Padel rules look confusing at first because the game mixes tennis scoring with wall rebounds. In reality, the basics are straightforward once you break them into serving, scoring, and how the walls work.
This beginner guide covers the rules that matter most in your first few matches so you can stop apologizing every point and start understanding the game.
How Scoring Works
Padel uses the same point system as tennis: 15, 30, 40, game. Most recreational matches are best of three sets, with six games needed to win a set.
At many clubs, a deciding point or match tie-break is used to keep bookings on time. That house rule can change, so always check before the match starts.
The Serve Rule
The serve in padel is underarm. The ball must bounce behind the service line, and contact must happen below waist height. From there, the serve travels diagonally into the opposite service box.
After landing in the box, the ball can touch the glass and still be valid. If it hits the fence first, it is a fault.
- ✓Underarm only
- ✓Contact below waist height
- ✓Serve diagonally
- ✓Fence first means fault
How the Walls Work
After the ball bounces once on your side, it can hit the back glass or side glass and still be playable. That is one of the core differences between padel and tennis.
You can also hit the ball directly off your own glass as an advanced shot, but beginners should first learn to read rebounds after the bounce.
What Counts as Out
A ball is out if it bounces twice on your side. It is also out if it hits the fence or any wall on your side before bouncing. On attack, if the ball crosses and exits the court legally after bouncing, the point can still continue depending on local court rules.
For most beginners, the simplest rule is this: let the ball bounce once, use the glass if needed, and do not let it bounce twice.
Position and Rotation in Doubles
Padel is almost always played in doubles. The serving side alternates after each game, and players on the same team alternate the side they serve from within a game.
The best beginner habit is to move with your partner. If one player goes forward, the other should usually go forward too. Split positioning creates open gaps.
Related Resources
This article covers the basics. The full Start Playing Padel course goes deeper with step-by-step chapters, practical exercises, and everything you need to level up.