Padel Basics & Rules

• A double fault on serve loses the point.
• The ball bounces twice before being returned.
• The ball hits the wall or fence before bouncing on the opponent’s court.
• A player hits the ball into the net or outside the playable area.
• The player touches the net or crosses into the opponent’s side.
• Let serves (when the ball touches the net but lands correctly) are replayed.

• Padel is typically played in doubles (2 vs 2).
• Players alternate serves every game.
• Partners can position themselves anywhere on the court, but good communication and positioning are key to effective play.

The team that wins two out of three sets wins the match. In some shorter formats or tournaments, matches may be played as *best of one set*or with match tiebreaks to 10 points in lieu of a third set.

Success in padel comes from coordination, positioning, and control — not just power. Teams that communicate and use smart wall play often outperform those relying on strength alone.

Padel’s combination of power, precision, and strategy makes it one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. Understanding the official padel rules and regulations helps players improve their game, compete fairly, and enjoy the sport at every level.