Padel rules are simpler than they first appear. This quick reference guide covers everything you need to know for casual and competitive play. Print it out, save it on your phone, or reference it between games. The beauty of padel lies in how quickly these rules become second nature.
Essential facts: Always doubles (4 players). Underhand serve only. Tennis scoring system. Walls are in play after the ball bounces. Court is 10m × 20m with glass walls and mesh fencing.
The Absolute Basics
Players and Equipment
- Always 4 players: Two on each side, doubles only
- Solid rackets: No strings, holes in the surface
- Special balls: Similar to tennis balls but less pressure
- Enclosed court: Glass walls and mesh surround the playing area
Court Layout
- Dimensions: 10m wide × 20m long
- Net height: 0.88m in center, 0.92m at posts
- Service boxes: Like tennis but smaller
- Walls: 3m glass on sides, 4m mesh at back
Serving Rules (The Foundation)
The serve is the easiest part of padel because it's always underhand:
How to Serve
- Stand behind the service line
- Bounce the ball once
- Hit underhand at or below waist height
- Serve diagonally into the opposite service box
Serving Rules
- Two serves allowed: Like tennis, you get a second serve if the first fails
- Must bounce first: Ball must hit the service box before anything else
- Side wall allowed: After bouncing in the box, ball can hit the side wall
- Back wall illegal: Ball cannot hit the back wall directly from serve
- Net serve: If ball hits net but lands correctly, it's a let (replay)
Service Rotation
- Serve from right side first
- Alternate sides after each point
- Players change service every game (like tennis)
- In doubles: Player A serves all points in their service game
Scoring System
Identical to tennis, which makes it easy to learn:
Points
- 0, 15, 30, 40, game
- Deuce: When both players reach 40
- Advantage: One point ahead after deuce
- Golden point: Many NZ clubs use sudden death at deuce
Sets and Matches
- First to 6 games wins a set
- Must win by 2 games: 7-5 wins, but 6-5 continues
- Tiebreak at 6-6: First to 7 points, must win by 2
- Match length: Best of 3 sets for tournaments, often best of 5 games for casual play
Wall Rules (The Unique Part)
This is what makes padel special and different from tennis:
After the Ball Bounces on Your Side
- Walls become legal: Ball can hit your walls and you can still play it
- Wait for it: Let the ball come off the wall back toward you
- Only after bouncing: Ball must bounce on the court first
- Still in play: You can hit it after it comes off your wall
Hitting to the Opponent's Side
- Must cross net first: Your shot must go over the net before hitting any wall
- Their walls are legal: After crossing the net, ball can hit opponent's walls
- Any wall order: Side wall first, back wall first, doesn't matter
Wall Play Examples
Legal wall play:
- Ball bounces on your side, hits your back wall, you return it over the net
- You hit over the net, ball bounces on their side, hits their wall
- Ball comes off their wall after bouncing, you can play it if it crosses back
Illegal wall play:
- Hitting your wall before the ball crosses the net
- Playing a ball that hasn't bounced on your side first
- Ball hitting the mesh roof (always out)
Common Game Situations
When You Win the Point
- Ball bounces twice on opponent's side
- Opponent hits ball into the net
- Ball goes out of court boundaries
- Opponent hits ball into their own wall before it crosses the net
- Ball hits the mesh roof
When You Lose the Point
- You hit the ball into the net
- Ball bounces twice on your side
- You hit the ball out of court
- You hit your own wall before the ball goes over the net
- Ball hits you or your racket twice
Let Points (Replay)
- Ball hits net during serve but lands in correct service box
- Outside interference affects play
- Ball breaks during play
Court Positioning Rules
During Serve
- Server: Behind the service line
- Server's partner: Anywhere on their side
- Receiver: Behind the service line on their side
- Receiver's partner: Anywhere on their side
During Play
- No restrictions: Players can move anywhere on their side
- Cannot cross net: Players and rackets must stay on their side
- Cannot touch net: Players or rackets touching net loses the point
Equipment Rules
Racket Specifications
- Maximum length: 45.5cm
- Maximum width: 26cm
- Maximum thickness: 38mm
- Must have wrist strap (safety requirement)
- Solid surface with holes (no strings)
Ball Specifications
- Similar to tennis balls but 10-25% less pressure
- Slightly slower bounce than tennis balls
- Must be replaced when significantly worn
Conduct and Etiquette
Fair Play
- Call your own lines: In recreational play, players call their own lines
- Be honest: Call balls accurately, even when they favor your opponent
- Respect opponents: Acknowledge good shots and fair play
- Control emotions: Keep frustration in check
Safety
- Always use wrist strap: Prevents racket from flying
- Call "mine" or "yours": Communicate with your partner
- Watch for others: Be aware of players on adjacent courts
- Court condition: Report any hazards immediately
Quick Reference Checklist
Before Each Point
- Check who's serving
- Confirm the score
- Position correctly for serve/receive
- Ensure both teams are ready
During Play
- Let ball bounce before playing (except volleys)
- Use walls after ball bounces on your side
- Hit over net before ball touches your walls
- Communicate with your partner
After Each Point
- Announce the score clearly
- Change ends at odd game totals (1, 3, 5 games)
- Take time between points as needed
- Stay positive regardless of result
Common Rule Disputes
Was it in or out?
In recreational play, players call their own lines. The ball is considered "in" if any part touches the line. When in doubt, give benefit to your opponent.
Did it hit the wall first?
The key question: Did the ball bounce on the court before hitting the wall? If yes, wall play is legal. If the ball hit the wall before bouncing on the court, it's out.
Double hit?
If the ball hits your racket twice in one swing motion, you lose the point. However, if ball hits your racket and then immediately hits your partner's racket, this is legal.
Rule Variations in New Zealand
Most New Zealand clubs follow international FIP rules with these common variations:
Golden Point
Instead of advantage/deuce, many clubs use "golden point" where the next point at deuce wins the game. The receiving team chooses which side to receive on.
Shorter Sets
Casual play often uses "first to 4 games" or "first to 5 games" instead of 6 to keep sessions shorter and allow more people to play.
Time Limits
Some venues implement time limits during busy periods, with matches decided by games won if time expires.
Want to learn more about padel basics? Check our complete beginner's guide. Looking for places to practice these rules? Browse our court directory to find venues near you.
Rule of thumb: When unsure about any rule, ask experienced players or club staff. The padel community is helpful and most rule questions come up naturally during play.
Last reviewed: March 2026
