rules
What are the serve rules in padel?
Padel serve rules differ significantly from tennis. The server must: (1) Stand behind the service line on the right side (first point) or left side (subsequent points), within the service box. (2) Bounce the ball and hit it underarm — the ball must be struck at or below waist height. (3) Hit the ball cross-court into the diagonally opposite service box. (4) Allow one ground bounce before the receiver returns. The ball must not hit the fence or walls before bouncing in the service box. Foot faults: the server must keep both feet behind the service line at contact. Second serve is permitted if the first is out. Lets: if the ball clips the net and lands in the correct box, the point is replayed. Unlike tennis, padel serves are rarely dominant — the sport is designed so the rally is where points are won.
Track your padel game with Smash.
Match tracking, AI coaching, leaderboards, and partner matching — built for GCC padel players.
Join the waitlist →