Padel Rules Explained Simply
New to padel? Learn the essential rules in 10 minutes. From scoring to lets to wall play, this guide covers everything USA beginners need to know.
Padel rules blend elements of tennis, squash, and racquetball into something uniquely strategic. If you've never played, the walls feel chaotic at first. Within an hour, they become your favorite part of the game. This guide explains the essential rules every USA padel player needs to know before stepping on the court.
Court Dimensions and Basic Setup
Understanding the court layout is crucial for knowing how rules apply in different zones.
- Court size: 10m wide x 20m long (roughly 33ft x 66ft)
- Divided by a net in the middle at 36 inches high
- Surrounded by glass walls (3m high) and metal fence (4m high) on the sides
- Back walls are glass or solid, side walls may have openings
- Service boxes similar to tennis with additional lines
- The court is always played as doubles (2v2) - singles is extremely rare
- USA courts often use artificial turf, but sand/concrete surfaces also exist
Scoring System
Padel uses the same scoring system as tennis. If you know tennis scoring, you already understand padel scoring.
- Points: 0 (love), 15, 30, 40, game
- Games: First to 6 games wins a set
- Sets: Best of 3 or 5 sets (most USA clubs play best of 3)
- Tiebreak at 6-6 in a set: First to 7 points, win by 2
- Deuce: At 40-40, must win by 2 points (advantage, then game)
- You must win by 2 games: If tied 5-5, play to 7-5 or 6-6 (then tiebreak)
- Switch sides after odd-numbered games (1st, 3rd, 5th, etc.)
The Serve: Unique and Crucial
Padel serves are unlike tennis. They're underhand and must bounce before contact. Here's exactly how to serve legally.
- Underhand serve: You MUST hit the ball at or below waist height
- The ball must bounce once before you hit it (drop serve)
- Serve diagonally across the court to opponent's service box
- Ball must bounce in the service box before opponent returns it
- After bouncing, the ball may hit the back wall (but not the side fence)
- Server gets two attempts (first serve and second serve)
- Foot faults: You can't step on or over the service line before contact
- Serve from the right side when your team's score is even, left when odd
- Both partners serve before sides change (unlike tennis where serve alternates)
Playing the Ball: Wall Rules
The walls are the defining feature of padel. Understanding wall rules separates beginners from intermediate players.
- The ball CAN hit walls on your side AFTER bouncing on the ground
- You CAN hit the ball after it bounces off your walls
- The ball CANNOT hit your walls directly (before bouncing) - that's your opponent's point
- Your shot CAN hit opponent's walls (after crossing net) - play continues
- The ball CANNOT hit the metal fence directly on your side - you lose the point
- You CAN hit the ball while standing outside the court if it bounces out
- Glass walls are in play, metal fence is out of play (like tennis nets)
Lets and Replaying Points
Several situations require replaying the point. These are called lets and are unique to padel.
- Serve hits the net and lands in correct service box: Let, replay the serve
- Ball breaks during a rally: Let, replay the point
- External interference (ball from another court): Let, replay the point
- Disputed calls on close balls: In friendly games, replay; in tournaments, referee decides
- Ball hits a permanent fixture (light, roof beam): Usually a let, but depends on local rules
- There are NO lets during regular play (only during serves) - unlike tennis
Doubles Positioning and Rotation
Padel is always played as doubles, which means positioning and partner communication are essential.
- Each team has two players: typically one left-side, one right-side
- Server's partner stands on the opposite service box line
- Returner's partner stands at the net or mid-court
- After returning serve, teams typically have one player at net, one at back
- Both partners on a team must serve before sides change
- Partners don't switch sides during service games (unlike tennis doubles)
- Communication is crucial: call 'mine,' 'yours,' or partner's name
Faults and Point Loss
Understanding how you lose points prevents frustration and arguments. Here are all the ways to lose a point.
- Ball bounces twice on your side before you hit it
- You hit the ball into the net
- Your shot lands outside the court boundaries without hitting opponent's wall first
- You hit the ball directly into your own walls/fence (before it bounces)
- You touch the net with your body or racket during play
- The ball touches you or your clothing during play
- You hit the ball before it crosses to your side of the court
- Your shot hits the metal fence on the first bounce
- You fail to make a legal serve after two attempts
Special Situations and Edge Cases
These advanced rules come up occasionally. Knowing them prevents confusion and disputes.
- Ball bounces out of the court after hitting opponent's back wall: You can exit the court and play it back in (must bounce in opponent's court)
- Ball rolls back over the net (back spin): It's your opponent's point if they can't reach it
- You and your partner both hit the ball: Legal as long as it's consecutive hits
- Ball hits the ground and side wall simultaneously: Usually ruled in (but depends on referee)
- Racket flies out of your hand and hits the ball: Illegal, you lose the point
- Ball hits you after bouncing in your court: You lose the point
- Opponent's shot hits the opening in the side fence: Point continues if ball stays in
USA-Specific Rules and Etiquette
While international rules are standard, USA padel clubs often have local customs and practices.
- Most USA clubs play no-ad scoring (first to 4 points wins game) to speed up play
- Golden point: At deuce, next point wins (receiver chooses side to defend)
- Warm-up: 5-10 minutes before matches, practice serves and volleys
- Calling lines: In recreational play, players call their own side (honor system)
- Retrieving balls: The team that hit the ball out retrieves it
- Court sharing: Many USA clubs have limited courts, so matches are time-limited (60-90 minutes)
- Be ready when it's your court time - others are waiting
Final Thoughts
Padel rules are straightforward once you play a few games. The serve is underhand and must bounce first, walls are in play after the ball bounces on your side, and scoring follows tennis exactly. The key differences from tennis are the walls, underhand serve, and always playing doubles. After your first hour on court, these rules become second nature and you'll stop thinking about them. Focus on enjoying the game and the walls will quickly become your favorite strategic element.
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