Padel Rules for Beginners

Welcome to the world of padel! Whether you just picked up a racket for the first time at one of Lisbon's amazing courts or you're gearing up for your first session, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to play with confidence.

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The Basics: How the Game Works

Padel is played in doubles (2 vs 2) on an enclosed court surrounded by glass walls and metal mesh. The court is smaller than a tennis court, which makes it fast-paced and super fun for beginners. The scoring system is the same as tennis: 15, 30, 40, and game. You play best of 3 sets, with each set going to 6 games.

The ball must bounce once on the ground before hitting the glass walls. This is what makes padel unique — the walls are part of the game! Learning to use the walls to your advantage is one of the most exciting skills you'll develop as you play more.

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Serving Rules

• The serve is always underarm — no overhead serves like in tennis.
• You must bounce the ball and hit it at or below waist height.
• The ball must land in the diagonal service box on the other side of the net.
• You get two chances to serve (first and second serve), just like in tennis.
• In Lisbon's clubs, courts are often marked clearly so beginners can easily identify the service boxes.

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Walls, Faults & Fair Play

One of the most common questions from beginners is: when can the ball hit the wall? Here's a simple breakdown:

• After the bounce: The ball can hit the glass walls on your side after it bounces on the ground. You can then play it back over the net.
• Before the bounce: If the ball hits the wall before bouncing on the ground on your side, it is out.
• Out of court: If the ball flies over the walls and out of the court, the point goes to the other team.

Lisbon has a fantastic and welcoming padel community — from courts in Parque das Nações to clubs in Cascais and Belém. Most clubs offer beginner-friendly sessions where the rules are explained before you start, so don't be afraid to ask your coach or court host for a quick rundown before your first game.

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Ready to Play?

Now that you know the basics, it's time to get on the court! Check out our Booking & Memberships section to reserve your first court in Lisbon, or head over to Equipment & Rules for tips on choosing the right racket for your level.

See you on the court! 🎾