Padel rules: what is allowed?
Padel is dynamic, tactical and great fun, but if you want to play the game successfully and fairly, you need to know the official padel rules. As a beginner, you might ask yourself what's allowed and what's not in the sport. Padel pro Lana explains the rules step by step and gives you practical tips on how to score points and move safely on the court.
Padel rules: What you need to know
"Every sport has its own rules, but don't worry, in padel, they're quick to pick up says padel expert Lana. Knowing the rules makes for an enjoyable game for everybody, it becomes more relaxed and it's easier to spot correct moves and fouls. These are the most important basic rules of padel:
Using the walls is allowed
A characteristic feature of padel is that the walls are not just a backdrop, but are part of the game: "After first contact with the ground, the ball is allowed to touch the wall and then continue playing." The walls can even be used to tactical advantage, as Lana explains: "For example, you can play surprising angles that throw your opponent off their guard. However, the ball must first touch the ground. If it comes straight off the wall into the opponent's court, the point is unfortunately lost."
The serve
According to padel rules, the serve must be played from below the hips diagonally into your opponents side. "If the ball touches the net, that's no problem - as long as it lands correctly afterwards, the serve counts," Lana adds.
Counting the points
The points system is the same as in tennis - 15, 30, 40, game. To leave the court as the winner, you have to win two out of three sets: "The game is usually played in best of three sets - so whoever wins two sets first wins the match." Lana says.
Scoring
You will score a point whenever the ball lands twice in the opponent's court or is played into the net. However, if it hits the wall first and then the court, the ball is out and the point goes to the opponent. Touching the net, on the other hand, leads to the loss of points: "Whether with your racket or your body touching the net always leads to the loss of points, so you should keep your distance even in the heat of the moment," recommends Lana.
The rally
Of course, there are also rules on how the rally must take place. The ball may only touch the ground once before being returned. After the ground, it may touch walls. "As long as the ball touches the glass wall after the first bounce, it stays in play," explains the expert. "But if it hits the grid or the floor outside the court first, the ball is out and the point goes to the opponent."
Singles or doubles
As a rule, padel is played in doubles - two against two. However, as a padel pro, Lana knows: "You can also play Padel in singles too. There's a smaller court for this, which adjusts the paths a little." In singles, you have to run more and react more, which can make tactics even more crucial.
Padel rules at a glance
To play padel safely, you should stick to the rules. Here is an overview of the most common situations that could lead to discussions during a match:
The ball hits the wall before it hits the ground: ❌Not allowed. -> The ball must always touch the ground first.
Serve with the hand above the hip: ❌Not allowed. -> The serve must be below the hip.
Ball bounces twice at the opponent: ✅ Point for you -> If the opponent does not play the ball on the first ground contact, you get the point.
Playing over the side wall after ground contact: ✅ Allowed -> A common tactic, especially in defence.
Body contact with the ball: ❌ Not allowed -> Only the racket may touch the ball.
Avoid rule violations
Rule violations can quickly become a disadvantage on the court and cost you valuable points. That's why national player and coach Lana recommends: "Learn the simple rules, such as the serving rules." These are simple but crucial. Another tip for the flow of the game: "If you're unsure whether the ball was still in or not, just keep playing. This keeps the rhythm in the game and the fun and flow of the game is not lost through discussions, and in the end, what counts is that the game is played fairly." If you're playing doubles, communication can also be an important factor. "Padel is a team game, so talk to each other about who takes which ball," advises Lana.
Understanding and applying padel rules
If you want to play padel, you should know the most important padel rules, not only to score points according to the rules, but also to be able to play tactically. From the correct serve and the way to play with the wall, with a little understanding of the rules, you can get off to a smooth start. Whether in doubles or singles, on the leisure court or at a tournament, if you know what is allowed, you will not only play more safely, but also more successfully. So, racket in hand, rules in mind get ready for your next padel match!
Only underhand and below the hip. The ball must bounce once before the shot.
Yes, but only after contact with the ground. Walls are a tactical part of the game.
Once. The point is lost on the second contact with the ground.
When your opponent bounces the ball into the net, out of bounds or twice - or when you cleverly win the point over the boards.
