The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Padel
Rules & Scoring
Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK — a fun, social mix of tennis and squash that’s easy to learn and hard to stop playing! Whether you’re picking up a racket for the first time or brushing up on the rules before your next match, this guide covers everything you need to know about how to play, score, and enjoy padel.
The Basics of Padel
The Court
Padel is played in doubles (2 vs 2) on an enclosed court, roughly 10m x 20m — about one-third the size of a tennis court.
The court has glass walls and metal mesh fencing. Players can use these walls during play, making rallies exciting and strategic.
The net divides the court into two equal halves. The height at the centre is 88 cm, and 92 cm at the sides.
Equipment
Padel Racket: Solid (no strings), perforated surface, shorter than a tennis racket.
Padel Balls: Similar to tennis balls but slightly less pressurised.
Footwear: Non-marking shoes with good grip, ideally designed for padel or clay courts.
Starting the Game
The Serve
Serves must be underhand, hit below waist height, and after one bounce behind the service line.
The ball must land diagonally in the opponent’s service box (as in tennis).
The server gets two attempts to serve correctly.
If the ball hits the net but still lands in the correct box, it’s a let and the serve is replayed.
The receiver can let the ball bounce off the back wall before returning, but it must first bounce on the ground.
The Rally
Once the serve is in play:
The ball can bounce once on the ground and may hit the walls before or after crossing the net.
The ball must not hit the walls or fence on the opponent’s side before bouncing.
Players can hit the ball after it rebounds off their own back or side walls.
Volleys (hitting before the bounce) are allowed — except when returning serve.
Scoring System
Padel uses the same scoring system as tennis:
Points
1st Point - 15
2nd Point - 30
3rd Point - 40
4th Point - Game (if 2 points clear)
If both teams reach 40–40, it’s deuce.
One team must win two consecutive points to take the game.
First point after deuce = advantage.
GOLDEN POINT RULE - Sometimes a golden point rule is applied in tournaments or matches. This just means a sudden death point at Deuce. Winner of the point takes the game (eliminates Advantage).
Sets and Matches
A set is won by the first team to reach 6 games, with at least a 2-game lead (e.g. 6–4).
If the score reaches 6–6, a tie-break is played:
Tie-breaks are first to 7 points, win by 2.
Most matches are best of 3 sets.
Common Faults & Let Situations
Faults
The serve hits the net and doesn’t land in the correct box.
The serve hits the fence before bouncing.
The ball bounces twice before being returned.
A player hits the ball directly into the opponent’s walls or fence without bouncing.
A player touches the net, crosses into the opponent’s side, or hits the ball twice.
Let Situations
The ball or a player from another court interferes with play.
Any unclear or accidental disturbance – replay the point.
Tips for New Players
Use the walls – they’re your friend! Practising rebounds will level up your game quickly.
Stay close to your partner – padel is all about teamwork and positioning.
Communicate constantly – call “mine” and “yours” to avoid confusion.
Start with control, not power – placement wins more points than smashing early on.
UK Padel Standards
In the UK, padel is governed by the LTA (Lawn Tennis Association), which sets out official rules, tournament regulations, and court standards. Most UK clubs follow the FIP (International Padel Federation) rules — so what you learn here applies globally too.
Ready to Play?
Padel is fast, friendly, and perfect for all ages. Once you know the basics, the best way to improve is simply to play — often! Find your local court, grab a friend, and get started.
Use the Padel Directory for:
Local club finder
Beginner drills and tactics
Equipment buying guide
Video tutorials and rule breakdowns
Discounts on Equipment
Finding your next partner or event
Support from the Padel Physio to keep you on court
And much much more.
Good luck!
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