Your first padel match: rules, scoring, etiquette and warm-up.

Scoring without surprises

Points are called 0, 15, 30, 40 and game. A normal set is first to six games with a two-game margin; a tie-break is normally used at 6–6. Short sets and match tie-breaks are also permitted alternatives.

The 2026 FIP rules provide Advantage, Star Point and Golden Point game scoring at deuce. The club, league or event chooses the method. Say it aloud before play, especially with a time-limited booking.

Serve, return and walls in brief

The first point of each service game begins on the right. Bounce behind the line and strike underarm at or below waist height into the diagonal service box, then alternate right and left.

The serve return must bounce. During a rally, an incoming ball must hit the opponent's floor before glass or fence. On your side it may rebound from a wall after the floor and be returned before a second bounce.

• Two service attempts
• Net plus a valid service box is a let
• A served ball that then hits mesh is a fault
• Normal volleys are allowed after the return

Warm-up is more than hitting

The formal FIP pre-match courtesy rally lasts three minutes. It is not a complete physical warm-up. Start beforehand with easy movement, mobilize legs, hips, shoulders and wrists, then increase pace and range gradually.

During the hit-up, cooperate: short groundstrokes, back glass, volleys, a few lobs and controlled overheads. The goal is rhythm and reading the conditions, not beating the opponents.

Simple sportsmanship

Arrive ready with safe equipment, call lines honestly and accept a replay when accidental interference makes a recreational point unclear. Do not abuse balls or rackets in frustration.

Communicate early and respectfully with your partner. Replaying a disputed social point is usually better than a long argument; in organized play, follow the competition rules or official's decision.

A practical sequence

Five minutes before court time, check shoes, wrist cord, balls and format. Warm up physically, set sides and receiving order, hit together and decide the first server. Change ends after odd numbers of games and use the break briefly for water and one shared plan.