Padel Rules Explained – Quick Beginner’s Guide to How Padel Is Played
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This is a quick-reference guide. For the full, up-to-date 2026 rules — including official changes, scoring formats and serve clarifications — see our Padel Rules 2026 guide, or start at the complete Padel Rules hub.
Padel rules: a quick, easy guide to how padel is played
Padel is exploding in popularity across the globe, and it's easy to see why. It combines the fast pace of tennis with the strategy of squash. If you're new to the sport or brushing up on the rules, here's everything you need to get rally-ready in minutes.
How many players in padel?
Padel is played in doubles format — 2 vs 2. That's standard in recreational and professional play. Singles courts exist but are rare.
Scoring & match format
- Games: 15 – 30 – 40 – Deuce – Advantage – Game
- Sets: First to 6 games, must win by 2
- Tiebreak: Played at 6–6 (first to 7 points, win by 2)
- Golden point: At 40–40, one sudden-death point decides the game (common at club and pro level)
- Change sides: Every odd-numbered game
Serving rules
- Serves must be underhand, struck below waist height
- The ball must bounce behind the service line before you hit it
- It must land diagonally in the opponent's service box
- No direct fence contact on the serve — a glass rebound is OK
Wall & fence rules
- Glass walls are in play — after the ball bounces
- You may play a ball off your own glass defensively
- If the ball hits the fence before bouncing, it's out
- Strategic rebounds are a huge part of high-level play
How to win a point
- Opponent fails to return the ball before the second bounce
- Opponent hits the ball out of bounds or into the net
- Opponent touches the net or makes a body-contact foul
- Faulty serve or incorrect return
Common beginner mistakes
- Serving too high or hitting the fence on serve
- Standing too close to the net too early
- Trying to hit every shot like a tennis smash
- Forgetting to use the walls defensively
- Miscommunicating with your partner
Padel rules summary
| Rule | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Players | Doubles (2 vs 2) |
| Scoring | Same as tennis (15–30–40–Game) |
| Serve | Underhand, cross-court, must bounce |
| Walls in play | Yes, after bounce |
| Fence in play | No, never directly |
| Golden point | Used at 40–40 |
Keep reading
- Padel Rules 2026: official changes, scoring & serve guide
- Padel rules explained simply: 20 real match examples
- Padel rules: 15 questions beginners always ask
- Official Padel Rules – LTA (UK)
Gear up before you step on court
Ready to play? Shop the Corcuera Padel Club collection — breathable, durable pieces designed for movement and match play.