New to padel or just need a quick refresher? Here is the practical version: how scoring works, how to serve, what is in or out, and how to move as a doubles team.
Padel uses tennis scoring: 15, 30, 40, game. Most social matches are best of 3 sets, with a tiebreak at 6-6.
If you are playing casually, confirm format before the first serve and keep it simple.
Serve underarm after one bounce, below waist height, into the opposite service box. If it clips the net and still lands in, replay the serve (let).
After one bounce on your side, the ball can hit your back or side glass and still be returned. That is where padel gets fun.
Bring runners, arrive a few minutes early, and keep warm-up short if another booking follows. You can rent equipment at the venue and check bookings in advance.