How to Play and Score in Padel: Complete Beginner's Guide

October 4, 2026

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Padel is played by four players in an enclosed walled court 20×10 metres. One player serves underhand; the ball must bounce in the opponent's court before they hit it. Points are counted like tennis: 0, 15, 30, 40, game (with a two-point margin needed to win). The walls are part of play—the ball can bounce off them before or after you hit it, but not twice in a row on the same side.

Court, Players, and Basics of the Game

Padel is played on an enclosed rectangular court 20 metres long and 10 metres wide, divided by a net 88 centimetres high in the centre. All four sides—back, sides, and front—are enclosed by glass or solid walls, which is the defining feature that sets padel apart from tennis. The game involves four players: two-versus-two, paired on each side of the net.

Unlike tennis, padel begins with an underhand serve (below-waist hit) delivered diagonally into the opponent's service box. The ball must bounce on the court first before the opponent can hit it back. After the serve, play continues with players hitting the ball back and forth until one team fails to return it or the ball lands in an invalid area.

Points System and Game Scoring

Padel uses the same point system as tennis: 0 (love), 15, 30, 40, then game. One player or pair must score four points to win a game, with a minimum two-point margin over their opponent. If both teams reach 40-40 (deuce), play continues until one team gains a two-point lead.

For example: if the score is 15-0, the serving team has won one point and the receiving team has none. If the receiving team then wins a point, the score becomes 15-15. Play continues with 15-point increments until someone reaches 40 or beyond, at which point a two-point margin is required to win the game outright.

Sets and Matches

One set consists of a minimum of six games, with the winning team needing a two-game lead. If the score is 6-5, play continues until one team wins by two full games (such as 7-5 or 8-6). Professional and competitive matches are typically best-of-three or best-of-five sets, meaning a team must win two out of three sets, or three out of five sets.

In recreational or casual play, the format can be adjusted—for example, a single set to 8 games, or even a first-to-10 game format without formal sets. This is common in clubs or casual groups looking to complete matches more quickly during training sessions.

The Role of Walls in Play and Valid Points

Walls are a key feature of padel that distinguishes it from tennis. A ball that bounces off a wall remains in play, and players may hit the ball after it bounces off the wall. This creates longer rallies and more tactical play. However, there is an important rule: the ball cannot bounce twice in a row on the same wall during a single rally—the ball must alternate between the back wall or side wall.

The ball may also bounce off the opponent's wall and then be returned. For example, your shot clears the net, bounces in the opponent's court, then bounces off their back wall—your opponent may still hit it back. Conversely, if your ball bounces off your own wall before crossing the net, it is an error and the point goes to your opponent.

Serving and Rally Rules

The server must stand behind the baseline and hit the ball with their hand below waist level, with the racket below the hand at the moment of contact. The ball must bounce in the diagonal service box before the opponent touches it. If the ball misses the service box or the player touches the net while serving, it is a fault.

Each player gets two serve attempts (a fault does not award a point to the receiver, but gives them a second chance). If both serves fail, the point goes to the receiving team. The serve then passes to the next player on the serving team, and they begin a new serve in their diagonal service box. In padel, serving is less critical than in tennis because underhand serves limit raw speed, and receivers are typically in a well-balanced position to return it effectively.

Faults and Lost Points

A team loses a point (and it goes to the opponent) if:

• The ball fails to cross the net or touches the net and falls on their own side — the ball must clear the net and land in a valid area of the opponent's court.

• The ball lands outside the court — beyond the side line or baseline. The lines themselves are considered in bounds.

• A player hits the ball twice in succession — one player in a pair cannot hit the ball twice in a row. Their partner must hit the next shot.

• The ball is touched with the body or clothing — only the racket may touch the ball to hit it.

• The ball is hit while the player is on the opponent's side of the net — a player cannot cross the net to hit the ball unless it has already returned to their side.

• The player touches the net or posts — during a rally, touching the net or court structure is a fault.

• The ball bounces off the opponent's back wall and then the opponent's side wall without crossing the net first — certain wall-bounce patterns may be ruled invalid depending on local interpretation, though basic rules generally allow wall play. Check with your local umpire or organisation for clarification.

Game Speed and Rally Types

Padel is known for longer rallies and more dynamic movement than tennis. The smaller court and walls allow the ball to be hit from extreme angles, creating a balance between defensive and offensive strategy. Beginners are often surprised by how long a single rally can last because the ball is difficult to hit out of bounds when played with adequate technique.

In padel, net position is critical—players who can reach and control the net area (volley) have a significant advantage in winning quick points. This differs from tennis, where baseline play (striking from the back of the court) is equally strategic. The combination of both makes padel engaging for all skill levels.

Tips for Beginners Understanding the Game

If you are new to padel, focus on these fundamentals: first, understand that the walls are your ally, not your enemy. Many beginners fear the ball will leave the court off a wall bounce, but walls actually make play more forgiving. Second, do not worry too much about power on your serve—underhand serves level the playing field, and focusing on returning serve well is more important.

Third, communication with your partner is essential. Padel is a two-on-two team sport, so agree on who takes balls in the centre area and who positions at net. Fourth, play with a competitive mindset, not just a defensive one. Padel is designed for long rallies and engaging tactics, not just power hitting.

For a more structured introduction to the sport, visit one of our Agena Sports locations in Jakarta or Bali—our staff can recommend equipment suited to beginners and connect you with local courts and communities where you can learn from experienced players.

Frequently asked questions

Is padel the same as tennis?

Not quite. Padel is played by four people on a smaller enclosed walled court with underhand serves and active walls. Tennis is played by two or four people on a larger open court with overhand serves. The point system is the same, but strategy and technique differ significantly.

How long does a typical padel match last?

A casual match may take 30–60 minutes depending on format (single set or best-of-three). Tournament matches with best-of-three sets usually run 60–90 minutes. Padel tends to be faster than tennis because the court is smaller and the ball is harder to hit out of bounds.

Can the ball bounce off the walls multiple times in one rally?

Yes, but not twice in a row on the same wall. The ball can bounce off the back wall, then a side wall, then the back wall again—as long as the ball stays in play and no other fault is committed.

What happens if I miss both my serves?

That is a double fault. The point goes to the receiving team. The serve then passes to the next player on your team, who begins their serve in their diagonal service box.

Can I cross to the opponent's side of the net during play?

No, not while a rally is ongoing. You may only reach for the ball from your own side. Crossing the net or touching it during a rally is a fault and awards the point to your opponents.