1. The Court

Padel is played on a smaller enclosed court (10m x 20m), surrounded by walls (glass or wire mesh) similar to squash. The net in the middle divides the court into two halves.

The ball can be played off the walls, similar to squash or racquetball.

2. Scoring

Padel uses the same scoring system as tennis: games, sets, and matches.

A match is typically the best of 3 sets, and a set is won by the first team to win 6 games, with a 2-game difference (tie-break at 6-6).

Games are scored in points: 15, 30, 40, and Game. A deuce occurs at 40-40, requiring a team to win two consecutive points to win the game.

3. Teams

Padel is played in doubles (two players per team) as standard, though there is a singles variation with a smaller court.

4. The Serve

The serve must be underhand and hit below waist level.

The ball must bounce once in the server’s box before being hit.

The ball must land in the diagonally opposite service box of the receiver's side.

If the ball hits the net and lands in the correct service box, it’s a let, and the server can take the serve again.

5. The Ball in Play

After the serve, the ball must bounce once on the ground before it is returned.

Players can use the walls to return the ball (after it bounces), but it must land in the opponents’ court.

If the ball hits the walls or fencing directly without bouncing first, it’s out.

6. Ball in Play – Continued

Players can let the ball bounce and hit the walls on their side before returning it.

The ball must go over the net when returned, but it can also bounce off the side or back walls to help return the shot.

7. Faults and Out-of-Bounds

The ball is out if it hits the ground outside the boundaries of the court, including if it goes outside the side fences without bouncing in the opponent’s side first.

Double fault on serve (like tennis) results in the opponent winning the point.

8. The Let

A let occurs if the ball hits the net but lands in the correct service area. The serve is taken again.