Which rules apply in official padel play formats? Padel is exclusively played in doubles format on an enclosed court measuring 10 by 20 meters, surrounded by glass walls and metal mesh. Points begin with an underhand serve below waist height that must land in the opponent’s diagonal service box. The ball can hit the walls after a bounce on the ground but must not touch the mesh directly. Scoring follows traditional tennis progression: 15, 30, 40, and game, with deuce and advantage rules. A tie-break is played at 6-6, and matches are typically best of three sets (FIP, World Padel Tour).
In this guide, you will learn the official padel rules, including the full padel scoring system, key details around court etiquette, match formats, and serve regulations. Each section builds up your understanding of how to play padel correctly and respectfully. Whether you’re entering your first competition or looking to refine your game, here’s an in-depth overview of everything you must know.
What is the official scoring system in padel?
The official padel scoring system replicates the tennis-style progression of points per game and games per set. To win a game, a pair must secure four points with a minimum two-point lead.
- Point sequence: Love (0), 15, 30, 40, Game
- Deuce at 40-40 requires a team to win two consecutive points (advantage and game)
- Golden point may replace advantage in modern format
How is a set won in padel?
A team wins a set by reaching six games with at least a two-game lead. If both teams reach 6-6, a tiebreak decides the set.
How does the tie-break work?
The tie-break is played to seven points with a minimum two-point lead. Teams alternate serving after the first point and then every two points.
What happens during deuce and golden point?
Deuce (40-40) normally leads to “advantage” scoring. In tournaments with the golden point system, the next point decides the game. The receiving team chooses who returns the serve.
What are the serve rules in padel?
A legal serve must be hit underhand, below waist height, after bouncing the ball behind the service line. The server stands behind the service line and must keep at least one foot on the ground.
Where must the ball land during a serve?
The ball must bounce in the opposite diagonal service box. If the ball hits the net and still lands in the correct box, it is a let serve and is replayed.
What counts as a fault in a serve?
The server commits a fault if the ball
- Hits the metal mesh directly without bouncing
- Bounces outside the side lines or beyond the service box
- Misses the ball during the serve attempt
What equipment and court dimensions are used in padel?
A padel court measures 10 meters wide by 20 meters long, enclosed by glass walls and a metal mesh fence. The net divides the court in two halves with service boxes marked on either side.
What are the padel court walls made of?
The walls are made of glass or transparent material, integrally used in gameplay. Side walls also include metal mesh segments that cannot be hit directly without a bounce.
Which equipment is required?
- Padel racket: solid racket without strings, made of composite materials
- Padel balls: similar in appearance to tennis balls but with less pressure
- Footwear: padel or clay court shoes offering lateral support
What are the basic gameplay rules of padel?
Padel rallies begin with a legal serve and must travel over the net and bounce within the opponent’s court. The ball can only bounce once per side. It may contact walls only after hitting the ground once.
Which shots are allowed during rallies?
Players may volley (apart from returns), allow the ball to bounce once, and continue the play by using walls. The mesh cannot be used for shots unless the ball hits the ground first.
What actions are considered faults during play?
- The ball bounces twice on one side
- A player touches the net or its posts with racket, body, or clothing
- The ball double hits the same player during a rally
- The ball hits the metal mesh without bouncing first
What are the official match formats in padel?
Most padel matches follow a best-of-three sets format. A team wins when they win two sets consecutively or via tie-breaks. Professional matches use the golden point system and follow regulations set by FIP—the International Padel Federation.
Which etiquette rules apply during padel matches?
Padel etiquette emphasizes fairness, punctuality, and respectful behavior. Players are expected to maintain sportsmanship and good communication with all participants on and off court.
What should players wear on the padel court?
Players wear appropriate sports attire and must use non-marking padel footwear. Vibrant logos or inappropriate clothing should be avoided to maintain professionalism.
Can players dispute or question line calls?
Line calls are made by players themselves in casual matches. In case of doubt, teams are expected to replay the point (Let). Argumentative or hostile behavior is discouraged.
How should players behave toward partners and opponents?
Players must respect teammates and opponents. Communication, including hand signals for tactical coordination, should remain positive. Discouraging remarks toward others breach padel etiquette.
Is coaching allowed during play?
Coaching is not allowed during points in amateur and many official matches. Some professional tournaments permit coaching between sets only under tournament-specific rules.
What actions should be avoided?
Disruptive noise, excessive celebrations, throwing rackets, swearing, and interrupting other matches are strictly prohibited. Players should avoid walking behind or near the court during points in progress.
What are the rules for padel beginners?
New players must focus on mastering serve rules, understanding scoring mechanics, and learning basic positioning with a partner. Avoid volleying returns, hitting through the walls without ground contact, or stepping into the service box before or during a serve.
Which organizations govern official padel rules?
The International Padel Federation (FIP) publishes official padel rules and supervises regulatory updates. In Europe and Latin America, tournaments follow FIP or local federations like World Padel Tour (WPT) guidelines.
Are there differences between casual and tournament padel rules?
Tournament matches often use stricter rulings and monitoring, such as golden point system, permitted coaching at designated intervals, and technology-assisted reviews where available. Casual matches focus more on flexible interpretation and sportsmanship.
Can the padel walls be used tactically?
Yes, the walls are a strategic part of padel. After the ball bounces, players may direct it toward their own walls to maintain play. Angles generated via wall rebounds enable advanced shot construction and defense.
Padel combines the tactical depth of tennis and squash in a format defined by doubles play and intense wall-based rallies. With its fixed scoring system, regulated service rules, defined court behavior, and evolving match formats, padel is governed by clear guidelines provided by FIP and national federations. Understanding these rules ensures a high standard of play from the recreational to the professional level. Want to experience it yourself? Padel N Play helps players find certified padel courts across the country with ease and flexibility.