Padel rules: the essentials to play well
By the EsoPadel team · updated on October 16, 2026 · 3 min read
Padel is played by four players, two against two, on a court enclosed by glass walls and wire mesh. Scoring is the same as in tennis, you serve underarm below the waist, the ball must bounce once on the ground before touching the walls, and you can play it after it rebounds off the walls. Here is what you need to play your first game without mistakes.
The court
The court is 20 metres long and 10 metres wide. A net divides it in two, and it is enclosed by glass at the back and on part of the sides, then by wire mesh. Each half is split into two service boxes by a centre line.
The serve
- The server stands behind the service line, on the right side for the first point. - They bounce the ball on the ground before hitting it, and hit it below the waist (underarm serve). - The ball must land in the diagonally opposite service box. - A ball that hits the back glass after bouncing in the right box is good. However, if it hits the wire mesh after bouncing, the serve is a fault. - As in tennis, you get two serves. A serve that touches the net and then lands in the right box is replayed.
Scoring
The score follows tennis: - 15, 30, 40, then game; - at 40-40 (deuce), you need a two-point lead to win the game; some tournament formats play a deciding point at 40-40; - a set is won at 6 games with a two-game lead, with a tie-break at 6-6; - in FFT tournaments, the format is announced in advance: for example 2 sets of 6 games with a tie-break at 6-6, and a third set replaced by a 10-point match tie-break.
Bounces and walls
This is what makes padel unique: - the ball must bounce only once on the ground on your side before you play it, unless you volley; - after that bounce, it can hit one or more walls or the mesh: you can still play it; - you can also send the ball against your own wall so that it goes over the net; - however, the ball must cross the net without first touching the opponents' walls or mesh: if it hits the opposing wall directly, the point is lost.
The most common faults
- The ball bounces twice on your side before you return it. - You hit the ball before it has crossed the net to your side. - The ball hits the opponents' wall or mesh directly without bouncing on the ground. - A player touches the net with the racket or body during the rally. - The serve is hit above the waist.
Leaving the court
On courts with side exits, you may leave the court to retrieve a ball that has gone over the walls. This spectacular move is only possible if the court allows it.
Positioning as a pair
In padel, you almost always play as a coordinated team: both players move up and back together. One plays on the left, the other on the right, and each covers their half. The choice of side matters: read our guide Playing left or right in padel.
Getting started
If you are a beginner, start with friendly games against players at your level. On EsoPadel, you find partners at your level near you and can see the padel clubs around you. When you feel ready, a small P25 tournament is a good first competition: see the tournament calendar.
Frequently asked questions
Can you play the ball after it hits the glass? Yes, if it first bounced once on the ground on your side. You can also return it off your own wall. Is the serve the same as in tennis? No: in padel you serve underarm, bouncing the ball and hitting it below the waist. How many players do you need? Four, two per team. Smaller courts exist for singles, but the standard game is doubles. How is padel scored? As in tennis: 15, 30, 40, game, with sets of 6 games.