Padel rules for your first match
Padel rules look like tennis on the scoreboard, but serves, walls, and doubles rotation work differently. This guide covers what beginners need before stepping on court — not every competition variant, but the core FIP framework most U.S. clubs follow.
For court measurements, see padel court dimensions. For a short overview, start with What is padel?.
Doubles only
Official padel is always doubles — two players per side. Singles social games exist at some clubs, but rules, positioning, and court design assume four players. Each partner shares the same side of the court; you do not rotate sides like beach volleyball mid-rally.
Scoring
Padel uses tennis-style scoring:
- Points progress 15 → 30 → 40 → game
- Win a set by reaching six games with a two-game lead (tie-break at 6–6 in most formats)
- Matches are commonly best of three sets
Club social play may shorten sets or use pro-set formats — confirm locally. Professional tours may use "Star Point" or other approved deuce systems; recreational players rarely need those details on day one.
The serve
Every point starts with an underhand serve:
- Stand with at least one foot behind the service line (2026 FIP wording; older editions required both feet).
- Bounce the ball once on the ground in your service half before striking.
- Contact the ball at or below waist height with at least one foot on the ground.
- The ball must not cross the service line before contact (2026 FIP addition).
- Serve diagonally into the opponent's service box.
You get two serves per point. A serve that touches the net cord and lands correctly in the box is a let (replay). If the served ball hits the wire mesh after bouncing in the box, it is a fault.
After a valid serve, the receiver may let the ball hit the back or side wall following its bounce in the service box.
Walls and what's "in"
During rallies:
- The ball must bounce on the floor on your side before you play it off a wall.
- After that bounce, you may use back glass or side walls on your half.
- Hitting the wall or mesh before a floor bounce on your side loses the point.
- The ball must clear the net and land in the opponent's court (floor or wall after bounce) to stay alive.
You are allowed one bounce on your floor before returning. A second bounce on your side loses the point.
Common faults beginners make
- Volleying the serve return before it bounces — the return must bounce first (including off a back wall after landing in the service box).
- Stepping on or over the service line while serving.
- Hitting the mesh directly without a floor bounce.
- Reaching over the net to strike the ball on the opponent's side.
- Touching the net with body or racket while the ball is live.
Positioning and rotation
Partners share one side. Server rotates service order each game; receivers alternate who returns serve. Communicate "yours" / "mine" early — collisions cost points and goodwill.
At the net, volleys are legal after the ball has crossed to your side and (unless already in flight from a wall) obeyed bounce rules. Many beginners stay too far back; moving forward together after a defensive lob is a core padel skill.
Etiquette
- Call balls out clearly and honestly in social play.
- Do not walk behind a court during a live point.
- Warm up briefly before competitive games.
- Respect club shoe, clothing, and booking policies — see what to bring and how to book a court.
FAQ
Is padel always doubles?
In official FIP play, yes. Casual singles may exist but are non-standard.
How do you serve in padel?
Underhand, one bounce, at or below waist height, diagonally into the service box — two attempts per point.
Can the ball hit the wall?
Yes, after it bounces on your floor. Direct wall contact without a bounce is out.