What Are the Rules in Padel? Complete Guide

Padel is a fast-growing sport loved by many for its simplicity and excitement. It’s a game that combines elements of tennis and squash, played in pairs on a smaller court surrounded by walls. Whether you’re just starting out or already familiar with the basics, understanding the rules is essential to fully enjoy the game. Let’s break down the padel rules in an easy-to-follow guide to help you get started.

Format of Padel

Padel is always played as doubles, with two players on each side of the court. Each team competes to win points by hitting the ball into the opposing team's side of the court.

Scoring in Padel

Padel uses the same scoring system as tennis. The game starts at 0, called "love," and then progresses to 15, 30, and 40. If both teams reach 40, this is called "deuce." At deuce, one team needs to win two consecutive points to win the game. Matches are often played as the best of three sets. To win a set, a team must win six games, but they must win by at least two games (for example, 6-4). If the score reaches 6-6, a tie-breaker is played to determine the winner of the set.

Serving Rules

The serve in padel is different from tennis but follows some familiar patterns. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Underarm Serve: The serve must be underarm. The server lets the ball bounce once and must hit it below waist level.

2. Cross-Court Serve: The ball must be served diagonally across the net, just like in tennis. The server stands on the right side of their court and hits the ball to the left service box of the opponent's side.

3. Foot Position: At least one foot must be on the ground when serving, and the server’s feet must not cross the service line.

4. Valid Serve: If the ball bounces in the opponent's service box and strikes the side or back wall, the serve is considered valid. However, if the ball hits the wire fencing after the bounce, it is considered a fault.

5. Let Rule: If the ball hits the net but lands in the correct service box, it’s called a "let," and the serve is replayed.

Each player gets two chances to serve. If both serves are faults, the point is awarded to the opponent.

What’s In and What’s Out?

To play padel correctly, it’s important to understand what counts as "in" and "out" during the game.

1. In-Play: During the point, the lines on the court are considered "in" only when serving. After that, players can use the walls on their side of the court to return the ball.

2. Out of Play: You lose a point if:

   • The ball bounces twice on your side of the court before you hit it.

   • The ball hits you or your partner while still in play.

   • The ball hits the wire fencing, posts, or any other fixture before crossing the net or landing in the opponent’s court.

   • The ball hits the walls or fences before bouncing on the opponent's side.

Using the Walls

Unlike tennis, the walls are an important part of padel. Players can use the walls on their side to return the ball, but only after the ball has bounced once on the court. This gives the game a unique dynamic and adds an extra layer of strategy.

• After the Serve: If the ball bounces in the opponent's service box and hits the back or side wall, it remains in play. But if it hits the fence, the serve is out.

Volleys in Padel

A volley is when a player hits the ball before it bounces. In padel, players can volley the ball in any situation except when returning a serve. This allows for fast and exciting gameplay, where players can try to anticipate their opponent’s moves and react quickly.

Basic Faults and Penalties

Here are some of the basic faults that result in losing a point:

1. Double Bounce: If the ball bounces twice before you hit it, the point is lost.

2. Net Contact: If you or your racket touches the net during play, the point goes to your opponent.

3. Ball Outside Play Area: If the ball leaves the playing area (for example, by going over the walls or fencing), the point is awarded to the other team.

4. Hitting the Ball Twice: Players are not allowed to hit the ball twice in one shot. If this happens, it counts as a fault.

Switching Sides and Court Positioning

In padel, players must switch sides of the court after every odd-numbered game, just like in tennis. For example, after games 1, 3, and 5, players will switch sides. This keeps the game fair as conditions like sunlight or wind can affect one side more than the other.

Conclusion: Time to Play!

Now that you know the basic rules of padel, you’re ready to step onto the court and start playing! The best way to learn is by practicing and having fun. Padel is a game full of energy, and its unique combination of tennis and squash makes it a thrilling sport for all ages. So grab a partner, follow the rules, and enjoy the game!

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Now that you're familiar with the rules of padel, it’s time to take your game to the next level. At Club Padel Dubai, we offer state-of-the-art courts, professional coaching, and a vibrant community of padel enthusiasts. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, our club is the perfect place to hone your skills and enjoy the sport. Book a court today and experience the excitement of padel at Club Padel Dubai!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the correct serve technique in padel?

The serve must be underarm, with the ball bouncing once before hitting it below waist level. It should land diagonally in the opponent’s service box without touching the fence after bouncing.

Can you use the walls in padel?

Yes, after the ball bounces on your side, it can hit the walls before crossing the net. You can also hit the ball off your walls when returning it to the opponent’s side.

How many serves are allowed in padel?

Like tennis, players are given two serves. If the first serve is a fault, the server gets a second chance. If both serves are faults, the point is awarded to the opponent.

What happens if the ball hits the net during a serve?

If the ball hits the net but lands in the opponent's service box, it's considered a "let" and the serve is replayed. If the ball hits the net and lands outside the box, it's a fault.

Can you volley in padel?

Yes, players can volley in padel, meaning hitting the ball before it bounces. However, on the serve return, the ball must first bounce before you can return it.

How do you win a point in padel?

Points are won when the opponent fails to return the ball, hits it out of bounds, or lets it bounce twice on their side of the court. Standard tennis scoring applies to padel matches.