Padel rules – what is allowed? All the rules explained by the expert
Padel is dynamic, tactical and really fun – but anyone who wants to play the game successfully and fairly should know the official padel rules. Especially beginners in the padel tennis often ask themselves before their first match: What is allowed in the padel tennis? What is forbidden? This article provides an easy-to-understand overview of the most important padel game rules – from correct serves and rallies to common mistakes. Padel pro Lana explains the rules step by step and gives you practical tips on how to score according to the rules and move safely on the court.
Padel rules: You need to know this
“Every sport has its own rules – but don’t worry: They are quickly understood in padel,” says padel expert Lana. “It's not about making everything perfect – it's about knowing what is allowed.” With the most important basics, things will be more relaxed on the playing field, and you'll be able to keep track of correct plays and fouls more easily. That makes the game even more fun. These are the most important basic rules in padel:
Playing with the walls is allowed
A characteristic feature of padel is that the walls are not just a backdrop, but an integral part of the game: “After the ball first touches the ground, it may touch the wall and then continue playing.” As Lana explains, the walls can even be used for tactical purposes: “For example, you can play surprising angles and throw the opponent off their rhythm.” However, for this to be correct according to the rules, the ball must touch the ground once beforehand. “If it comes directly from the wall into the opponent's field, the point is unfortunately lost.”
The serve
According to the padel rules and regulations, the serve must be played from below the hip into the diagonally opposite field. “If the ball touches the net, it's not a problem – the main thing is that it lands correctly afterwards, and the serve counts,” adds the national padel team player.
The scoring method
The scoring works like in tennis – 15, 30, 40, game won. To score a success, you must win two out of three sets: “The game is usually played in the following mode: Best of 3 sets – so whoever wins two sets first wins the match.”
The points system
When a point is counted: “Whenever the ball bounces twice in the opponent's side or is played into the net. However, if it hits the wall first and then the court, the ball will go out of bounds and the point will go to the opponent.” However, touching the net will result in a point loss: “Whether with your racket or your body – this always leads to a loss of points, so you should keep your distance even in the heat of the moment,” recommends Lana.
The rally
Of course, there are also the padel rules about how the rally must proceed: The ball may only touch the ground once before it is played back. After touching the ground, it may touch the walls. “As long as the ball touches the glass wall after the first bounce, it remains in play and you still have every chance,” the expert explains. “However, if it touches the net or the ground outside the court first, the ball is out and the point goes to the opponent.”
Singles or doubles
Padel is usually played in doubles – two against two. However, as a padel professional, Lana says: “By the way, you can also play padel in singles – one-on-one. For this purpose, there is a smaller field that adjusts the running paths somewhat.” It is clear: In single player matches, you have to run more and react faster, which makes the tactics even more important.
Padel: Allowed or not allowed? Summary of the rules
To play padel safely, the common rule violations should be avoided. Here is an overview of the most common situations that could cause discussion during a match:
- The ball touches the wall before it touches the ground: ❌Not allowed.—> The ball must always touch the ground first.
- Serve with the hand above the hip:❌Not allowed. —> The serve must be made below the hip.
- The ball bounces off the opponent twice:✅ Point for you —> If the opponent doesn't play the ball on the first contact with the ground, you get the point.
- After contact with the ground, the ball plays over the side wall:✅ Allowed —> A common tactic, especially in defence.
- Body contact with the ball:❌ Not allowed —> Only the racket may touch the ball.
Avoiding typical rule violations in padel
In padel, the rule violations can quickly become a disadvantage on the court and cost you valuable points. Therefore, the national padel team player and coach Lana recommends: “Learn the simple rules, such as the serve rules.” These rules are simple, but crucial. Another tip for improving the game: “If you're unsure whether the ball was still in or not – just keep playing. This way the rhythm of the game is maintained and the fun and flow of the game are not lost through discussions – and in the end, what matters is that the fair play is maintained.” If you're playing doubles, communication can also become an important factor. “Padel is a team game – so agree on who will take which ball,” advises the experienced player.
Understanding and applying the rules of padel
Anyone who wants to play padel should know the most important padel rules – not only to score according to the rules, but also to be able to use the right tactic. From the correct serve and playing with the wall to the typical sources of error during rallies: With a basic understanding of the rules, you can get started smoothly. Beginners especially benefit from familiarizing themselves with the rules before their first match. Whether in doubles or singles, whether on the recreational court or in a tournament – if you know what is allowed, you will not only play more safely, but also more successfully. In other words: Grab your rackets, learn the rules, and join the next padel match!
Frequently asked questions about the padel rules
Only stroke from below and below the hip. The ball must bounce once before you strike it.
Yes, but only after contact with the ground. Walls are a tactical part of the game.
Once.The point is lost on the second contact with the ground.
If the opponent lets the ball go into the net, out of bounds, or if the ball bounces twice – or if you cleverly win a point by sending the ball out of court.
Profile of padel expert Lana
Name: Lana Büttner
Age: 33 years
Profession: Functional health coach, competitive athlete, national padel player
Sporting qualifications:
- Former tennis player
- National padel player for the German national team
- Holistic training to become a Functional Health Coach
That's what makes Lana special: Lana loves to accompany people holistically on their path to better health, well-being and performance. At the same time, she lives her passion for padel, trains intensively and plays in the German national padel team.
