Padel rules for beginners: points, serves and the net

Padel is usually played two against two on a court with glass and a net. You must hit the ball over the net and make it land in the opponents’ half of the court. The glass is part of the game, but the sequence of the ball’s bounce and contact with the wall determines whether a shot is valid.

How to count points, games and sets

The scores in a game are 0, 15, 30 and 40. If you win the next point from 40, you usually win the game, unless both teams are on 40. In traditional advantage play, a team must then win two points in a row. A standard set is played to six games with a minimum difference of two games; at 6–6, a tie-break to seven points is typically played, also with a two-point difference.

There are several scoring systems for 40–40, including Golden Point and Star Point. Agree on the scoring system before the match, or follow the tournament rules. A friendly match played against the clock may have a simpler scoring system than an official tournament.

The serve, step by step

1. Start on the right-hand side. Stand in your service box behind the service line without stepping on the lines, and keep at least one foot on the floor when you hit the ball.
2. Let the ball bounce on the floor within the service area from which you are serving. The ball must remain within this area until you strike it.
3. Hit the ball at or below waist height and diagonally over the net.
4. The ball’s first bounce must be within the opponent’s diagonal service area. A ball on the line of that area is in.
5. The receiver must let the serve bounce before returning it. You alternate between the right and left service boxes after each point.

You have two attempts at serving. A serve that lands correctly and then hits the glass may be valid. If it hits the net before the second bounce, it is a fault. If the serve touches the net and lands correctly, it is usually replayed, provided the other conditions for a let are met. A net touch therefore does not automatically result in a re-serve in all situations.

When is the ball allowed to hit the glass?

Your opponent’s shot must first hit the floor on your side before it is allowed to hit your glass or net. You may then return the ball before it hits the floor again. During a standard rally, you may also volley the ball before it hits the floor.

You must use your own glass to hit the ball over the net. Your own grid cannot be used in the same way. On your opponent’s side, your shot must hit the floor before it hits the glass or the grid.

Five typical situations on the pitch

• The ball hits the opponent’s glass directly: You’re missing the point.
• The ball bounces on the floor, hits the glass and comes out again: It can still be returned before the second floor.
• The ball hits you or your clothes: Your team is losing the point.
• You touch the net whilst the ball is in play: Your team is losing the point.
• The ball hits the ceiling: The word is out; the ceiling is not a playing surface.

A good result for the first match

Decide who serves first, agree on the scoring system, and call out the score clearly before each serve. Always use the racket’s safety cord, and stop play if a loose ball rolls onto the court. Learn the standard situations first; if in doubt, check the official rules rather than making up a local rule in the middle of a match.

The rules are based on The FIP’s official padel rules. In the case of tournaments, the organiser’s published tournament rules also apply.

Find more advice in our padel guides, see opportunities for padel training, or Choose your Padel Lounge centre and book a court.

Updated on 17 October 2026.