Padel Rules Explained

A Beginner-Friendly Guide to Playing Padel in New Zealand

If you’re new to padel or looking to sharpen your understanding of the game, knowing the rules is the best place to start. Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in New Zealand, and it’s easy to see why – it’s social, accessible, and seriously fun.

In this guide, we’ll break down the essential padel rules in a simple, easy-to-follow way so you can step onto the court with confidence. If you’re just getting started, you will always be able to refer to our Padel Basic Rules guide which is mounted on the side of each court at our centre.

What is Padel?

Padel is a racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. It’s typically played in doubles using padel rackets made from compressed foam, fiber glass or carbon fibre. Games are played on an enclosed court surrounded by glass walls and mesh fencing, and yes, you can play shots off the glass walls.
That’s where things start to get interesting.

Basic Padel Rules You Need to Know

1. Padel Is Played in Doubles

Padel is almost always played as doubles (2 vs 2). While singles can be played on smaller courts (6 metres wide x 20 metres long), the standard format is doubles (10 metres x 20 metres long), making it a highly social and strategic game.

There is currently only one singles court in New Zealand at Padel House in Wellington.

2. Scoring Works Like Tennis

During regular games Padel uses the same scoring system as tennis:

• 0 = Love
• 15
• 30
• 40
• “Game”

If both teams reach 40-40, that’s called deuce. From there you can choose to play with:

• Golden Point – Next point wins the “game”, the receiving team pick which player decided which player returns the serve.
• Traditional tennis scoring – Win one point = advantage, Win the next = “game”.

We recommend using “Golden Point” as it keeps the match moving.
Matches are usually played as the best of 3 sets

3. The Serve: Underarm Only

One of the biggest differences from tennis is the serve:

• Must be underarm
• Ball must bounce behind the service line
• Contact must be below waist height and behind the service line
• Serve diagonally into the opponent’s service box
• If the ball hits the mesh its a fault
• If the ball hits the top of the net before continuing into play it is a “Let”. Repeat the serve.
• The ball must bounce one before it is returned.

You have 1st and 2nd serve, just like tennis.

4. Using the Walls Is Part of the Game

This is what makes padel unique.

• After the ball bounces on your side, it can hit the glass walls and still be returned
• After the ball bounces on your side, it can hit the mesh (except for on the serve) must still be returned
• You can also hit the ball off your own back or side glass to return it (like in squash)

However:

• The ball must bounce first before hitting the wall on your side
• If you hit the glass or mesh “on the full” you loose the point.

5. Ball Bounce Rules

To keep play valid:

• Outside of the serve you can volley, ie play the ball before it bounces, it can only ever bounce once on your side.
• You can play it before or after the ball has bounced of the wall

6. What Wins or Loses a Point?

You win a point if your opponent:

• Lets the ball bounce twice
• Hits the ball into the net
• Hits the ball out of the court (without the ball bouncing once on your side first)
• Hits the ball directly into any wall except their own glass before it bounces

You lose a point if you do the same – simple as that

Common Beginner Mistakes

If you’re new, watch out for these:

• Trying to serve overarm (old tennis habits die hard)
• Forgetting the ball must bounce before you serve
• Forgetting the ball must bounce before hitting the walls
• Hitting the ball much to hard, padel rewards positioning, not power.
• Ignoring your partner (teamwork is everything)

Why Learning the Rules Matters

Padel is easy to pick up, but understanding the rules makes it way more enjoyable. Once you get the basics down, the game becomes less about confusion and more about strategy, teamwork, and having a good time.

If you’re keen to play, book a court or learn more at https://padelcentre.co.nz – it’s one of the best ways to experience padel in New Zealand.

Ready to Try Padel?

Now that you know the rules, the next step is simple: get on court.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or coming from tennis or squash, padel is incredibly welcoming and quick to learn.

👉 Explore more tips, book courts, or join a session here: https://padelcentre.co.nz