Padel is a racket sport played almost exclusively in doubles, on a court enclosed by glass and metal mesh. The walls are in play: a ball that bounces on the floor and rebounds off the back glass is still live. Rallies last longer than in tennis, power matters less than placement, and beginners can hold a rally within minutes — which is a large part of why it has spread so fast.
The setup
- Four players, two teams of two. Singles padel exists but is rare, and is played on a narrower court.
- The court is 20 m × 10 m — much smaller than a tennis court — fully enclosed by glass walls and mesh fencing, with a net across the middle.
- Rackets are solid, stringless and perforated, with a wrist strap you are required to wear.
- The ball looks like a tennis ball but is slightly less pressurised, so it sits up a little more.
Serving
- The serve is underarm. Bounce the ball on the floor behind the service line first, then strike it at or below waist height.
- It must travel diagonally into the opponents’ service box, as in tennis.
- You get two attempts — a second serve after a fault.
- The receiving team must let the serve bounce before returning it: you may not volley a serve.
The walls — the bit that makes it padel
- On your own side: once the ball has bounced on the floor, it may rebound off your glass or mesh and you can still play it. Letting it come off the back wall is a normal, even preferred, way to hit.
- On their side: your shot must land in their court FIRST. A ball that flies straight into their wall before bouncing on the floor is your fault.
- You may volley (hit before the bounce) at any time except on the return of serve.
- A ball that bounces and then leaves the court through an opening can, at some venues, be chased and played from outside. Glorious when it works.
Scoring
- Exactly like tennis: 15, 30, 40, game — and deuce/advantage when both reach 40.
- Six games with a two-game margin wins a set; a match is usually best of three sets.
- Many clubs and tournaments play a "golden point": at deuce, a single sudden-death point decides the game.