How to Play Padel? A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Padel Rules

Whether you're brand new to padel or just looking to sharpen your game, understanding the official padel rules is the fastest way to build confidence and start winning. Padel blends elements of tennis and squash, but it has a rhythm—and rulebook—of its own.

In this guide, we break down how to play padel step by step, from serving and scoring to movement, positioning, and that all-important 40-40 rule .

• Padel equipment: What you need to play

• Serving rules explained

• How padel scoring works

• What is the 40-40 rule in padel?

• Understanding court walls & gameplay

• Team positioning & doubles etiquette

• Winning tips for new and improving players

To play padel, you need just a few essentials:

• A certified padel racket (not a tennis racket)

• Pressurised padel balls

• A proper padel court , enclosed with glass walls

• Typically, four players for doubles play (the standard format)

Want a racket that meets all official rules and plays like a dream? Check out our top picks at the end of this guide.

Serving is underhand and must follow these official rules:

• Both feet behind the service line

• Ball must bounce once before being struck

• Serve diagonally into the opponent’s service box

• Walls are allowed only after the ball bounces in the correct box

• You get two serve attempts , just like tennis

• The ball must be hit at or below waist height

No overhead smashes here— control beats power when it comes to serving in padel.

Scoring in padel is identical to tennis:

0 (Love) → 15 → 30 → 40 → Game

• Win 6 games with a 2-game lead to take a set

• Matches are typically best of 3 sets

• If it’s 6-6 in a set, a tiebreaker decides the winner

Now let’s cover the one scoring rule that gets the most questions...

When both teams reach 40-40 , it's known as deuce. Here's what happens next:

Option 1: Traditional Rule

• One team must win two consecutive points

• First point = advantage , second = game

Option 2: Golden Point Rule (used in most professional matches)

• At 40-40, a single deciding point is played

• The receiving team chooses who returns

• Winner of the point wins the game —no advantage, no second chance

The Golden Point keeps matches fast-paced and intense, especially in tournament play.

Padel courts are enclosed by glass and mesh walls , and they're part of the game:

• The ball can bounce off the walls after hitting the ground

• You can also use your own wall to return shots (advanced technique)

• The ball must bounce before hitting the wall

• If the ball hits the wall first (without bouncing), it’s out

• You can volley (hit the ball in the air), but not during a serve return

Padel is usually played in doubles, so communication is key.

On Serve:

Server stands behind the service line

Partner stands near the net, ready to intercept

On Receive:

• Both players cover the middle and wide angles

• Communicate on lobs, cross-court shots, and quick volleys

• If your partner moves forward, you cover behind and vice versa

Net Etiquette & Sportsmanship:

• Never touch the net or net post during a rally—it’s an automatic fault

• Don’t distract opponents —visual or verbal interference is penalised

• Call lines fairly and replay disputed points in casual games

• In friendly matches, settle unclear points by consensus or replay

Mastering positioning and communication turns two players into a true team.

Even experienced players slip up on basic padel rules. Watch out for these:

• Using a tennis racket instead of a certified padel racket

• Overhead serving —remember, serves must be underhand

• Crossing the service line before striking your serve

• Returning a serve before it bounces —that’s illegal

• Touching the walls before the ball lands on your side

• Swinging wildly instead of focusing on placement and control

Knowing the rules isn’t just about avoiding faults—it’s about building a smarter game.

If you're new to padel, here’s how to build a strong foundation fast:

• Master the underhand serve with consistency

• Learn to lob defensively when you're under pressure

• Practise wall rebounds —they’re not just legal, they’re strategic

• Stay low and balanced —mobility beats brute strength

• Work as a team —good doubles play is all about court coverage

Now that you’ve learned how to play padel , the scoring, the 40-40 Golden Point rule, and all the key mechanics, you’re ready to hit the court with real confidence.

Whether you're a first-timer or brushing up your game, knowing the rules gives you a true edge.