How to Play Padel

Padel is a racket sport usually played in doubles on a small, enclosed court surrounded by glass and metal fencing. The game uses solid padel rackets and a ball similar to a tennis ball, with rallies that continue after the ball rebounds off the walls.

Unlike tennis, padel places more emphasis on positioning, control, and teamwork than on power. The use of the walls keeps points alive longer and makes the game accessible to beginners while still offering tactical depth as players improve. Read more.

A padel court is smaller than a tennis court and is fully enclosed by glass walls and metal fencing. The court is divided by a net in the middle, creating two equal halves where doubles teams face each other.

The walls are an active part of the game. After the ball bounces on the ground, it may rebound off the glass and remain in play. This changes how points are constructed and allows players more time to react, especially in defensive situations. Understanding how the court and walls work is essential before learning specific shots or tactics.

Padel is played in doubles, with two players on each side. The ball must bounce on the ground before it can hit the walls, and volleys are allowed as long as the ball has crossed the net.

A point ends when the ball bounces twice on the same side, hits the fence before bouncing, or goes out of the court. Players are not allowed to touch the net or cross into the opponents’ side during a rally.

Padel uses the same scoring system as tennis: 15, 30, 40, and game. Matches are usually played as best of three sets.

At 40–40, a game may be decided either by advantage or by a golden point, depending on the rules agreed before the match. Sets are typically won by the first team to reach six games with a two-game difference, or by a tie break. Read more.

A point starts with an underhand serve hit diagonally into the opponent’s service box. The return must also bounce before hitting the walls.

After the serve and return, players use a combination of groundstrokes, volleys, lobs, and wall rebounds to construct the point. The walls allow defensive shots to stay in play and encourage longer rallies focused on positioning rather than power.

At the start of a point, both teams usually position themselves behind the service line. As the rally develops, players aim to move together toward the net, which is the most advantageous position in padel.

Good movement and spacing between partners are essential. Staying balanced and covering the middle of the court often matters more than hitting aggressive shots.

To apply these basics, focus your early matches on keeping the ball in play and understanding how the court affects each shot. Pay attention to your position relative to your partner and allow the ball to come off the glass instead of rushing to hit it.

With repeated play, these concepts become instinctive, making it easier to learn specific techniques and tactics later on.