Padel Rules for Beginners: Complete Guide to Playing Padel
New to padel? Understanding the rules is your first step to enjoying this exciting sport. This guide covers everything beginners need to know about padel rules and gameplay.
Basic Padel Rules
The Court
Padel is played on an enclosed court measuring 20 meters by 10 meters. The court is surrounded by walls of glass and metal mesh that are in play, similar to squash. A net divides the court in half.
Scoring
Padel uses the same scoring system as tennis: 15, 30, 40, game. Matches are typically best of three sets, with each set won by the first team to reach 6 games with a 2-game advantage. Tiebreakers are played at 6-6.
Serving
The serve must be underhand, with the ball bouncing behind the service line before being struck. The ball must land in the opposite service box, and two serves are allowed (like tennis). The serve must go diagonally across the court.
Playing the Ball
Wall Play
After the ball bounces on the ground, it can be played off any wall. This is what makes padel unique - balls that bounce off the back or side walls are still in play. You can also hit the ball into the walls on your own side before it crosses the net.
Volleys
You can volley the ball before it bounces, except on the serve return which must be played after bouncing.
Let Balls
If the ball hits the net and lands in the correct service box, it's a let and the serve is replayed. If a ball from another court interferes with play, the point is replayed.
Doubles Format
Padel is primarily played as doubles, with two players per side. Partners alternate serves each game, and the receiving team decides which player will receive in each service box for the set.
Winning Points
Points are won when the opposition fails to return the ball before it bounces twice, hits the ball out of the court, or hits the ball into the net.
Ready to put these rules into practice? Find a padel court near you!
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