Let’s be real — padel looks easy. There are walls, you don’t have to sprint like Federer, and the rackets look like they belong in a beach bag.

But don’t get it twisted. There are rules — lots of them — and odds are you or someone in your doubles crew is breaking at least three per match.

Here’s your no-BS guide to the most misunderstood rules in padel — so you can start playing like a pro and judging everyone else like one.

1. Yes, the Serve Is Underhand — But You’re Still Doing It Wrong

Everyone thinks they know how to serve. But many don’t.

• Ball has to bounce behind the service line before you hit it.
• You must strike below your waist. Not your bellybutton. Not your chest. Waist.
• Your foot can’t touch or cross the service line.
• And yes, you get two chances, like tennis. Mess both up? Sit down.
  
  

2. Let Serves into the cage? Nah, that’s out.

Tennis might give you a “let” if your serve clips the net.
In Padel this is only the case if the ball does not hit the cage.
Hit the cage on serve after clipping the net? No second serve.

3. Return of Serve Rules Are a Trap

Here’s where the chaos begins.
If the serve hits the wall before it bounces on the ground, it’s a fault.
Correct order:
☑️ Ball lands in the box → ☑️ Bounces on ground → ☑️ Hits the back glass → ✅ You smack it.
Wrong order:
❌ Ball hits the wall → ❌ Then the ground → ❌ Still swing at it → ❌ You’re wrong.

4. Two Bounces = You’re Dead

Self-explanatory.
If the ball bounces twice before you hit it — point’s over.
Even if the second bounce is off the wall? Still counts. Still dead.
No second lives here.

5. Net Touches = Immediate Shame

If you or your clothes touch the net or the post during a point, you’re done. Even if it’s your hoodie drawstring.
But here’s a twist:
You can swing your racket over the net (as long as you don’t touch it). Spicy, but legal.

6. You Can Use the Wall — But Not Like a Psycho

Padel is squash’s cooler cousin, yes, but:

• You can play the ball off your own wall, but only after your opponent’s shot bounces.
• The wall is your friend, use it well.
  
  

7. Ball Hits Your Partner? Weirdly... Still in Play

If the ball accidentally taps your partner before it bounces, it’s technically still live — unless they do something insane like volley it with their chest.
We don’t recommend it. Unless you’re playing chaos padel.

8. Anyone Can Hit the Ball, Anytime

Doubles doesn’t mean “your side, my side.”
Either player can go for any shot, and often should.
Pro tip: communicate like you’re defusing a bomb. "YOURS!" saves friendships.

9. Yes, You Can Leave the Court Like a Goddamn Hero

On some courts with open fences, you’re allowed to run out of the cage like a padel ninja and bring the ball back.
Conditions:

• The ball must bounce once before flying out.
• You can’t run through the door holding the ball like it’s your child.
• You have to hit it back before bounce #2.
  Do it right and you’ll feel like Messi with a racket.

10. You Can Smash the Ball Out of the cage — On Purpose

Sick of the rally? Smash it over the back wall. If no one brings it back — point’s yours.
But if your opponent sprints out of the cage and returns it?
You’re in for a highlight reel (that you’re losing).

⚖️ Know the Rules. Win the War.

Padel is more than “tennis with walls.”
It’s a head game, a flex zone, and a rulebook waiting to be weaponized.
Next time your mate messes up a let, or slams one into their own wall, just raise an eyebrow and whisper: “Rule 3, bro.”