Anyone who wants to play padel tennis cannot ignore three fundamental rules: the serve , the return , and the use of the walls . These elements make padel special and distinguish it from tennis.
In this article, you'll learn the most important padel rules about starting the game, returning, and tactical wall play—compact, up-to-date, and SEO-optimized.
1. The padel serve: How to start according to the rules
The serve in padel is different from that in tennis. It's more controlled, more tactical—and always underhanded .
Official Padel Serving Rules:
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The ball must be bounced on the ground once .
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The point of impact must be below the hips .
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The serve is made diagonally into the opposite service court.
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The ball may touch the side wall after landing, but not directly the back wall .
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Two serve attempts are allowed.
Common mistakes:
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Too high a point of contact (“observe the hip rule”)
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Direct wall contact without prior ground contact
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Serve into the net or too long
2. The return: What is allowed?
The return in padel must be made according to the rules, otherwise your team immediately loses the point.
Rules for the return:
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The return player may only play the ball after it has bounced (no volley on the serve!).
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The ball may touch the wall after bouncing before being played.
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The return can be played as a volley, smash or lob – as long as it is hit according to the rules.
Tip: Learn different return techniques (e.g. Bandeja or Chiquita) to vary your tactics.
3. Wall game in padel: How to use the walls tactically correctly
The wall game is one of the unique selling points of padel – it clearly distinguishes the sport from tennis.
Important wall rules:
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The ball may touch a wall (side or back wall) after touching the ground .
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You may play the ball after it has touched your own wall , as long as it has touched the ground beforehand.
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Direct hits on the wall without contact with the ground are "out" .
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The ball must not touch the ground twice before you play it.
Tip: Use the wall defensively to gain time or offensively to create angles.
Special rules & match practice
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Net touch: When serving, "let" (repeat) applies as in tennis.
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Loss of club: No point as long as you don't use it.
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Ball contact: Only one contact per player is allowed, double hits do not count.
Conclusion: Understand the rules, win the game
A solid understanding of the padel serve , return, and wall play gives you the decisive advantage on the court. Target these elements to improve your game. And if you want to look good while doing it, our best-selling shirts bring function and style to your court.
Let's serve it right. Let's play padel.