord: If the ball clips the top of the net during a rally and lands in play, it’s a valid shot and the rally continues.
Padel Rules Explained: When the Point is Lost
A point is lost when:
- The ball bounces twice on your side before you play it
- You hit the ball into the net
- You hit the ball out of the court — over or through the fence
- You hit the ball into the metal mesh on your opponent’s side without it first bouncing on their side
- You or your racket touches the net during play
- The ball hits you or your partner before bouncing
- You volley the serve
Padel Rules Explained: Playing Through the Gate
One of padel’s most unusual rules is the gate rule. If a ball is heading out through the gate or gap in the fence, a player can exit the court, let the ball bounce outside, and play it back through the gate or over the fence into the opponent’s court. This is completely legal and creates some of padel’s most spectacular moments.
Padel Rules Explained: Scoring
Padel uses the same scoring system as tennis:
Points: Love, 15, 30, 40, game. At 40-40 (deuce) play continues until one pair wins two consecutive points, or a golden point is played if agreed beforehand.
Games: First to six games wins the set, with a two-game lead required. At 6-6 a tiebreak is played — first to seven points with a two-point lead.
Sets: Matches are best of three sets. The pair that wins two sets wins the match.
For a full breakdown of scoring see our dedicated guide to how padel scoring works.
Padel Rules Explained: Serving Order and Rotation
Within a game: The same player serves throughout an entire game. Partners do not alternate serves within a game.
Between games: Service alternates between pairs after each game.
Within a pair: Partners alternate who serves each time their pair’s turn comes around. So if Player A served in game one, Player B serves in game three, and so on.
In a tiebreak: One player serves the first point, then service rotates every two points between all four players.
Padel Rules Explained: Conduct and Etiquette
While not strictly rules, these conventions are universally observed in padel:
Call your own faults: In casual play, players are expected to call their own faults honestly — double bounces, balls that land out, and let cords.
Concede close calls: If you genuinely can’t tell whether a ball landed in or out, the convention is to give the point to your opponent.
Don’t distract opponents: Making noise or movement designed to distract opponents during a point is unsportsmanlike and not permitted in competitive play.
Racket safety: Always use the wrist strap on your racket. A racket that flies out of your hand on a hard shot is a safety hazard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the ball hit the ceiling in padel?
No — if the ball hits the ceiling or any overhead structure it’s out and the point is lost.
Can you play a ball that hits the metal mesh?
Only if it has bounced on your side first. A ball that hits the metal mesh directly without bouncing is out.
Is there a time limit on serving in padel?
In professional play yes — servers must serve within a set time. In casual and club play this is rarely enforced but keeping a reasonable pace is good etiquette.
Can both players on a pair play the same shot?
No — only one player can strike the ball each time. If both players hit the ball simultaneously the point is lost.
What happens if the ball hits a player?
If the ball hits a player or their clothing before bouncing on their side the point goes to the opponents — even if the ball was heading out.
Now you know the rules, make sure you’ve got the right equipment. Check out our guides to the best padel rackets for beginners, best padel shoes for men, and best padel balls.