Padel rules - what is allowed? All the rules explained by an expertPadel 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. Beginners to padel tennis in particular ask themselves before their first match: What is allowed in padel? What is forbidden? In this article, you will find a clear overview of the most important padel rules - from the correct serve to rallies and common mistakes. Padel pro Lana explains the rules step by step and gives you practical tips on how to score points in accordance with the rules 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 quickly understood," says padel expert Lana. "It's not about doing everything perfectly - it's about knowing what's allowed." With the most important basics, it becomes more relaxed on the court and it's easier to keep an overview between correct moves and fouls. This makes the game even more fun. These are the most important basic rules of padel:
Playing with the walls is allowedA characteristic feature of padel is that the walls are not just a backdrop, but are part of the game: "After the 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 and throw your opponent off their rhythm." However, for this to be correct according to the rules, 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 serveAccording to padel rules, the serve must be played from below the hips into the diagonally opposite court. "If the ball touches the net, that's no problem - as long as it lands correctly afterwards, the serve counts," adds the national padel player.
The counting methodThe counting method is the same as in tennis - 15, 30, 40, win the 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."
ScoringWhen a point is scored: "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 - this always leads to the loss of points, so you should keep your distance even in the heat of the moment," recommends Lana.
The rallyOf course, there are also padel 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 and you still have every chance," 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 doublesAs a rule, padel is played in doubles - two against two. However, as a padel pro, Lana knows: "You can also play padel in singles - one-on-one. There's a smaller court for this, which adjusts the paths a little." One thing is clear: In singles, you have to run more and react more, which can make tactics even more crucial.
Padel: Allowed or not allowed? The rules at a glanceTo play padel safely, you should avoid typical rule violations. 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 typical rule violations in padelRule violations can quickly become a disadvantage on the court in padel 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 the experienced player.
Understanding and applying padel rulesIf 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 act tactically clever. From the correct serve and the way to play with the wall to typical sources of error during rallies: with a little understanding of the rules, you can get off to a smooth start. Beginners in particular benefit from familiarising themselves with the rules before their first match. 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 and into the next padel match!
Frequently asked questions about the padel rules
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.
