The court
A padel court is 20 metres long and 10 metres wide, enclosed by glass walls (3m and 4m high) and metal mesh fencing. A net divides it in half. The service line sits 6.95 metres from the net.
Scoring
Padel uses tennis scoring: 15, 30, 40, game. Six games win a set, with a tiebreak at 6-6. Matches are usually best of three sets. Golden point (sudden death at deuce) is common in tournaments.
Serving
- Server stands behind the service line.
- Bounce the ball once, then hit it underarm at or below waist height.
- The serve must land diagonally in the opponent's service box.
- If the served ball touches the side fence after bouncing in the correct box, it's a fault.
- Two attempts per point. Net clip into the correct box = let, replay.
Walls in play
The ball must bounce on the floor first, then it may rebound off any wall and still be returnable. You cannot volley the ball directly off your own back wall before it has crossed the net. Your shot may travel over the net and rebound out via the side opening — under certain conditions you can even play it back from outside the court.
Faults
- Ball bounces twice on your side.
- Ball hits the fence or wall on your side before crossing the net.
- You touch the net with your racket or body.
- Ball hits you or your partner before crossing the net.
Common questions
How does serving work in padel?
The server bounces the ball behind the service line and hits it underarm, below waist height, diagonally into the opposite service box. Two serves are allowed, like in tennis.
Can the ball bounce off the walls?
Yes. After the ball bounces once on the floor, it may rebound off any wall and still be in play. You cannot volley the ball directly off your own wall.
What is a let in padel?
A let is called when the serve clips the net and lands in the correct service box. The serve is replayed.
When does a point end?
A point ends when the ball bounces twice on the floor, hits the fence or wall before crossing the net, or is hit out of the court structure.
New to padel? Start with our beginner's guide or book a court.