The Padel Rules for 2026 in the UK
Padel Rules Explained: The Complete UK Guide for Beginners and Club Players
Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in Britain, with new courts opening from London to Manchester every month. Blending elements of tennis and squash, it’s easy to learn, highly social, and brilliantly addictive. Whether you're stepping onto court for the first time or looking to sharpen your match knowledge, this complete guide explains the official rules of padel in clear, UK-friendly terms.
What Is Padel?
Padel is a doubles racket sport played on an enclosed court roughly one-third the size of a tennis court. The game is governed internationally by the International Padel Federation (FIP), while in Britain it’s overseen by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), which also manages British padel development.
Basic Rules of Padel
1. Padel Is Always Played in Doubles
Unlike tennis, standard padel is strictly 2 vs 2. Singles is rare and not recognised in official competition.
Each team stands on opposite sides of the net within the enclosed court.
2. The Padel Court and Walls
A padel court measures 20 metres long by 10 metres wide and is surrounded by glass walls and metal fencing.
Key rule:
After the ball bounces once on your side of the court, it may rebound off the walls and still be returned legally.
However:
- The ball must bounce on the ground before touching any wall on the receiving side.
- You cannot volley the ball directly off the wall.
This is where padel differs most from tennis and becomes tactically similar to squash.
3. How to Start a Point (The Serve)
The serve in padel is underarm and must follow these rules:
- The ball must bounce behind the service line.
- Contact must be made below waist height.
- The serve must travel diagonally into the opponent’s service box.
- The ball must bounce once in the receiver’s box before hitting the glass (if it hits the fence first, it’s a fault).
Like tennis, you get two serves.
If the ball clips the net but lands correctly in the service box, it’s called a let and replayed.
4. Scoring System in Padel
Padel uses the same scoring format as tennis:
- 0 (Love)
- 15
- 30
- 40
- Game
If the score reaches 40–40, this is called deuce. A team must win two consecutive points from deuce to win the game (advantage scoring).
Most UK club matches are played as:
- Best of 3 sets
- First to 6 games, with a 2-game margin
- Tiebreak at 6–6 (first to 7 points, win by 2)
Some British leagues use a deciding match tiebreak (first to 10 points) instead of a third set.
5. Ball in Play Rules
A rally continues as long as:
- The ball bounces once on your side.
- You return it before it bounces twice.
- The ball may hit your back or side glass after bouncing once.
You lose the point if:
- The ball bounces twice.
- You hit the ball into your own glass before it crosses the net.
- The ball hits you or your partner.
- The ball goes directly into the opponent’s fence after bouncing (fence-first is out).
Advanced play allows the ball to be played outside the court if it exits through an opening — something you may see in high-level tournaments such as the Premier Padel Tour.
UK-Specific Competition Rules
In Britain, organised competitions follow guidelines set by the Lawn Tennis Association. These include:
- Approved court dimensions
- Official FIP match rules
- Code of conduct standards
- LTA ranking events and grading system
Many clubs across England, Scotland, and Wales now offer structured leagues and social ladders.
Equipment Rules
To play padel legally in the UK, you’ll need:
✔ A Padel Racket
- Solid (no strings)
- Perforated surface
- Maximum length: 45.5 cm
✔ Padel Balls
Similar to tennis balls but with slightly lower internal pressure for controlled bounce.
✔ Appropriate Footwear
Non-marking court shoes are required at most UK venues.
Common Beginner Mistakes (And Rule Misunderstandings)
- Volleying off the wall – Not allowed.
- Serving overarm – Must be underarm.
- Standing inside the service box when serving – Server must stay behind the service line.
- Letting the ball hit the fence after the bounce on serve – This is a fault.
Understanding these basics prevents most disputes during friendly UK matches.
Why Padel Is Growing Rapidly in the UK
Cities like Bristol, Leeds, and Glasgow are seeing a surge in padel participation. With strong backing from the Lawn Tennis Association and increasing international visibility through competitions like the Premier Padel Tour, the sport is now firmly established in Britain.
It’s easier to learn than tennis, more social than squash, and ideal for all ages.
Quick Summary: Key Padel Rules at a Glance
- Played in doubles
- Underarm serve only
- One bounce before wall contact
- Tennis-style scoring
- Walls are in play after the bounce
- Best of 3 sets in most UK matches
Padel’s rules are simple enough for beginners yet layered enough for competitive strategy. Whether you're joining a local club league or just playing socially with friends, understanding the official rules ensures fair, enjoyable matches.
If you’re in the UK and curious about getting started, check your nearest LTA-affiliated club and book a beginner session — you’ll be hooked after your first rally.