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  • Padel Rules

Padel Rules

Table of Contents

Introduction To Padel

Padel is a dynamic and social racket sport that combines elements of tennis, squash, and racquetball. It’s played on an enclosed court with walls, making it a fast-paced and exciting game.

Originating in Mexico, padel has rapidly gained popularity worldwide due to its accessibility and fun nature. Unlike tennis, padel is easier to learn, making it enjoyable for players of all skill levels.

Court and Equipment

  • 2.1 The Court Dimensions:
    • The padel court is rectangular, measuring 10 meters wide and 20 meters long.
    • It’s enclosed by walls, typically made of glass and wire mesh.
    • A net divides the court in the middle.
    • Example: Imagine two tennis doubles courts side by side, but with walls surrounding them.

  • 2.2 The Net:
    • The net’s height is 88 cm in the center and 92 cm at the sides.

  • 2.3 The Walls and Glass:
    • The walls are an integral part of padel, allowing players to use them to return the ball.
    • The glass sections are typically at the back and sides of the court.
    • The wire mesh sections complete the enclosure.

  • 2.4 The Padel Racket:
    • Padel rackets are shorter and thicker than tennis rackets.
    • They have a perforated surface and no strings.
    • Example: Imagine a solid, slightly smaller tennis racket.

  • 2.5 The Padel Ball:
    • Padel balls are similar to tennis balls but have slightly lower pressure.
    • This makes them easier to control.

Serving

  • 3.1 Service Position:
    • The server must stand behind the service line in the service box.
    • Both feet must be on the ground and behind the line when serving.
    • Example: if serving from the right side, the ball is served to the opponents left service box.

  • 3.2 Service Motion:
    • The serve is underhand, and the ball must bounce once on the server’s side before being hit.
    • The ball must be hit at or below waist level.
    • Example: The server drops the ball, it bounces, and then the server hits it in an upward motion.

  • 3.3 Faults in Serving:
    • Foot fault: Stepping on or over the service line or the center line before hitting the ball.
    • Double fault: Failing to land the serve in the correct service box twice.
    • Hitting the net with the serve.
    • Serving too high: The ball must be contacted at waist level or below. If the contact point is above the waist, it is a fault.

Scoring

  • 4.1 Point System:
    • The scoring is the same as in tennis: 15, 30, 40, advantage, game.
    • If both players reach 40 (deuce), a player must win two consecutive points to win the game.
    • For a faster-paced game, teams have the option to implement a ‘Golden Point’ rule. This rule eliminates extended deuce situations. Once the score reaches 40-40 (or after an agreed-upon number of deuce points), the next point determines the winner of the game. The receiving team chooses which of their players will receive the serve

  • 4.2 Game, Set, and Match:
    • A player or team wins a game by winning four points (with a two-point advantage at deuce).
    • A set is typically won by winning six games (with a two-game advantage).
    • A match is usually best-of-three sets.

Gameplay

  • 5.1 Returning the Ball:
    • The ball can bounce once on the ground before being returned.
    • Players can use the walls to return the ball.

  • 5.2 Using the Walls:
    • If the ball hits a wall after bouncing on the ground, it’s still in play.
    • Players can use the walls to their advantage by anticipating the ball’s trajectory.
    • Example: An opponent hits the ball, it bounces, then hits the back glass. You can then return the ball after it comes off of the glass.

    • X3 and X4 Rules:
      • These rules pertain to balls that exit the court.
      • X3 (Side Wall): When a ball exits the court over a side wall (3m high), it is considered “out”.
      • X4 (Back Wall): When a ball exits the court over the back wall (4m high), it is considered “out”. However, in some courts or under particular rules (especially in professional play), if the ball hits the back wall (X4), bounces, then exits over the side wall (X3), the player is allowed to exit the court and return the ball before a second bounce. The player has to return the ball into the opponents court.
      • Example: An opponent hits the ball with great force, it bounces, hits the back wall (X4), and exits over the side wall (X3). If out of court play is allowed at that court, you can run out of the court to return the ball.


  • 5.3 Faults During Play:
    • Double bounce: Letting the ball bounce twice on your side.
    • Hitting the net with the racket or body.
    • Touching the net during play.

Key Rules and Situations

  • 6.1 Let (Replay):
    • A let is called when there’s interference or an unexpected event.
    • Example: A ball from another court enters your court during play.

  • 6.2 Out of Court Balls:
    • If the ball goes out of the court after hitting the wall, it’s out, except when the X4 rule is applied.
    • If the ball exits the court without touching a wall, it is also out.
    • When a player exits the court to play a ball that exited the court, the player has to return the ball into the opponents court. If the player fails to do so, it is a point for the opponents.

  • 6.3 Player Positioning:
    • In doubles, players typically position themselves one at the net and one at the back of the court.
    • As play progresses, players will move around the court.

Etiquette and Sportsmanship

  • Call faults and line calls fairly.
  • Respect your opponents and play with integrity.
  • Maintain a positive and friendly attitude on the court.
  • Congratulate your opponents after the match.
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Rules Quicklinks:

  • Introduction to Padel
  • Court and Equipment
  • Serving
  • Scoring
  • Gameplay
  • Key Rules and Situations
  • Etiquette and Sportsmanship

Tournament Rulebooks

FIP Game Regulations

APPT Rule Book

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