Padel uses the same point progression as tennis: 15, 30, 40, game — with sets typically played to six games (win by two) unless your venue uses a shorter format.
Games and sets. Win a game by reaching four points with at least a two-point margin at 40–40 (deuce). Win a set by reaching six games with a two-game margin, or by the tie-break format your organiser announces.
Deuce options. At 40–40, clubs may use advantage scoring (need two clear points) or a single “golden point” for the game. Ask before you start — do not assume.
Who serves. Teams alternate service games. In doubles, serve order rotates: first server’s partner, then opponents in the same pattern.
Which side. Teams change ends at odd totals of games (1, 3, 5…) in a set, like tennis.
Serve
Underhand only. Contact the ball at or below waist height (belt line is the usual reference). No overhead or tennis-style flat bombs.
Diagonal into the service box. The server starts on the right, then alternates side every point. With tennis scoring, 0 and 30 are right-side service points; 15 and 40 are left-side service points. After deuce, follow the format your organiser uses. The ball must bounce once in your side before you hit it.
Let on serve. If the ball clips the net and lands in the correct service box, it is usually a let and you serve again. If it lands out or in the wrong box, it is a fault.
Two serves. First fault → second serve. Double fault loses the point.
Return must bounce. The receiver lets the serve bounce once before returning. Volleying the serve is not allowed.
Beginner habit: aim deep and slow. A reliable serve beats a flashy one that clips the net tape.
Walls and glass
Using the enclosure is what makes padel distinctive. The key rule for beginners: one bounce on the ground before you play off your back wall (after that, the ball may rebound to the opponent’s side).
After the bounce. You may play the ball off your back glass or side glass on your side of the net, as long as it crossed the net legally and bounced on your court first.
Opponent’s wall. If you send the ball to the other side and it hits their glass without bouncing on their court first, you lose the point — confirm any beginner exceptions with your organiser.
Mesh and fence. If the ball goes out through a door or over the fence without bouncing in-bounds, the point is over. If it hits mesh and comes back in, local rules may differ — ask at the venue.
Volleys. After the opponent sends the ball over, you may volley before a bounce except on the serve return. If it bounces on your side, you may use your glass or mesh according to the rules your session follows.
Lets and faults
Common faults (you lose the point)
Ball bounces twice on your side before you hit it.
You touch the net, posts, or opponent’s court with body or racket during the point.
Ball hits you or your partner.
Double hit — the ball touches your racket twice on one swing.
Serve out of order, wrong service box, or foot fault if lines are enforced.
Lets (replay the point)
Ball rolls onto your court from another court — safety let.
Broken ball or clear external interruption — stop and replay if everyone agrees.
Net cord serve that lands in the service box — serve again (first or second depending on local habit; social play often allows a full re-serve).
When unsure, replay the point in friendly games. In matches, follow the organiser or referee.
Doubles movement basics
Padel is a pairs game. Most beginner points are lost through positioning, not technique.
Default shape. One player near the net (volley position), one near the back (defence). Do not both stand on the baseline.
Move together. When your team defends, both shift back; when you attack a short ball, both advance — but leave one player ready to cover the lob.
Call the ball. Say “mine”, “yours”, or “leave” early. Silence causes collisions and lost points.
Net player role. Block or redirect fast balls; do not swing wildly at shoulder-height rebounds off the glass.
Back player role. Use lobs to reset when pinned; aim deep to the corners, not at the opponent’s body.
Switch on the fly. If your partner is pulled wide, slide across to cover the centre — the court is small, but gaps punish you quickly.