Padel Rules

Format:

  • Padel is played in pairs as doubles.

Scoring:

  • Padel uses the same scoring system as tennis.

Service:

  • All play begins with an underarm serve from the right service court into the opponent's court diagonally across, similar to tennis.

  • The server must allow the ball to bounce once before hitting it and the ball must be hit at or below waist height.

  • The server must keep at least one foot on the ground when hitting the serve.

  • The server's feet may not touch or cross the service line while serving.

  • Contact with the ball across the centre service line is allowed.

  • The serve must land in the opponent's service box.

  • If the ball bounces in the service box and strikes the side or back wall, it is a valid serve and must be played by the opposing player.

  • If the ball hits the net then bounces in the service box and strikes the side or back wall, it is a let and must be replayed.

  • If the ball lands in the service box and hits the wire fencing, it is a fault.

  • If the ball hits the net then lands in the service box and hits the wire fencing, it is a fault.

  • In padel as in tennis, you get a second serve.

What's In:

  • The lines are considered in play only during the initial serve.

  • Otherwise, they are not a factor in determining the outcome of each point in the game.

  • All players are permitted to play a ball off any of the walls on their own side of the court.

What's Out:

  • If the ball bounces twice in any area on your side of the court.

  • If the ball strikes you or your teammate while in play.

  • If the ball hits the wire fencing, posts or any other fixture before going over the net or landing on the opponent's court.

  • If the ball hits the wire fence or walls before bouncing on the opponent's side of the court.

Volleys:

  • The ball can be taken out of the air by any player except on the initial serve and the return of serve.