A Complete Guide to Padel

Padel is a racket sport of Mexican origin, typically played in doubles on an enclosed court slightly smaller than a doubles tennis court. 

Although padel shares the same scoring system as tennis, the rules, strokes, and technique are different. The balls used are similar but with a little less pressure. The main differences are that the court has walls and the balls can be played off them in a similar way as in the game of squash and that solid, stringless bats are used.

The Sport is extremely popular in Spain and Argentina and growing in popularity accross Europe and USA.

How to Play Padel

Padel: The Basics

Key Facts
  • Padel is played in doubles with a court 25-30% smaller than a tennis court. There are also single courts, but it’s less common.
  • Padel rules are similar to those of tennis, but you serve underarm. Points are calculated as in tennis.
  • Padel balls are smaller and have less air pressure than tennis balls.
  • Padel racket: Solid with no strings. The racket has to be perforated

The Serve

When you’re on the serving team, the game is started by serving the ball from the right side of the court.

The serve must bounce once on your side of the field before you hit it to the opponents court.

You serve diagonal to the other side and must hit it to the left of the center service line (serving from the right).

How to Win a Point/Scoring

Scoring is generally the same as in tennis.

Winning Points:

  • You win a point each time your opponent hits the ball directly into their own net.
  • You win a point each time the ball bounces twice on the ground in the opponent’s half of the field.
  • You win a point if the opponent hits the ball in his own fence.
  • You win a point if the opponent knocks the ball out of the court, for example, if it comes outside the court itself or goes directly into one of the walls.
  • You win a point if one of your opponents is hit by the ball, e.g. you smash the ball in the back on a player. That’s your point!

Faults

  • Missing the Correct Service Box: The serve must land diagonally in the opponent’s service box—if it doesn’t, it’s a fault.

  • Hitting the Net: If the serve touches the net and doesn’t land in the correct box, it’s a fault.

  • Ball Bouncing in the Wrong Area: The ball must bounce before hitting the glass wall or metal mesh—if it hits directly, the serve is invalid.

  • Foot Fault: The server must stand behind the service line and not step over it during the serve.

  • Ball Out of Bounds: If the ball lands outside the court lines (including hitting the walls directly on the opponent’s side), it’s out.

  • Two Bounces: If the ball bounces twice before a player hits it, the point is lost.

  • Double Hit: Players cannot strike the ball twice in one shot.

  • Touching the Net: If a player, their paddle, or clothing touches the net during play, it’s a fault.

  • Hitting the Ball Before It Crosses the Net: A player cannot hit the ball before it crosses to their side.

  • Interference or Obstruction: If a player distracts or obstructs their opponent unfairly, it can be considered a fault.

Rules: Using the Wall

In padel, the glass/cage walls are integral to gameplay, and understanding the rules regarding them can give you a strategic advantage.

  • Allowed Bounces: The ball can hit the glass walls after bouncing on the ground and still be in play.

  • Direct Hits: If you hit the ball directly into the glass walls without it touching the ground, it's considered out.

  • Using the Walls Defensively: You can let the ball rebound off the glass to return a shot, giving yourself time to position correctly.

  • Opponent's Return: If your shot bounces off the ground and then hits the glass on your opponent’s side, it is still in play.

  • Opponent’s Side: If your shot hits the ground first, then rebounds off the metal mesh on the opponent’s side, it's still in play.

  • Direct Hits: If you hit the metal mesh directly (without bouncing on the ground first), the ball is out.

  • Strategic Play: The mesh can cause unpredictable bounces, so placing shots strategically near it can make it harder for your opponent to return.

 

Padel Rules

How to Serve in Padel

Padel Court Position

Padel Hints, Tips and Strategies

Control the Net

  • The team that dominates the net usually controls the point. Move forward after a good lob or deep shot and force your opponents into defensive play.

  • Aim for volleys and smashes to keep your opponents under pressure.

Anticipate Your Opponent's Shots

Try to read your opponent's body language and paddle position to anticipate their shots.

Strategic Lobs

Use lobs to push your opponents back and give yourself time to recover.

Vary your Shots

Mix up your shots with different speeds and angles to keep your opponent guessing.

Wall Strategies

  • Defensive Rebounds: If a fast shot is coming your way, let it bounce off the back glass to gain time and position yourself for a controlled return.

  • The Surprise Lob: Hitting a high lob that rebounds off the back glass behind your opponent can force them into a defensive scramble.

  • Low & Fast Attacks: Instead of hitting directly at your opponent, aim for the side glass first—this can create awkward angles and make returns trickier.

  • Wall-Assisted Counterattacks: When under pressure, use the glass to rebound the ball and change the pace, preventing your opponent from predicting your next shot.

  • The Cage Trap: If your opponent is deep in the court, aim for the area near the metal mesh—balls that bounce off the cage can create unpredictable returns.

  • Sharp Angles: If positioned right, you can angle the ball so it clips off the cage after bouncing, making it extremely hard for your opponent to control.

  • Forcing Errors: Shots near the cage are difficult to return cleanly—many players struggle with controlling balls that react unpredictably off the metal mesh.

  • Use Against Lob Returns: If your opponent consistently plays lobs, drive the ball into the cage area, making their return unstable and forcing them out of position.

Back Glass

Double Glass

essential hints and tips

Playing Slow

Padel Shots and Spins

Forehand and Backhand Groundstrokes

  • These are your basic shots from the baseline, used to rally and maintain control.

  • Forehand: Played with the dominant hand, allowing for power and spin.

  • Backhand: Often more difficult, but crucial for defensive play and angled shots.

Volley

  • A shot hit before the ball bounces, usually near the net.

  • Helps maintain offensive pressure and set up winning points.

Smash

  • A powerful overhead shot aimed at finishing the point.

  • Can be hit flat or with spin to ensure the ball stays in play after bouncing.

Lob

A high shot used to push opponents back and regain positioning.

Vibora

  • Similar to the bandeja but hit with more aggression and sidespin.

  • Makes returns difficult due to unpredictable bounces off the wall.

Chiquita

  • A soft, short shot aimed to disrupt the opponent’s rhythm.

  • Usually played cross-court to set up an offensive volley.

Bandeja

  • A controlled overhead shot with slice or spin to keep the ball low and deep.

  • Used to counter lobs without giving opponents an easy attacking opportunity.

Bajada

  • A downward shot played after a lob bounces off the back glass.

  • Keeps the ball low and forces opponents into a difficult return.

Volley

Bandeja

Bajada

Vibora

Chiquita

Lobs

Forehand in Padel

Padel Backhand

Padel Spin Shot Techniques

Padel spin techniques can add a whole new level of strategy to your game! Here are the main types of spin you can use:

Topspin

This gives the ball a forward rotation, causing it to dip quickly and bounce higher. Great for aggressive shots that keep opponents on their toes.

Backspin (also known as Slice spin or Underspin)

This makes the ball float and skid low after bouncing, making it tricky to return.

Sidespin

This causes the ball to curve sideways, adding unpredictability to your shots.

Using Sidespin and Slice

Padel Drills

Focus up/down Drills

 Defense and Offense Drills

Focus forward/back Drills

Padel: Watch the Games - Learn from the Play

Best Points in Padel