What are the rules of padel? In 5 minutes, we'll explain all the basics so you can hit the court today. No complications or extensive rules: by the end of this reading, you'll know the rules of padel for beginners.
Padel 2025 Regulations: The Basics in 1 Minute
What is the game like?
Padel is super easy to understand. It's played between four players (2 against 2) on a rectangular court surrounded by walls. The main difference with tennis is that you can use those walls to your advantage.
Points follow the same system as tennis : 15, 30, 40, game. Six games make a set, and the best of three sets wins the match. Easy, right?
Simple objective
Your mission is to pass the ball over the net to the opponent's court so that your opponents can't return it before the second bounce. Walls can help, but you have to know when to use them.
The Serve (The Most Important)
How to Get It Right
Here comes the most technical part, but don't worry:
Position : Stand with both feet behind the service line. Don't step on it, as it will be a foul.
Movement : Drop the ball to the side of your body and hit it with the paddle below waist level. No tennis-style tossing.
Direction : Always diagonal. If you're on the right side, aim for the left box of the opposing field.
When is it Good?
- ✅ Correct : The ball bounces inside the opponent's box and that's it.
- ❌ Incorrect : Touches the side fence after bouncing (even if it landed well)
- ❌ Incorrect : Does not pass the net or hits it while passing
Important tip : If your serve hits the net but passes and bounces well, it's replayed. Don't get nervous.
You have two chances for each serve, just like in tennis.
The Walls (Your new tool)
Basic Rule
This is what is most confusing at first, but it makes perfect sense:
BEFORE the bounce : The ball CANNOT touch any wall in your court. If it comes directly from your opponent and touches your wall before bouncing, you have lost the point.
AFTER the bounce : Once the ball bounces in your court, it can touch any wall you want on your side. Take advantage of them.
In the opponent's field : After your shot bounces in their field, it can bounce off their walls without any problem.
Typical cases
- ✅ Okay : Ball bounces on your floor → bounces off your wall → you return it
- ❌ Foul : Ball comes straight → touches your wall → point lost
- ✅ Okay : Your ball goes to the opponent's court → bounces there → bounces off their wall
Super Easy Score
Identical system to tennis
If you know how to count points in tennis, you already know how to do it in padel:
- 15 - 30 - 40 - Game
- 6 games = 1 set
- Best of 3 sets = Match won
If you reach 40-40, the "advantage" comes into play. You need to win two points in a row to win the game.
Field changes
Every three games, you'll have to switch sides. This is to balance the conditions (sun, wind, etc.).
Most common faults
On the serve
- Step on the line when serving (keep your feet behind)
- Hit above the waist (always below)
- That touches the side fence after bouncing in the opponent's box
During the game
- Touching the net with the paddle, body or clothing
- Give you the ball before it bounces on the ground
- Double bounce in your field without hitting it
- Hitting without holding the paddle (always wear the cord on your wrist)
Tip : If the ball grazes or hits you, even accidentally, you've lost the point. Stay alert.
Special situations and common doubts when playing:
Can I leave the track?
Yes, no problem . If the ball goes out of bounds after bouncing in the opponent's court, you can run to retrieve it and return it as long as it hasn't bounced again.
Can I cross into the opponent's field?
Yes, but with conditions . You can only invade their court AFTER the ball has bounced in yours. And obviously, without touching the net.
What happens if you touch the net on the serve?
- If the ball touches the net but then bounces correctly in the box → the serve is repeated
- If it touches the net and does not bounce well → missed serve
There is no limit to the number of times you can repeat hitting the net.
Padel Rules for Beginners: Reading Summary
The essentials
- Take out diagonally, below the waist
- Use the walls AFTER the boat
- Don't touch the net
- Points are equivalent to tennis: 15-30-40-game
- And enjoy!
The golden rule : If you have any doubts during the match, repeat the point. It's better to maintain a good mood than to argue.
You're ready to hit the track!
So far, we've summarized the rules of padel. These are the rules for playing padel, but the real fun begins when you pick up the racket and start playing. Don't be afraid to make mistakes at first: we've all been there.
Now all you need to do is find a court, find some playmates, and start enjoying this addictive sport. Have a great time!