How to Play Padel: Rules, Scoring and Court Basics

Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and it is easy to see why. It is social, quick to learn and endlessly fun, and you do not need years of racket experience to enjoy your first rally. Part tennis, part squash and entirely its own game, padel is played on a compact enclosed court where the walls are part of the action.

If you have never picked up a padel racket, this guide covers the essentials: the court, the equipment, the serve, the scoring and the rules about the walls. By the end, you will know enough to book a court and play your first game.

What is padel?

Padel was invented in Mexico in 1969 and spread to Spain and Argentina before taking off around the world. It is almost always played in doubles, with two players on each side, which makes it social and less physically demanding than singles tennis. The ball is similar to a tennis ball, but the racket is solid, with no strings and a perforated face.

The signature feature of padel is the walls. After the ball bounces on the ground, it can be played off the glass or mesh, which keeps rallies alive and rewards tactics as much as power.

The court

A padel court is a rectangle of roughly 20 metres by 10 metres, about a third the size of a tennis court. A net divides it in the middle, standing just under a metre high. The court is enclosed by:

•             Glass back walls, usually around three metres high

•             Glass or mesh side walls, often with a combination of glass and fencing

•             A synthetic grass surface, typically covered with sand

Two service boxes sit on either side of the net, just like in tennis. Because the court is small, players are never far from each other, and the action is fast and close.

The equipment

You only need a few things to play.

•             A padel racket. It has a solid, textured face with small holes, and a thick handle. Rackets come in different shapes (round, teardrop and diamond) and weights. Beginners usually choose something light, forgiving and round-shaped.

•             Padel balls. Similar to tennis balls but with slightly lower pressure, so they bounce a little less.

•             Suitable shoes. Flat, grippy court shoes work well. Padel-specific shoes are ideal.

•             Comfortable clothing. Breathable, flexible sportswear. See our guide on what to wear to play padel.

Most venues hire rackets, and some include balls, so you can try the sport before buying anything.

The serve

The serve is one of the biggest differences from tennis.

1.           It is underarm. You must hit the ball below waist height.

2.           Let it bounce first. Bounce the ball once on the ground, then hit it.

3.           Serve diagonally. You serve from behind the service line into the diagonally opposite service box, starting from the right side for the first point.

4.           Two attempts. As in tennis, if your first serve is a fault, you get a second.

Because the serve is underarm, there are no aces from a thunderous overhead. Instead, the serve is a way to start the point with placement, spin or depth, so you can take control early.

Returning serve

After the serve bounces in the service box, the receiving player can hit it after it has bounced once. The ball may also bounce off the walls before it is returned, as long as it does not bounce twice on the ground. Many beginners find the first few returns tricky, because the ball can come off the glass at unexpected angles. A good tip is to stay relaxed, give the ball room and let it come to you.

How a rally works

Once the point starts, the basic rules of rallies are straightforward.

•             The ball can bounce once on your side before you return it, or you can hit it out of the air as a volley.

•             You can play the ball off the walls after it has bounced on the ground on your side.

•             You must return the ball over the net into your opponents’ court. It can bounce on their side and then hit their walls.

•             A point ends when the ball bounces twice on one side, hits the wall or fence before bouncing, goes out of the court or is otherwise not returned legally.

In practice, a lot of the strategy comes down to controlling the net, using lobs to push opponents back and learning how the ball behaves off the glass. If you want to understand the key shots, read our guide to padel shots explained.

Scoring

Padel scoring is the same as tennis, which makes it easy to follow if you have played before.

•             Points run 15, 30, 40 and game.

•             Games are won by taking four points, with a two-point margin in classic scoring.

•             Sets are won by reaching six games with at least a two-game lead, with a tiebreak at 6-6.

•             Matches are usually the best of three sets.

At deuce (40-40), some clubs and tournaments use a “golden point”, where one deciding point is played to determine the winner of the game. This speeds up matches, and you will find it used a lot at social sessions. If you are unsure, ask your group which format they use.

Basic strategy for beginners

You do not need advanced tactics to enjoy padel, but a few ideas make a big difference.

1.           Get to the net. Like tennis doubles, the pair at the net usually has the advantage. Use lobs and soft shots to move forward.

2.           Play with your partner. Move as a unit, covering the court together instead of leaving big gaps.

3.           Use the walls. If a ball goes past you, do not give up. It may come back off the glass.

4.           Keep the ball in play. Consistency wins more points than power, especially at beginner level.

5.           Aim for the middle. Hitting between your opponents can cause confusion and mistakes.

6.           Stay patient. Rallies are often long, and the player who stays calm usually wins.

Etiquette on court

Padel has a friendly culture, and a few habits help everyone enjoy the game.

•             Call the score clearly at the start of each point.

•             Be honest about whether the ball bounced twice or hit the wall incorrectly.

•             Wait until a rally is finished before walking behind other courts.

•             Keep your voice and music at a respectful level.

•             Say “sorry” if your shot was a lucky one, and “well played” when your opponents earn a point.

Safety and wellbeing

Because the court is small and the walls are close, take a few precautions.

•             Warm up. A short warm-up with light jogging, arm circles and stretches helps prevent strains.

•             Stay hydrated. Padel can be a good workout, especially in summer.

•             Protect yourself from the sun. Outdoor courts need sunscreen and a cap.

•             Wear proper shoes. Good grip helps prevent slips and twists.

•             Do not hit the ball into the back wall at your partner. Communicate clearly.

Dressing for your first game

Padel clothing should be light, flexible and breathable. A mesh jersey, comfortable shorts and court shoes are ideal. Our Bajada padel jerseys are made from 100% breathable polyester mesh with a relaxed fit and extended length, so they stay comfortable through long rallies. If you play tennis already, read about padel versus tennis clothing.

Quick answers

Is padel hard to learn? Not really. Most people can sustain a rally within their first session, which is a big reason for the sport’s popularity.

Do I need to be fit? No. You will get fitter as you play, and the pace can be adjusted to suit your level.

Can I play padel singles? Padel is mainly a doubles sport, though singles variants exist at some venues.

What if I have never played a racket sport? You will be fine. The solid racket and smaller court make it forgiving for beginners.

How do I find a court? Search for local padel venues and book through their website or an app. Many offer beginner sessions and coaching.

Time to get on court

The best way to learn padel is to play it. Grab a friend, book a court, hire a racket and try a few rallies. You will quickly find out why people become so enthusiastic about the sport.

When you are ready to look the part, browse the Bajada padel collection, designed in Australia by Sharp by Design.