Padel rules – everything you need to know 🎾

Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world – and for good reason. It combines the dynamics of tennis with the tactical element of squash, is easy to learn, and is fun from the very first shot. To ensure you're well prepared, we'll explain the most important rules of padel here.

1. The playing field

• The field is 20 x 10 meters in size and surrounded by glass and wire walls.

• The game is usually played in doubles (2 against 2) , but there are also singles courts.

• In the middle, a net separates the two halves of the playing field.

2. Counting method

The points are counted like in tennis:

• 15 – 30 – 40 – Game

• 6 games = 1 set

• Most matches are played to two sets .

At 40:40 the game goes into deuce – the game is won by 2 points .

3rd serve

• The serve is played from below .

• The ball must first land in the service court and may then touch the wall.

• If the ball lands directly in the net or outside the service court, it is a fault.

4. Ball in play

• The ball may touch the ground once .

• Afterwards he can jump against the glass walls – these are part of the game.

• However, the ball may not be hit directly into the net or out of the playing field.

• Volleys (hitting the ball in the air) are allowed, except on serves.

5. Change of sides

After every odd game (e.g. 1:0, 2:1, 3:2 ...) the sides are changed.

6. Equipment & Fair Play

• The game is played with special padel rackets without strings that have holes in the hitting surface.

• The balls are similar to tennis balls, but are slightly softer.

• Padel is a team sport – fair play, fun and community are the focus.