The most important padel rules for beginners – simply explained
Padel tennis is rapidly gaining popularity in Germany and Europe. This mix of tennis and squash is not only exciting for its speed and fun, but also for its social nature. Newcomers will quickly notice that padel is intuitive – but you should know a few basic rules to get started right away.
Here you will find the most important padel rules for beginners explained clearly, understandably and without technical jargon.
1. The playing field & the walls
The game is played on a 20x10 meter court surrounded by glass and mesh walls. These walls are a fundamental part of the game: The ball may touch them after hitting the ground – both in the court and the opponent's court. However, balls hit directly against the wall are "out."
2. The serve
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The serve is made from below after the ball has bounced once on the ground.
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Diagonal into the opponent's service court.
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The serve must be hit below height .
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The ball may touch the side wall after landing in the service court, but not the back wall directly.
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Two attempts are allowed.
Tip: A safe, well-placed serve is more important than power at the beginning.
3. Playstyle & Points
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The scoring is the same as in tennis: 15 / 30 / 40 / game.
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The game is played mainly in doubles (2 vs. 2) .
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The ball may bounce once before it is played – even after contact with the wall .
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Volleys (shots without touching the ground) are allowed, except when returning the serve .
4. The ball is "out" when...
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...it is played directly into the bars or against the wall.
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...it touches the ground twice before it is played.
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...it does not land in the opponent's court unless it is a volley.
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...the returner hits the ball with the racket before it first bounces .
5. Dealing with the wall
A key aspect of padel play is the clever use of the wall. If you understand how the ball bounces off the glass wall, you can control the pace, outplay opponents, or cleverly break free. Use the wall to gain time or create new angles.
6. Clothing & Equipment
The right clothing makes a difference, especially for beginners. Breathable, lightweight shirts give you freedom of movement and comfort. Our TRC Performance Shirts are specially designed for the modern padel style and support you at every level.
Recommendation: Also look for padel-specific shoes that offer good grip and cushioning.
Conclusion: With the rules comes the fun
Learning to play padel is quick once you understand the concept of the game. The rules are clear and help keep the game fair, fast, and fun. With the right outfit and some practice, you'll be ready for your first match!
Want more? Discover our functional and stylish padel clothing from The Racquet Club – perfect for your game.
Let's play - Cheers, RC Team