Padel is easy to learn, and a short set of rules helps new players feel at ease on court. The sport blends simple shots with quick movement. You play in pairs on a tight court with glass walls, and rallies stay fast and close. These basics guide each point from serve to finish. The ball must bounce once before it hits the glass, and each shot must stay inside the lines on every court in the UK.
Serve from waist height
A serve starts each point. Drop the ball, let it bounce once, then strike it at or below waist height. Hit from the right box for the first point, then switch sides on each point.
Serve into the opposite box
The serve must land in the diagonal box. If it clips the side wall after landing, the point continues. If it hits the net and lands inside the correct box, you replay it.
The ball stays in play off the glass
After the bounce, the ball can hit the glass and remain live. The wire fence is different, as a ball hit into the fence after the bounce ends the rally.
One bounce on your side
You must return the ball before it bounces twice. You can strike it on the rise or after it hits the glass on your side.
Play as a pair
Each team has two players, and the rules expect both to take part in rallies. You can swap roles during points so long as you avoid blocking your partner.
Scoring follows tennis
Points run as 15, 30, 40 and game. Games form sets. Most UK clubs play best of three sets with a tie-break at six all.
No volley on the return of serve
The returner must let the ball bounce on the serve. Once that bounce happens, normal play starts.
Stay clear of the net on contact
You must not touch the net with any part of your body, clothing or racket. If you do, the point ends.
Ball out of court after the bounce
If the ball bounces inside the lines and then leaves the court over the glass, the striker wins the point. Some UK clubs allow players to chase it through a gate, so check local rules.