Padel Rules Explained: A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started

If you’ve just discovered Padel, you’re not alone - it’s quickly becoming one of the UK’s most popular sports. But before you step onto the court, it helps to understand the basics. This Padel beginner guide will break down the rules, scoring, and common mistakes so you can hit the ground running.

The Court and Equipment

Padel is played on an enclosed court roughly one-third the size of a tennis court. The walls are made of glass and mesh fencing, which are part of the game. You’ll need:

  • A Padel racket (solid, perforated surface—not strung like tennis).
  • A Padel ball (slightly less pressure than a tennis ball).
  • Comfortable court shoes with good grip.

Serving Rules

The serve in Padel is underhand. Here’s how it works:

  1. Stand behind the service line.
  2. Drop the ball and hit it after one bounce, striking below waist height.
  3. Serve diagonally into your opponent’s box.
  4. The ball must land in the service box; hitting the net and landing in counts as a “let” (just like tennis).

Scoring System

Padel uses the same scoring as tennis: 15, 30, 40, game. Six games win a set, and most matches are best of three sets. Key differences:

  • You always play in doubles (4 players total).
  • Deuces are common, so communication with your partner is essential.

Using the Walls

One of Padel’s unique features is the walls. After the ball lands, it can bounce off the glass or fence and remain in play. Players can also hit the ball off their own wall to return it, adding strategy and longer rallies. Think of it like a mix between squash and tennis.

Common Beginner Mistakes

  • Overhitting: You don’t need raw power; placement is more effective.
  • Poor positioning: Don’t get stuck at the baseline—move forward to control the net.
  • Ignoring rebounds: Learn to anticipate how the ball comes off the glass.

Quick-Reference Padel Rules Checklist

  • Doubles format only (2 vs 2)
  • Serve underhand, diagonal, below waist height
  • Use tennis scoring (15, 30, 40, game)
  • Walls are in play after the first bounce
  • Play best of 3 sets (usually 6 games per set)
  • Start Your Padel Journey with Dragon Padel

Now that you know the Padel basics, it’s time to hit the court. At Dragon Padel, we create apparel and gear built for players who want to perform and look sharp while doing it. Explore our first collection today and step onto the court with confidence.

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