Rules for Padel Play

FORMAT

All play in the sport of Padel is doubles format.

SCORING

In the sport of Padel, the same scoring system is used as in the sport of tennis. 

SERVICE

With regard to service, the following rules apply:

• In Padel, all play begins with an underhand serve from the right service court into the opponent's court diagonally across, similar to tennis.

• The server must allow the ball to bounce once before hitting it and the ball must be hit below waist level.

• The serve must land in the opponent's service box. If the ball bounces in the service box and strikes the side or back wall, it is a valid serve and must be played by the opposing player. If the ball lands in the service box and hits the wire fencing after one bounce, it is considered a fault.

• The server must keep at least one foot on the ground when hitting the serve. The server's feet may not touch or cross the service line while serving.

• In Padel, similar to tennis, the server has two opportunities to complete the serve.

• If the ball hits the net on the serve, the server gets another serve as long as the ball would have been good had it not hit the net.

FAIR PLAY

The following are considered fair play situations in the sport of Padel:

• The court lines are considered in play only during the initial serve. Otherwise, they are not a factor in determining the outcome of each point in the game between opposing players.

• All players are permitted to play a ball off any of the walls on their own side of the court.

LOSS OF POINT

The opposition wins a point when any of the following events occur:

• The ball bounces twice in any area on your side of the court.

• The ball strikes you or your teammate while in play.

• The ball hits the wire fencing, posts or any other fixture before going over the net or landing on the opponent's court.

• You hit the ball twice in the same shot.

• You hit the net with your racket, clothes or any part of your body while playing any point.

OUT OF BOUNDS

The ball is considered out of bounds and a point is given to the opposing players if the ball hits the wire fence or walls before bouncing on the opponent's side of the court.

OVERHAND STROKES

The ball can be taken out of the air by any player except on the initial serve and the return of serve.

WINNING THE GAME

Matches are made up of 3 sets, with each set made up of six games. To win a set, a pairing should win six games with two clear games. If the score gets to 6-6, a tiebreak is played in which the winner is the first side to get to seven points with two clear points. The winners of two out of the three sets will be declared winners of the Padel match. SUPER TIE-BREAK GAME TO DEFINE THE MATCH (10 POINTS): When the score is one set all set, a tie-break game will play to decide the winner. This tie-break is final and replaces the last set. The first pair to win ten points wins the tie-break and the match, provided there is a minimum margin of 2 points. Note: When the match “tie break” is used to replace the final set: The original order of service will continue, although the players may change the order of the server and that of the receiver.