Padel is one of the fastest-growing racket sports in the world, combining elements of tennis and squash. Whether you’re a beginner or just need a refresher, understanding the rules and scoring system is key to enjoying and excelling at the game. In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about how padel is played, how to score points, and some key rules to keep in mind.
🎾 What Is Padel?
Padel is typically played in doubles format on an enclosed court that’s about one-third the size of a tennis court. The walls, usually made of glass or mesh, are part of the game, adding a strategic layer to rallies and shot selection.
📐 Court Dimensions and Layout
- Court Size: 10m wide x 20m long (divided in half by a net)
- Walls: The back and part of the sides are enclosed with glass or mesh walls that the ball can bounce off
- Net Height: 88 cm in the center, 92 cm at the posts
- Service Boxes: Each side has two service boxes like in tennis
📋 Basic Padel Rules
1. The Serve
- The serve must be underhand and hit diagonally into the opponent’s service box.
- The server must bounce the ball behind their own service line before hitting it.
- The serve must land in the opponent’s diagonal service box.
- The ball may hit the glass after the first bounce in the service box, but not the mesh.
- Players get two serves, just like in tennis.
2. During the Rally
- The ball must bounce once on the ground before hitting the wall or being returned.
- Players can let the ball bounce off the wall and play it before it touches the ground again.
- The ball can bounce off the opponent’s back or side glass before being returned.
- The mesh (metal fence) is out-of-bounds if hit directly by the ball (without bouncing first).
3. Volleys and Smashes
- Volleys are allowed, except when returning a serve.
- Smashes can be used to drive the ball out of the court, but if the ball bounces back into your court (due to the wall or wind), you can play it again if it hasn’t bounced a second time.
📊 Scoring System
Padel uses the traditional tennis scoring system:
- 0 points = “Love”
- 1 point = “15”
- 2 points = “30”
- 3 points = “40”
- 4 points = “Game” (if the team is ahead by 2 points)
🧮 Deuce and Advantage
- At 40-40, the score is “Deuce”
- The next point won gives “Advantage”
- Win the next point after “Advantage” to win the game
- If the team with Advantage loses the next point, the score returns to Deuce
🏆 Sets and Matches
- A set is won by the first team to win 6 games (with at least a 2-game margin)
- If the set reaches 6-6, a tie-break is played (first to 7 points, win by 2)
- Most padel matches are played as best of 3 sets
🚫 Common Faults and Let Calls
- Foot fault: Server steps on or over the service line while serving
- Ball hits the net and doesn’t land in the correct service box: fault
- Double bounce: The ball bounces twice before being returned
- Out-of-bounds: Hitting the ball directly into the mesh or outside the walls
- Let: If the ball clips the net on the serve but still lands in the correct box, the serve is retaken
🔍 Key Differences Between Padel and Tennis
Feature | Padel | Tennis |
---|---|---|
Court Size | 10×20 meters | 23.77×8.23 (singles) or 10.97m (doubles) |
Serve | Underhand | Overhand allowed |
Walls | Part of gameplay | Not part of gameplay |
Racket | Solid, no strings | Strung racket |
Scoring | Same as tennis | Same |
🎯 Strategy Tips for Beginners
- Use the walls: Learn how the ball rebounds to improve your timing and shot selection
- Stay at net after serving: Controlling the net is crucial in padel
- Communicate with your partner constantly—positioning and teamwork are everything
- Practice volleys and lobs—two of the most important shots in padel
🧠 Final Thoughts
Understanding the rules and scoring in padel helps you play more confidently, avoid common mistakes, and appreciate the strategic depth of the game. Whether you’re playing for fun or training for competition, knowing the ins and outs of padel is the first step toward mastering the court.
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