How to Play Padel

Rules Scoring: Court, Basics, and What Counts

Padel is usually played as doubles on an enclosed court where the walls are part of the game. The aim is straightforward: win points by making the ball bounce twice on the opponent’s side, or by forcing an error.

Court and Ball-in-Play Rules

After the ball bounces once on your side, you can return it before it reaches the wall or after it comes off the wall. You can also use your own back or side wall to keep a rally going. If the ball bounces twice on your side, you lose the point.

Key “out” situations beginners miss:

• If you hit the ball directly into your own wall first (without it touching the ground), it’s your point lost.
• If the ball hits the ground twice before you return it, point lost.
• If the ball hits the fence/wall on the opponent’s side after a bounce and is still playable, the rally continues.

How to Serve in Padel (Underhand, Diagonal, and Often Misunderstood)

The serve in padel is there to start the rally, not to steal free points. That’s why it’s underhand and must be struck after a bounce. Most early confusion comes down to where you stand and what counts as a fault.

1. Stand behind the service line on your side and serve diagonally into the opponent’s service box.
2. Drop the ball, let it bounce once, then hit an underhand serve at or below waist height.
3. The serve must land in the correct service box first. After that, it may rebound off the glass (common) and the rally continues.
4. You get two serves (first and second serve), similar to tennis.

A let is typically when the serve clips the net and still lands in the correct box — replay the serve. If it clips the net and lands outside the box, it’s a fault.

Padel Scoring System Explained (Games, Sets, and Tiebreaks)

Padel scoring follows the same sequence as tennis: 15, 30, 40, game. Matches are usually best of three sets.

1. Win a point: 15.
2. Win a second point: 30.
3. Win a third point: 40.
4. Win the next point: you win the game (unless it’s deuce).
5. At 40–40 (deuce), you usually need two clear points to win the game (advantage, then game).
6. First team to 6 games wins the set, but you normally need to win by 2 games (6–4, 7–5).
7. If it reaches 6–6, a tiebreak is commonly played (first to 7 points, win by 2).

Doubles serving order: one player serves a complete game, then the other team serves the next game. Within a game, the serve alternates between the two receiving players each point.

First 4 Sessions: A Simple Progression, Plus Gear and Injury Prevention

You’ll get more out of padel if you learn it in phases — especially the wall game and how to move as a pair in doubles.

1. Session 1: Rally cross-court without using walls. Focus on keeping the ball low and using controlled swings.
2. Session 2: Add “one wall” defence. Let the ball bounce, then play it after it comes off the back glass.
3. Session 3: Practise serve and return only. Aim for consistency into the box, then a deep return through the middle.
4. Session 4: Add a basic doubles pattern: hit cross-court, then move together as a pair (no splitting).

Why gear matters: padel is built on short sprints, sharp stops, and quick turns in a tight space. The right kit supports your footing, comfort, and control — particularly on damp Irish evenings when outdoor courts can feel slick.

• Padel shoes: give better grip and stability for side-to-side movement than general trainers, reducing the chance of slipping on quick direction changes.
• Padel rackets: are solid (no strings) and easier for beginners to control. If you’re learning, a forgiving, easy-to-swing racket helps you keep rallies going while you figure out the walls.
• Padel balls: look similar to tennis balls but are designed for padel pace and bounce. Using the right ball makes serving, lobs, and wall rebounds feel more predictable.
• Apparel: breathable layers help with temperature swings between indoor and outdoor courts, and a light outer layer can be handy if you’re arriving straight from work in changeable weather.
• Court bags: protect your racket from knocks and make it easier to keep balls, grips, and a rain layer together.

If you’re unsure where to start, INTERSPORT Elverys staff can talk you through beginner-friendly padel rackets and shoes based on your comfort, court surface, and how often you plan to play.

Rest and injury prevention: padel is deceptively demanding on calves, Achilles, and elbows because of repeated quick movements and wristy shots.

1. Warm up for 5–8 minutes: light jog, side shuffles, and a few gentle practice swings.
2. Keep your first two sessions to 45–60 minutes to avoid sore calves and tight forearms.
3. Take at least one rest day between early games if you’re not already active.
4. If you get sharp Achilles pain, persistent elbow pain, or swelling that changes your walking, stop and get checked by a GP or physio.

FAQ: Padel Rules and Scoring

How many points do you need to win a game in padel?

You score 15, 30, 40, then game. If it reaches 40–40 (deuce), you usually need to win two points in a row to take the game.

Is padel scoring the same as tennis?

Yes, padel uses the same basic scoring (15/30/40, games and sets). The big differences are the underhand serve, the smaller court, and the use of walls.

What are the main padel serving rules?

The serve is underhand, hit at or below waist height, after one bounce, and served diagonally into the service box. You get two attempts, and a net clip that lands in is usually a let.

Can you use the walls in padel?

Yes. After the ball bounces on your side, you can let it rebound off the glass/walls and still return it. If the ball bounces twice before you hit it, you lose the point.

Is padel always doubles?

Most padel games are doubles, and that’s how most Irish clubs schedule social games and leagues. Singles exists on a different court layout, but beginners generally start with doubles.

After a couple of sessions, the rules fade into the background and the real skill of padel takes over: placement, teamwork, and staying calm when the ball comes off the glass. Keep it simple early on, prioritise rallying, and you’ll feel comfortable on court faster than you think.