Padel Rules – What Is Allowed? All Rules Explained by an Expert

Padel is dynamic, tactical, and incredibly fun – but if you want to play the game successfully and fairly, you should know the official padel rules. Especially beginners in padel tennis ask themselves before their first match: What is allowed in padel? What is forbidden? In this article, you will find a clear overview of the most important padel rules – from the correct serve and rallies to common mistakes. Padel pro Lana explains the rules step-by-step and gives you practical tips on how to score in compliance with the rules and move safely on the court.

Woman in sportswear with a racket in hand, smiling in a gym.

Woman in a purple dress playing padel on a blue court, holding a racket.

Padel Rules: What You Need to Know

“Every sport has its own rules – but don’t worry: in padel, they are easy to understand,” says padel expert Lana. “It’s not about doing everything perfectly – it’s about knowing what’s allowed.” With the most important basics, things will be much more relaxed on the court, and you’ll easily keep track of correct plays and fouls. This makes the game even more fun. Here are the most important basic rules of padel:

Playing off the walls is allowed

A unique feature of padel is that the walls aren't just a backdrop—they are part of the game: "After the first bounce, the ball can hit the wall and still be played." The walls can even be used to your tactical advantage, as Lana explains: "For example, you can play surprising angles to throw your opponent off rhythm." However, for this to be legal according to the rules, the ball must bounce on the ground first. "If it goes directly from the wall into the opponent's court, you unfortunately lose the point."

Woman in a purple sports dress with a racket and ball on a padel court.

The Serve

According to padel rules, the serve must be hit from below the waist into the diagonally opposite service box. "If the ball touches the net during the serve, it's not a problem – as long as it lands correctly afterward, the serve counts," adds the national padel player.

The Scoring System

The scoring system works just like in tennis – 15, 30, 40, game. To walk off the court as the winner, you must win two out of three sets: "The game is usually played in the best-of-3-sets format – so whoever wins two sets first wins the match."

Woman in a purple sports dress playing padel with a racket and ball.

Scoring Points

When a point is scored: "Whenever the ball bounces twice in the opponent's court or is hit into the net. On the other hand, if it hits the wall first and then the court, the ball is out – and the point goes to the opponent." What leads to a loss of point, however, is touching the net: "Whether with the racket or your body – that always leads to a loss of point, so you should keep your distance even in the heat of the moment," Lana recommends.

The Rally

Of course, there are also Padel rules on how the rally must play out: The ball is only allowed to bounce once on the ground before being returned. After bouncing, it can hit the walls. “As long as the ball hits the glass wall after its first bounce, it remains in play and you still have every chance,” explains the expert. “However, if it hits the fence or the ground outside the court first, the ball is out and the point goes to your opponent.”

Two padel players with rackets on a blue court, smiling at each other.

Singles or Doubles

As a rule, padel is played in doubles – meaning two against two. However, as a padel pro, Lana knows: “By the way, you can also play padel in singles – meaning one-on-one. There’s a smaller court for that, which adjusts the running distances a bit.” One thing is clear: in singles, you have to run more and react faster, making tactics even more crucial.

Padel: Allowed or Not Allowed? The Rules at a Glance

To make sure you stay on the safe side when playing padel, you should avoid typical rule violations. Here is an overview of the most common situations that could cause debate during a match:

The ball hits the wall before hitting the ground: ❌Not allowed. —> The ball must always hit the ground first.
Serving with the hand above the waist: ❌Not allowed. —> The serve must be made below the waist.
The ball bounces twice on the opponent's side: ✅ Point for you —> If your opponent does not play the ball on the first bounce, you get the point.
Playing off the side wall after a bounce: ✅ Allowed —> A common tactic, especially in defense.
Body contact with the ball: ❌ Not allowed —> Only the racket is allowed to touch the ball.

Man and woman playing padel on a blue court with rackets and a ball.

Avoid Typical Rule Violations in Padel

Rule violations in padel can quickly become a disadvantage on the court and cost you valuable points. That is why national player and coach Lana recommends: "Learn the simple rules, such as the serving rules." These are simple but crucial. Another tip for a smooth game: "If you are unsure whether the ball was in or out – just keep playing. This keeps the rhythm in the game, and the fun and flow are not lost through discussions – and in the end, playing fair is what counts." If you are playing doubles, communication can also become a key factor. "Padel is a team game – so talk to each other about who takes which ball," advises the experienced player.

Two padel players in sportswear high-fiving on the court.

Understanding and Applying Padel Rules

If you want to play padel, you should know the most important padel rules—not just to score points in line with the regulations, but also to play with smart tactics. From the correct serve and playing off the wall to typical errors during a rally: with a basic understanding of the rules, you will enjoy a smooth start. Beginners especially benefit from getting familiar with the rulebook before their first match. Whether in doubles or singles, on a recreational court or in a tournament—when you know what is allowed, you play not only with more confidence, but also with more success. So: grab your racket, get the rules down, and jump into your next padel match!

Frequently Asked Questions About Padel Rules

Underhand and below the waist only. The ball must bounce once before being hit.

Yes, but only after making contact with the floor. Walls are a tactical part of the game.

Once. On the second bounce, the point is lost.

When your opponent hits the ball into the net, out of bounds, or lets it bounce twice – or when you cleverly win the point off the wall.

Woman on padel court holding yellow tennis ball through net.

Profile of Padel Expert Lana

Name: Lana Büttner

Age: 33 years old

Profession: Functional Health Coach, Competitive Athlete, National Padel Player

Athletic Qualifications:

Former tennis player
National Padel Player for the German National Team
Holistic training as a Functional Health Coach

What defines Lana: Lana loves to guide people holistically on their journey to better health, well-being, and performance. At the same time, she lives out her passion for padel, training intensively and playing for the German National Padel Team.