How to Play Padel: Rules and Basics for Beginners
New to padel? This quick guide covers everything you need to know before stepping onto one of our courts at Go Padel in Trichardt — the rules, the scoring, what to wear, and answers to the questions beginners ask us most.
What is padel?
Padel is a fast-growing racket sport that combines the best parts of tennis and squash. It's played in doubles on an enclosed court surrounded by glass and mesh walls. The walls are part of the game — the ball can bounce off them, making rallies longer and more exciting.
At Go Padel Trichardt we have 3 premium floodlit padel courts, racket rental included, and sessions for every level — from first-timers to competitive league players.
The court
A padel court is roughly one-third the size of a tennis court. It is 20 metres long and 10 metres wide, with glass back walls and metal mesh side walls. The service lines and net height are similar to tennis, but the enclosed space changes the strategy completely.
Scoring, with a worked example
Padel uses the same scoring system as tennis: 15, 30, 40, game, set, match. Games are won by the first side to reach 40 with a two-point advantage. Sets are typically played as the first to six games, and matches are usually the best of three sets.
Here is how a single game plays out point by point:
| Point | Who won it | Called as |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Your team | 15 – 0 |
| 2nd | Opponents | 15 – 15 |
| 3rd | Your team | 30 – 15 |
| 4th | Opponents | 30 – 30 |
| 5th | Opponents | 30 – 40 |
| 6th | Your team | Deuce (40 – 40) |
| 7th | Your team | Advantage you |
| 8th | Your team | Game |
Win six games and you take the set. Some social sessions at Go Padel use a shorter format — a single set, or "golden point" at deuce where one point decides the game — so more players get court time.
Serving rules
- Serves are always underarm and diagonally into the opponent's service box.
- The server must bounce the ball once before hitting it below waist height.
- The serve must land in the diagonal service box after bouncing once in the opponent's court.
- If the served ball hits the side mesh and then lands correctly, the serve is a let and is replayed.
- Players get two serves, just like tennis.
During the rally
After the serve, the ball must bounce once on the opponent's side before it can be hit back. Players can use the walls after the ball has bounced — for example, you can let the ball hit the back glass and then return it. However, the ball cannot touch the wall on your own side before you hit it.
Volleys are allowed, but they must not touch any wall on your side. If the ball hits the fence or glass on your side before you strike it, the point is lost.
How to win a point
You win the point if the ball bounces twice on your opponents' side, if they hit it into the net or out of the court, or if it touches the walls on their side before bouncing.
What to wear and bring
Wear comfortable sportswear and non-marking court shoes. We provide rackets and balls, so all you need is yourself and a bottle of water. If you prefer your own racket, bring it along.
Five beginner mistakes to avoid
- Hitting too hard. Padel rewards placement and patience, not power. Let the glass do the work.
- Standing too far back. The team that controls the net usually wins the point.
- Panicking at the back glass. Let the ball come off the wall, then hit it — you have more time than you think.
- Ignoring your partner. Move as a pair, side by side, up and back together.
- Overhitting the smash. A controlled smash that stays in beats a big one that flies out of the court.
Padel FAQs for beginners
Is padel easy to learn for beginners?
Yes. Most first-timers are rallying within about 15 minutes. The court is smaller than a tennis court, the racket is short and solid, and the underarm serve is simple to pick up. You do not need any tennis background to enjoy your first game.
How does padel scoring work?
Padel uses tennis scoring: 15, 30, 40, game. You need to win a game by two points, six games to win a set, and usually two sets to win the match. At 40–40 (deuce) a side must win two points in a row.
Can the ball bounce off the glass walls in padel?
Yes, and that is what makes padel fun. After the ball bounces on your side of the court you may play it off your own back or side glass. What you may not do is let the ball touch your walls before it has bounced on the floor.
How many players do you need for padel?
Padel is played as doubles, so four players. At Go Padel a court is R250 per hour with rackets included, which works out at R62.50 per person for an hour.
Do I need my own racket to play padel?
No. Racket rental is included in the court fee at Go Padel Trichardt, and we supply balls. Bring non-marking court shoes, comfortable sportswear and water.
How long does a padel game last?
A casual social game usually fits comfortably into a one-hour court booking. A full competitive match of three sets can run 60 to 90 minutes.
What age can children start playing padel?
Children can start from around six years old with a lighter racket. Under-18s play for R50 per hour at Go Padel, rackets included, and our junior academy runs structured coaching sessions.
Ready to try padel in Trichardt?
Book a court at Go Padel and put these rules into practice. A court is R250 per hour with rackets included, and under-18s play for R50 per hour. We offer casual court hire, our junior academy, and social leagues and tournaments throughout the year. Coming from out of town? See our guide to padel courts near you in Mpumalanga.