Padel Rules you Might Be Getting Wrong!

Padel looks simple, but there are plenty of rules that even experienced players get wrong. From dodgy serves to mystery lets, here’s a definitive guide to the most commonly misunderstood padel rules – and how to play the game correctly (and smugly).

1. The Serve Must Be Underhand – But There’s More To It

Most players know serves must be underhand, but:

• The ball must bounce behind your service line before you strike it.

• The racket must hit the ball below waist height.

• You must not step on or over the service line during the serve.

And yes, you get two serves (just like tennis). If you mess up the first one, you get another go.

2. The Return Serve Must Bounce Before Hitting the Wall

This is a big one: when returning serve, the ball must bounce once on the floor before touching the back or side walls. If it hits the wall first – even after bouncing – it’s a fault.

Correct order: Serve lands → Bounces on ground → Hits back wall → You return it.
Wrong order: Serve lands → Hits back wall without bouncing first → Fault.

3. You Can Play the Ball Off the Walls (But Not Always)

• The ball can bounce off your own back or side wall before going over the net (a classic defensive shot).

• But you cannot hit the ball directly into your own wall and then over the net.

Also: If the ball hits your wall before hitting the ground, it's a fault.

4. Double Bounce = Lost Point

If the ball bounces twice on your side before you hit it, you lose the point. Simple. But many players get confused when it comes off the wall.

The bounce still counts even if the ball rebounds off the glass. One bounce on the ground = legal, two = point over.

5. You Can Return the Ball from Outside the Court

Yes, you read that right. In some padel courts (with open fencing), you can actually exit the court and return the ball back into play after it rebounds out.

• You must not carry the ball or pass through a door.

• You must hit it before it bounces twice.

• It’s a great crowd pleaser but definitely an advanced move!

6. Net Touches Are Forbidden (Even With Clothing)

If you or your clothing touches the net or the posts, it’s your opponent’s point. Doesn’t matter if it was the softest brush with your t-shirt.

Bonus rule: If your padel racket goes over the net on a volley (without touching it) – that’s legal!

7. Let Serves Are Played, Not Repeated

Unlike tennis, if your serve hits the net and lands correctly, the point continues. No "let, first serve again" here. Many players still instinctively stop.

If it clips the net and lands in the correct service box: Play on!

8. Who Can Hit the Ball? Both Players!

Either player in a doubles team can return the ball, at any time. You don’t have to stick to sides like in tennis.

Best practice: Communicate and call for the ball – but technically, anyone can take it.

9. You Can Play a Ball Off Your Partner (But... Maybe Don’t)

In official rules, the ball can touch your partner and still be considered in play if it hasn’t bounced yet and your partner didn't intentionally interfere. But it’s rare, and probably best avoided unless you're into chaos.

10. You Can Smash the Ball Out (If It Comes Back In)

Hitting the ball out of the cage (over the back wall) is allowed in padel – but the point only continues if it comes back in and your opponent returns it.

If it goes out and no one can return it legally, you win the point.

Know the Rules, Win the Points

Padel is simple on the surface, but full of quirks and caveats. Mastering the rules doesn’t just stop silly mistakes – it gives you a real edge over opponents who play fast and loose with the basics.

Next time you're on court, smugly cite Rule 7 and enjoy the confusion.

Want to know more about padel? Read our beginners guide to padel.