Padel Rules

Whether you're just starting out or you're an experienced padel player, you may be confused about the rules of padel. That's why we've put together this ultimate guide to the rules of padel. In the first section of this guide, we offer you a quick overview of the most important padel rules to help you get started.

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In the second section of the guide, you can read the complete set of padel rules from the International Padel Federation. With this guide, it is our intention to enable you to find the right decision, no matter what you're unsure about in the padel regulations. 

Padel rules - the quick overview for new players

As a new padel player, you need to learn the basic rules to get started with the game. In the following, we give you a brief overview of the most important padel rules, including the court dimensions, serve, scoring system, equipment and how to win a rally in padel.

About padel

• Padel is most often played as doubles with two players on each side of the net.
• Compared to other racket sports, padel is more approachable for most people as it is not as technically demanding (at least in the beginning).
• Padel is also less physically demanding, which means that people of all ages can participate and the risk of serious ankle, knee and hip injuries is reduced. 
• It's a social sport with 4 players, which is why many people also use padel for networking, corporate events and generally as a fun form of exercise.

The padel court

• A padel court measures 10 x 20 metres. A padel singles court measures 6 x 20 metres.
• The court is divided in two by a net in the centre.
• The court is surrounded by glass walls and metal grids that can be used in the game.

How do you score points in padel?

• The scoring system in padel is the same as in tennis (with some variations).
• You play best of 3 sets. A set is won by the first pair to win 6 games with a minimum advantage of 2 games.
• If the score is 5-5, the set is played to 7. If the score reaches 6-6, the set is decided by a tiebreak to 7 points. The tiebreak must be won with a minimum advantage of 2 points.
• The point count in a game is 0, 15, 30, 40 and game. If the score is 40-40 (deuce), you have agreed before the start of the match whether you will win the game with a minimum advantage of two points or whether you will play a deciding point, i.e. the winner of the next point wins the game (golden point).

How to make a serve in padel

• Each rally starts with a serve. The server has a 1st serve and a 2nd serve.
• The same player serves throughout the entire game. At the end of the game, the serve is passed on to the opposing pair.
• The serve must be an underhand serve, which must be hit from the waist or below.
• The serve must be hit diagonally into the opponent's service box, where it must hit the ground first. It may not hit the grid or glass wall directly, nor may it bounce once in the service box and into the grid. If the ball hits the white service line, it is valid.

How to win a padel rally

• The ball is lost if it hits the ground twice in the same half of the court.
• The ball is lost if it is hit directly into the glass walls or grids of the court.
• The ball is lost if you hit the net with your padel racket or body.
• The ball is lost if it hits you on the body - even if you or your partner subsequently manage to return the ball. 
• After the serve (which cannot be returned with a volley), you can hit the ball either directly with a volley or where the ball has bounced once on the ground.
• The ball must land in the opponent's half of the court and hit the court surface.
• You are allowed to let the ball bounce in your own half of the court, then bounce back off the glass wall or grid and return it before the ball hits the ground for a second time.
• You may return the ball by hitting it into the glass wall in your own half of the court so that it lands on the opponent's half. You may not hit the ball into the metal grid in your own half.

What equipment do you need for padel?

• Each player needs a padel racket.
• A tube with 3 balls is sufficient for a padel match. 
• Shoes are often underestimated. A proper padel shoe is clearly preferable. Avoid various running shoes and standard indoor shoes, as the outer sole, support and shock absorption do not live up to the demands of padel.
• Read more in this guide about padel equipment.

The complete set of padel rules from the International Padel Federation

If you are in doubt about a specific situation on the padel court, you may need to browse the complete set of rules in order to find the answer to your question. Dive into the full set of rules for international padel tournaments from the International Padel Federation (PadelFip).

Padel is an exciting and fast-paced sport played in doubles on an enclosed court. It combines elements of tennis and squash, making it a strategic and engaging game. One of the most important aspects of padel scoring is the 40-40 rule, also known as deuce. Many new players wonder what happens when both teams reach 40 points. The 40-40 rule can follow two different scoring systems—either the traditional advantage rule or the golden point rule. Understanding this rule is essential for both amateur and professional players, as it can affect match outcomes and overall playing strategies.

Understanding the 40-40 Rule in Padel

The 40-40 rule in padel is a crucial part of the game's scoring system. In padel, scoring follows the same format as tennis: 0 (love), 15, 30, 40, and game. When both teams reach 40-40, it results in deuce. At this point, two different rules may apply. The first is the traditional advantage rule, where one team must win two consecutive points to win the game. The second is the golden point rule, where a single point is played to determine the winner. Many professional matches and Indoor Padel Courts in Dubai now use the golden point rule to make games faster and more exciting.

When is the Golden Point Rule Used?

The golden point rule was introduced in  for professional padel tournaments. Instead of playing multiple advantage points, this rule ensures that a game is decided immediately. When the score reaches 40-40, the receiving team gets to choose which player will return the serve. The next point determines the winner of the game—there are no second chances. This rule increases intensity and speeds up matches, making the game more thrilling for both players and spectators. Many professional tournaments now use the golden point rule, but amateur games may still follow the traditional advantage system.

Why Was the Golden Point Introduced?

Before the golden point rule, some games lasted too long because teams kept going back and forth between deuce and advantage. This made matches slower and sometimes frustrating. The golden point rule was introduced to solve three main issues: game speed, excitement, and fairness. By ensuring that a game ends quickly at deuce, matches remain engaging and competitive. The rule also creates high-pressure moments, making padel even more thrilling. Additionally, since the receiving team chooses which player returns the serve, the golden point system balances the playing field, reducing the advantage of stronger servers.

How Does the 40-40 Rule Affect Strategy?

The 40-40 rule significantly affects how players approach the game. When playing under the golden point rule, the receiving team must make a quick decision on who will return the serve. The stronger player is usually chosen for this crucial point. Both teams must remain calm and focused, as a single mistake could cost them the game. The serving team often tries to place their serve in a difficult position, making it harder for their opponents to return the ball. Whether playing under the golden point or traditional advantage rule, strategy and mental strength are key in 40-40 situations.

For more information, please visit How Do You Count Scores in Padel?.

Does Every Padel Match Use the 40-40 Rule?

Not all padel matches follow the golden point rule. While professional tournaments now use it, many local clubs and amateur matches still prefer the traditional advantage system. In amateur play, some prefer the longer deuce battles that the advantage rule provides. However, others enjoy the faster pace that the golden point rule brings. If you are playing a casual match, always check with your opponents before starting. Some clubs have their own standard rules, while others allow players to decide before the game begins. Understanding the difference between these two systems is crucial for all players.

Golden Point vs Traditional Advantage: Which is Better?

Both scoring rules have their advantages and disadvantages. The golden point rule speeds up the game and creates intense, high-pressure moments. It also makes padel more exciting for spectators and forces players to focus on crucial points. On the other hand, the traditional advantage rule allows for longer rallies, giving teams more chances to recover from deuce. In professional matches, the golden point rule ensures fairness, as the receiving team picks who returns the serve. However, in casual matches, many players still prefer the traditional system because it gives them more opportunities to fight back.

How to Train for the 40-40 Rule in Padel

Whether playing under the golden point rule or traditional advantage rule, players must prepare for high-pressure situations. The best way to train is by practicing pressure scenarios, where every game point is treated as a golden point. Players should also work on strengthening their serves to gain an advantage at 40-40. Another important skill is returning serves under pressure, ensuring that the receiving team can control the point. Mental strength is equally important—staying calm and focused at crucial moments can make the difference between winning and losing. Proper training improves decision-making at 40-40.

Conclusion

The 40-40 rule in padel plays a crucial role in match outcomes. Whether using the traditional advantage rule or the golden point rule, this moment can change the course of a game. The golden point rule, now widely used in professional matches, makes games faster, fairer, and more exciting. However, the traditional rule is still popular among amateur players, especially in Outdoor Padel Tennis Dubai events, where players enjoy longer, more competitive rallies. Understanding and preparing for 40-40 situations is key to becoming a stronger padel player. The next time you reach deuce, remember your strategy, stay calm, and make every shot count!

Ready to Play? Visit Club Padel Dubai!

If you’re looking to improve your game and experience the thrill of padel, Club Padel Dubai is the perfect place to play. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, you’ll find top-quality courts and a vibrant community of padel enthusiasts. Enjoy professional coaching, competitive matches, and a fantastic atmosphere at one of the best padel facilities in Dubai. Don’t wait—book your game at Club Padel Dubai today and take your padel skills to the next level!

FAQs About the 40-40 Rule in Padel

What happens when the score reaches 40-40 in padel?

At 40-40 (deuce), the game follows either the traditional advantage rule or the golden point rule. In professional matches, the golden point rule is used, where a single deciding point determines the winner of the game. In amateur games, players may follow the traditional rule.

Why do professional padel matches use the golden point rule?

The golden point rule was introduced in  to make padel matches faster and more exciting. Instead of long deuce battles, this rule ensures that games are decided quickly while keeping the competition intense. It also balances fairness by allowing the receiving team to choose who returns the serve.

Can players choose whether to use the golden point rule?

In professional padel tournaments, the golden point rule is mandatory. However, in casual or club matches, players can decide before the game whether to follow the golden point system or the traditional advantage rule. Always check with your opponent or tournament organisers before starting a match.

Does the golden point rule favour the serving or receiving team?

The golden point rule adds fairness by letting the receiving team choose who will return the serve. This balances the advantage that the serving team might have. However, a strong server can still gain the upper hand by delivering a difficult serve during this high-pressure moment.

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