6 Basic Rules to Start Playing Padel

So you've been hearing about padel everywhere, and now you're curious, right? You want to grab a racket and dive in, but you're not quite sure where to start. Don't worry, we've got you covered. By the end of this, you'll know the basic rules and be ready to hit the court with confidence.

Ready to Hit the Court?

Before you get onto the padel court, it's a good idea to learn the basic rules. You don't need to know everything right away, but understanding the key points will make the game more fun. Once you know the rules, you'll feel more confident as you play.

Padel is easy to learn, and the rules are pretty simple once you get started. Knowing how to serve, score, and move around the court will make the game flow better, and the more you understand, the more you'll enjoy it.

Padel is also about teamwork and strategy, especially in doubles. It's not just about hitting the ball, it's about working together and knowing when to act. Once you're clear on the basic rules, you can focus on having fun and getting better at the game.

6 Basic Rules To Start Playing Padel

Just like other sports, a handful of rules will stop you scratching your head mid-match. These aren't hard to remember, but understanding them will help you play with more confidence. Here are the six basics to get you started.

1. Underhand Serve Only

Standing behind the service line, the serve must be underhand or underarm, with the ball bouncing on the ground before you strike it. If the ball lands in the service box, then bounces and hits the fence first, the point is out. If it hits the glass wall instead, the point is live and the rally begins.

2. Padel Scoring Follows Tennis Format

Padel is played in points, games, and sets. The point system follows this order: 0 (called "love"), 15, 30, 40, then game if you win the next point.

When the score reaches 40-40 ("deuce"), a player or team needs to win two consecutive points to win the game. The first point after deuce is called "advantage", and winning the next point wins the game.

A game is won by four points with at least a two-point lead. A set is won by six games, again with at least a two-game lead, so at 6-5 the leading team needs one more game to win the set. At 6-6, a tiebreaker usually decides the winner: players alternate serves every two points, and the first team to 7 points with a two-point lead takes the set. Padel matches are typically best of three sets, with the first team to win two sets winning the match.

3. The Double Bounce Rule

The ball can only bounce once on your side of the court. If it bounces twice before you return it, you lose the point. You can let the ball bounce off the walls after that first bounce, as long as it stays within the court.

4. Ball Can Bounce Off the Walls

Once the ball bounces on your side of the court, it can then bounce off the walls and still be in play. As long as it hits the ground first and then the glass wall, it's fair game. If the ball goes out of the court, or hits the fence without bouncing first, it's out.

5. Padel is a Doubles Game

Padel is almost always played as a doubles game, two players on each team. The smaller court and use of walls make it a more strategic, team-oriented game than singles, and good communication is key to winning since both players need to cover different areas of the court.

If you're just starting out, a forgiving racket makes a real difference. The GP Discovery is designed specifically for beginners — its round shape and low balance point give you more control and confidence as you find your feet on court.

6. Hands Through The Loop

In padel, it's recommended to put your hand through the safety loop (wrist loop) on the racket handle. This isn't an official rule, more a safety guideline and good practice, for a few reasons:

Safety first: the loop stops the racket flying out of your hand during intense rallies, protecting you and your opponent from injury.
Better grip: the wrist strap helps maintain control of the racket, especially for quick, reactive shots.
Comfort and stability: it gives extra support to your wrist, making it easier to handle the racket during long games or powerful shots.

It's not strictly enforced, but wearing the wrist loop is standard practice and shows respect for the sport's etiquette and everyone's safety on court.

These key rules give you a solid foundation for enjoying the game. You're now ready to hit the court and swing that racket.

More Padel Rules To Know

You're well on your way to jumping into a game, but there are more specific rules that can help deepen your understanding. These will help you refine your skills and play with more strategy, and the more you learn, the more fun it gets.

For a deeper look at the rules in action, this video from The Padel School on YouTube breaks it down well.

Conclusion

You've got the basics down, and that's a great start. Now you're ready to hit the court with more confidence and enjoy your first games. Keep practising, explore the finer details as you go, and remember, padel is all about having fun and working as a team.

When you're ready to gear up, the GP Discovery is our go-to beginner racket — built for control and easy handling from day one. If you're looking to progress quickly, the GP Pro Control is a great next step for players developing their technique. And for everything else you need on court, browse our full range of padel accessories.

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