How to Play Padel: A Beginner’s Guide
Everything you need to know, from booking your first court to playing your first rally.
How do you play padel?
Padel is usually played by two teams of two on an enclosed court divided by a net. The server bounces the ball and strikes it at or below waist height into the diagonal service box. During a rally, the ball must be returned before its second bounce and may rebound from the walls after first touching the court.
Key takeaways
- Standard padel is played two against two.
- The serve is hit at or below waist height after a bounce.
- Walls become part of play after the ball bounces correctly.
- Control is more valuable than power for beginners.
- Partners should move together and communicate constantly.
Padel is a fast, social racket sport with an approachable learning curve. It may look similar to tennis at first, but its smaller court and playable walls give it a distinct rhythm. This guide covers the basic rules, essential equipment, and simple tactics you need before stepping onto a padel court for the first time.
What is padel?
Padel is usually played by two teams of two. The standard court is 10 metres wide and 20 metres long, divided by a net and enclosed by glass walls and metal fencing. These surfaces are not simply boundaries: after the ball bounces correctly on the court, they can become part of the rally.
The game rewards control, positioning, and communication more than raw power, which makes it welcoming to beginners.
The basic rules of padel
How does the serve work?
Every point begins with a serve. The server first bounces the ball behind the service line and strikes it at or below waist height. The ball must travel over the net and land in the diagonally opposite service box. At least one foot must remain in contact with the ground when the ball is struck.
If the first serve is a fault, the player receives a second attempt. The receiver must allow a valid serve to bounce before returning it.
Rallies and wall play
During a rally, the ball may bounce only once before it is returned. After bouncing correctly in the opponent’s court, it may touch the glass or fencing and remain in play. You can also use your own glass to send the ball back, but the shot must touch the opponent’s floor before hitting their wall.
A team loses the point if the ball bounces twice, fails to cross the net, touches a player, or a player touches the net while the ball is in play.
How does scoring work?
Many padel matches use the familiar tennis sequence of 15, 30, and 40. The rule used after 40-40 can vary, with advantage, golden-point, and Star Point formats available in different competitions. Confirm the scoring system and match format with the club or organiser before play begins.
What equipment do you need?
- Padel racket: Beginners usually benefit from a comfortable, balanced racket with a generous sweet spot.
- Padel balls: Use balls made specifically for padel.
- Court shoes: Choose shoes that provide support during lateral movement and suit the court surface.
- Comfortable sportswear: Bring unrestricted clothing, water, and a spare grip if needed.
- Safety cord: Keep the racket’s wrist cord attached throughout play.
Five simple tactics for your first match
- Move side by side with your partner. Large gaps appear when one player moves forward and the other stays back.
- Prioritise keeping the ball in play instead of trying to hit every shot hard.
- Aim through the middle. It reduces your margin for error and can create uncertainty between your opponents.
- Use a lob when your opponents move close to the net. A controlled lob gives you time to recover your position.
- Communicate constantly with short calls such as “mine”, “yours”, and “switch”.
Your first-match checklist
- Arrive 10–15 minutes early.
- Warm up your shoulders, wrists, hips, and legs.
- Tell your partner and opponents that you are a beginner.
- Agree on the scoring system and match duration.
- Attach the racket’s safety cord to your wrist.
- Make controlled rallies your first goal.
Plan your first padel match with BiKort
When you are ready to play, use BiKort to discover nearby padel venues, choose a suitable date and time, and complete your court booking in one flow. Starting with players at a similar level will make the match more enjoyable and help everyone improve.