✓ Allowed
Play into Your Own Wall After the Bounce
Once the ball has bounced on the floor, you may play it into your own glass wall and return it from there. This classic wall shot opens up many tactical possibilities.
Know-how & Rules
Padel Rules – Simply Explained
Learn the essential padel rules in just a few minutes. From serving and scoring to using the glass walls correctly – here is everything you need for the perfect start.
The Sport
What is Padel?
Padel combines elements of tennis and squash and is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. It is played mainly as doubles on a smaller court surrounded by glass and mesh walls that are actively used during play.
The glass walls extend rallies and create tactical opportunities that do not exist in tennis. The result is varied, exciting play that is easy for beginners to enjoy while still challenging experienced players.
- Format Mainly doubles (2 vs. 2)
- Scoring Same as tennis (15 – 30 – 40 – game)
- Walls Glass walls are part of the game
- Entry Easier to start than tennis, yet tactically demanding
The Court
Court & Dimensions
A padel court is more compact than a tennis court and clearly divided by service boxes, a centre line, and surrounding glass and mesh walls. This makes the game fast, dynamic, and highly team-oriented.
20 m Length
10 m Width
88 cm Net height (centre)
4 Players per match
The court is surrounded by glass walls and metal mesh. After the ball bounces, both elements can become part of the rally and create additional tactical opportunities.
Rules
The Serve
The padel serve is played underhand after the ball has bounced once. Control and placement matter more than maximum power.
How to Do It Correctly
- Stand behind the service line. During the serve, you must not step on the line or into the court.
- Drop the ball and let it bounce once behind the service line.
- Strike the ball at or below waist height with an underhand motion.
- Play the ball diagonally into your opponent's service box.
- You have two attempts – just like in tennis.
Invalid Serve
- Ball lands in the net
- Ball does not land in the correct service box
- Ball hits the mesh directly after the bounce
- Ball is struck above waist height
- Both feet are off the ground
Let (replay): If the ball touches the net cord and then lands correctly in the service box, the serve is replayed – it is not a fault.
The Heart of the Game
Rallies & the Glass Walls
The walls are what make padel unique. Reading and using them correctly gives you more time, greater control, and new tactical options.
✓ Allowed
Multiple Wall Contacts
After the ball has bounced on the floor, it may touch several walls in succession as long as it does not bounce on the floor a second time.
✓ Allowed
Return the Ball from Outside the Court
On courts designed for it, a ball may leave the court after bouncing and be returned from outside. This special play is known as an X3 or X4 ball.
✓ Allowed
Defend a Lob Using the Glass
When your opponent plays a lob, the ball may bounce, hit the glass wall, and then be returned. This is an important part of defending in padel.
✗ Not Allowed
Hit the Glass or Mesh Directly
If the ball hits the opponent's glass or mesh before bouncing on the floor, the point is lost. The ball must always hit the floor first.
✗ Not Allowed
Let the Ball Bounce Twice
The ball may bounce only once on your side of the court. After the second bounce, the point is lost.
Rules
When Do You Win a Point?
You win the point as soon as the opposing team makes one of the following errors:
Ball & Court
- The ball bounces twice on the floor
- The ball lands in the net
- The ball hits the opponent's glass or mesh directly without first bouncing on the floor
- The ball lands outside the court
Players & Rackets
- A player touches the net or a net post
- A player or team touches the ball twice in succession
- The ball touches a player or their clothing before being returned correctly
- The ball is played into the own wall before bouncing on the floor
- The ball is struck on the opponent's side before it has crossed the net
Match Structure
Scoring & Match Structure
Traditional padel scoring is the same as in tennis. Depending on the competition, formats such as Golden Point or a Match Tie-Break may be used.
Points in a Game
0 15 30 40 Game
At 40–40 (deuce), competitions are played either with advantage scoring or with Golden Point. With Golden Point, the next rally decides the game.
Winning a Set
A set is won by the first team to reach 6 games with a lead of at least 2 games. Possible scores include 6–3, 6–4, or 7–5.
At 6–6, a tie-break to 7 points is played, with a 2-point lead required.
Match Format
Matches are played as best of three sets. At 1–1 in sets, a Match Tie-Break to 10 points is often played instead of a full third set.
During the tie-break, the serve changes after every 2 points.
- Golden Point
- At 40–40, the next point decides the game – without advantage scoring.
- Advantage
- After 40–40, a team must win two consecutive points to win the game.
- Match Tie-Break
- A short deciding game to 10 points instead of a full third set.
Tactics
Positioning & Doubles Tactics
Padel is a team sport. Teams that control the net together, move in sync, and communicate clearly gain a decisive advantage – regardless of their technical level.
Attacking Position
Both players position themselves together around 2–3 metres from the net. From here, they can play controlled volleys and build pressure. The aim is to hold the net position for as long as possible.
Defensive Position
When the opposing team takes the net, move back together towards the baseline. Use the glass walls actively, stay patient, and look for an opportunity to regain the net with a controlled lob.
Communication Makes the Difference
Few racket sports require as much coordination as padel. Short calls such as "Mine", "Yours", or "Both at the net" prevent misunderstandings and help maintain rhythm.
Comparison
Padel vs. Tennis
Many padel beginners come from tennis or other ball sports. Here are the most important differences at a glance.
| Feature | Padel | Tennis |
|---|---|---|
| Serve | Underhand – after one bounce | Overhead – powerful upward motion |
| Walls | Glass walls and mesh are part of the game | No walls are used |
| Format | Singles (rare, on a single court) and doubles | Singles and doubles |
| Court size | 200 m² | Approx. 196 m² (singles) and 260 m² (doubles) |
| Racket | Solid perforated face, shorter frame | Strung, longer frame |
| Rallies | Longer rallies | Often shorter and more serve-dominated |
| Learning curve | Easy to learn, difficult to master | More technically demanding to start |
| Teamwork | Central – communication is essential | Individual performance in singles |
For Beginners
5 Tips to Start Your Padel Journey
- 01
Use the Glass Walls
The walls are your friend, not your enemy. Balls that appear lost can often still be returned after rebounding from the glass. Practise this early – it makes a major difference.
- 02
Control Before Power
On the smaller court, power alone is rarely enough. Placement and control are decisive. Play calmly and precisely instead of hitting every ball at maximum force.
- 03
Move as a Team
Forward, backward, and sideways – always move together with your partner. If a gap opens between you, your opponents will use it immediately.
- 04
Communicate Clearly
Short calls such as "Mine" or "Yours" prevent confusion. Do not be afraid to talk to each other – communication is encouraged in padel and decides many points.
- 05
Be Patient with the Glass Walls
Almost every beginner underestimates the walls. Let the ball bounce, watch its path, and give yourself time. With practice, the glass walls will become one of your biggest advantages.
Ready?
Enough Theory – Time to Hit the Court
You know the most important rules. Next up: book a court or find playing partners.