Padel Rules: Complete Guide on How to Play

8 min

The rules of padel define how each point is started, when the ball remains in play, and how games and sets are counted. To play correctly, it is important to understand the serve, the use of walls, the scoring system, faults, and the positioning of the pair. When consulting the rules of padel in Portugal, it is advisable to distinguish the general rules established by the FIP from the format adopted by each competition. The regulations may determine, for example, whether a 40-all deuce is resolved with advantage, a Star Point, or a golden point.

How a padel match works

Before the first point, a coin toss is held to decide who serves or receives and which side each pair starts on. The winner can choose an option or ask their opponents to choose first. Once the initial side and who serves and receives first are defined, each pair establishes their respective orders. Switching sides occurs after the first, third, and following odd games; in a tiebreak, after every six points.

Number of players

The official format is played by four players, organized into two pairs. Each pair remains on their respective side of the net. The receiver of the serve is the player positioned diagonally opposite the server, although partners can position themselves freely on their side of the court.

Game structure

A match is normally played as the best of three sets, so the pair that wins two sets wins the match. A set is generally won by the first to reach six games with a two-game lead. At 5-5, it is necessary to reach 7-5; at 6-6, a tiebreak is played. The regulations may provide for a short set or a decisive super tie-break.

Court and game elements

The padel court measures 20 meters long by 10 meters wide and is divided in half by a net. The walls and metallic mesh enclose the space and participate in the play after the ball bounces validly on the ground. The order of contacts is decisive. During a rally, the ball sent by opponents must first bounce on the ground before it can touch a wall or the metallic mesh and continue in play.

Dimensions and lines

The net is 10 meters long, 0.88 meters high in the center and 0.92 at the ends. The service lines are 6.95 meters from the net, and the center line divides this area. All lines are 5 centimeters wide. On the serve, the lines delimiting the reception area count as valid. Thus, a ball that bounces on one of these lines can correctly start the rally, provided it meets the remaining requirements.

Use of walls

After a first valid bounce in one's own court, the ball can touch the walls or the metallic mesh and must be returned before the second bounce. It is also permitted to use a wall on one's own side to send the ball into the opponent's court. The return is valid only if the ball touches the ground of the opposing court first. If it hits a wall, the metallic mesh, or another element on the opponent's side directly without that bounce, the point is lost.

Serve rules

All points start with a diagonal serve. The server has two attempts and alternates between the right and left sides throughout the match. The service order is defined at the beginning of each set. The reception order is also established and alternates during games; if it is changed by mistake, it remains until the end of that game or tiebreak and is then restored.

Position and execution

The server positions themselves behind the service line, between the imaginary extension of the center line and the side wall. The ball must bounce on the ground within that zone and cannot cross the relevant lines before contact. The stroke is made at or below waist height, with at least one foot on the ground. The ball must pass over the net and land in the diagonally opposite area. The receiver must wait for the bounce before returning. If the serve hits the net or the posts and lands in the correct area without touching the metallic mesh before the second bounce, the attempt is repeated.

Service faults

It is a fault to step on the line, serve outside the permitted zone, hit the ball above the waist, miss the stroke, or make it bounce outside the reception area. It is also a fault if, after landing correctly, the ball touches the metallic mesh before the second bounce. Two consecutive faults result in the loss of the point. A let on the first serve keeps both attempts; if it occurs on the second, only that attempt is repeated.

Scoring system

The scoring follows 15, 30, 40, and game. At 40-40, the system defined for the match applies, so deuces are not always resolved in the same way. Current rules allow for various options. The competition, club, or players must confirm whether they use advantage, Star Point, or golden point.

Points, games, and sets

In the traditional system, a pair needs to win four points and maintain a minimum difference of two to close out the game. A set is normally won with six games and a two-game lead, and the match requires winning two sets. In the tiebreak, the count is 0, 1, 2, 3, and so on. The first pair to reach seven points with a minimum difference of two wins. The first player serves one point; then, the remaining players serve two points each, respecting the established order. Switching sides occurs after every six points.

Advantage and golden point

With advantage, after 40-40 it is necessary to win two consecutive points. If the pair holding the advantage loses the following point, the score returns to deuce. In the golden point, a single decisive point is played and the receiving pair chooses the side, without swapping reception positions. In the Star Point, there are two advantage phases; if neither closes the game, a decisive point is played. The regulations indicate which option applies.

When the ball is in or out

During a rally, the ball is in when it touches the ground of the opponent's court first, including a line, before hitting a wall or the metallic mesh. It also remains in play if it touches the net and then lands correctly in the opposing court. The ball is out when it hits an opponent's wall or metallic mesh directly without touching the ground first, or when the second bounce occurs. As a general rule, it cannot be played before passing to one's own side; an exception is made for a ball that returns over the net after a valid bounce in the opponent's court. Leaving the court is only permitted when the facility meets the required safety conditions.

Main faults

A point is lost if a player, their racket, or a carried object touches the net, the posts, or the opponent's court while the ball is in play. The same happens with two strokes by the pair, a double touch in distinct movements, ball contact with the body, or a return after the second bounce. The racket safety strap is mandatory; if it breaks or if the racket drops, the point is lost. An accidental double contact in the same movement can be valid if it does not substantially alter the ball's exit. With a referee, deliberate interference gives the point to the opponents; the first involuntary interference causes a let and the second by the same pair loses the point.

Basic positions of the pair

The rules allow players to position themselves freely on their own side, except for the requirements applicable to the server. Tactically, it is advisable to maintain enough distance to cover the center and sides without contesting the same ball. It is customary for the serving pair to move up close to the net after the serve, while the receiving pair often starts further back. These positions are not mandatory: they must adjust to the ball's trajectory, the partner, and the offensive or defensive moment.

Essential rules for beginners

In a summary of padel rules, it is advisable to confirm these points before the first match:

• make the ball bounce in the correct zone before the service;
• hit the ball at or below waist height and diagonally;
• wait for the first bounce before receiving the serve;
• use the walls in defense only after the first bounce;
• execute only one stroke per pair on each return;
• return the ball before the second bounce;
• respect the service and reception orders;
• always use the racket safety strap.

These are some of the main rules of padel, but the scoring system must be confirmed before the match. Communicating with your partner and distinguishing a rule from a tactical choice facilitates early matches without forming incorrect habits.

Iryna Mykhalchuk

Blog Editor

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