Padel is one of the most social and enjoyable sports you can play - fast rallies, plenty of laughs, and great camaraderie. But part of what makes padel so fun is the respect and sportsmanship shared on court. Whether you’re playing your first match or a weekly league fixture, knowing the unwritten rules of padel keeps the game enjoyable for everyone.

Here’s your quick guide to good padel etiquette - the do’s and don’ts every player should know.

✅ The Do’s

1. Be Punctual and Prepared

Arrive a few minutes early so you can warm up and start on time. Make sure your racket, balls, and water are ready - nobody likes waiting while you tape up a grip!

2. Respect the Serve and Rally

Wait until your opponent is ready before serving.

3. Call the Score Clearly

At the start of every point, call the score loud enough for everyone to hear. It prevents confusion and keeps things friendly, especially in close games.

4. Play the Let if Unsure

If there’s any doubt whether a ball was in or out, play a let and replay the point. It’s better to keep the match flowing than start an argument over a close call.

5. Apologise for Net Cords and Lucky Shots

If your ball clips the net and drops over, or hits the back wall and spins awkwardly, a quick apology is good etiquette. Everyone gets lucky sometimes - acknowledge it with a smile.

6. Encourage Your Partner

Padel is a team sport. Stay positive, even if your partner makes a mistake. A simple “good try” or “next one’s ours” helps keep morale high.

7. Retrieve Balls Safely

If a stray ball rolls onto your opponent’s side or another court, stop play and collect it carefully. Safety first, always.

8. Provide Your Serving Partner With Balls

If your partner is serving, make sure they have 2 balls before each serve. Pick the balls up and pass them to them rather then kicking or rolling it along the floor.

❌ The Don’ts

1. Don’t Smash at Your Opponents

Padel is competitive but friendly. Avoid deliberately aiming smashes at other players - especially in social matches. Control and placement are far more impressive!

2. Don’t Argue Over Line Calls

Everyone misses a call now and then. If it’s a social game, trust your opponents’ calls and move on. In matches, the rule is simple: if you’re not 100% sure, the point goes to your opponent.

3. Don’t Hog the Court

Make sure everyone gets an equal share of play. Padel is about teamwork - not solo heroics.

4. Don’t Break the Flow Between Points

Avoid excessive chatting or long breaks. A steady rhythm keeps the game enjoyable for everyone.

5. Don’t Throw or Smash Your Racket

Even in frustration - never. It’s dangerous, it damages equipment, and it kills the fun atmosphere.

😄 Quirky (But Real) Padel Etiquette Tips

🎾 Wait Before Entering the Court
If you’re joining the next session, don’t walk across the back while a rally’s in play. Wait until the point finishes - it’s basic, but often forgotten.

🎾 Celebrate - But Don’t Overdo It
A high five? Perfect. A loud fist pump and victory yell after every point? Maybe save that for match point!

🎾 Bring Spare Balls
It’s polite (and practical) to bring a new tube of balls occasionally rather than relying on others.

Final Thoughts

Good padel etiquette isn’t about rules - it’s about respect. A friendly attitude, fair calls, and a bit of humour go a long way to making matches more enjoyable for everyone.

Whether you’re playing a friendly hit or a league match, remember: it’s about fun, teamwork, and good vibes on court.