How to play Padel Tennis: Rules, scoring and equipment

Are you looking for details on how to play Padel and want to find out more about one of the fastest growing sports in the world?

We have put together a guide that contains everything you need to know about Padel Tennis, including the different Padel rules, Padel equipment and Padel scoring system.

Padel Service Rules

• All points start with an underarm serve directly into the diagonal box of the opponent.
• When serving, players must keep at least one foot on the floor and the server's feet must not touch or cross the service line.
• The ball must bounce before the server strikes the ball and connection is made at waist level or below.
• When the ball hits the net before landing in the service box and hits the side or back wall, a let is called and the serve is replayed.
• If the ball lands in the service box but hits the wire fencing of the Padel cage, a fault is called.
• If the ball does not successfully land directly into the service box, players receive a second serve.

Padel Wall Rules

Can the ball hit the walls?

• Players are allowed to play a ball off any of the walls on their own side of the court.
• Once the ball bounces, it can hit the wall once or more before going over the net to the opposing player.
• Serves that hit the wall directly are called out.
• The opposing player wins a point if the ball hits the walls or wire fencing before landing on the other side of the court.

Can the ball hit the court?

• The ball has to bounce on the ground before touching any part of the structure of the court.
• The ball must also be returned before the second bounce or the opposition wins the point.
• Players can also use their own windows to return the ball.
• Volleys are permitted except on the initial serve and return of serve.

Padel Scoring System

The scoring in Padel is the same as Tennis.

When players win six games, they will win the set providing they have won at least two more games than their opponents. If the score reaches 6-6, a seven-point tie-breaker is played.

The first to two sets wins the match in a best of three.

Players can win games by first reaching 15-0, 30-0 and 40-0 before clinching the final point. However on the World Padel Tour, a golden point is played instead of deuce and this point dictates who wins the game.

Padel Equipment

What do you need to play Padel?

Players need just two things in order to play Padel, a Padel Racket and Padel Balls.

Unlike Tennis, Padel Rackets have a solid face and have a smaller head. They also come with a strap for your wrist and lightweight rackets can be ideal for manoeuvrability and comfort.

Padel Balls have slightly less pressure than Tennis balls, which means they are easier to control and are slower across the court.

What should I wear to play Padel?

Padel players wear sports clothing in the same way that Tennis or Squash players do.

Specific Padel trainers are also available to purchase and they provide more grip on the playing surface.