Padel Etiquette: Unspoken Rules

Shaking hands in padel as good etiquette

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on mastering padel etiquette!

As a padel enthusiast, it’s essential to not only refine your skills but also embrace the unspoken rules and courtesies that make the game enjoyable for everyone.

In this blog post, we will delve into the key aspects of padel etiquette, shedding light on the essential rules and courtesies you should be aware of.

By incorporating these guidelines into your gameplay, you’ll elevate your experience and contribute to a positive and respectful atmosphere on the court.

Let’s dive in!

Respect Court Usage and Prioritise Safety


Respecting court usage and prioritising safety form the foundation of padel etiquette.

Always honour designated court timings and avoid overstaying your allocated time slot.

Prioritise safety by warming up adequately before stepping onto the court, reducing the risk of injuries.

Show respect for your fellow players’ personal space and avoid encroaching on their side of the court during play.

Announce Your Shots to Your Partner


Clear communication is crucial for seamless gameplay.

To maintain clarity and prevent collisions, it’s important to announce your shots.

Verbally communicate your intentions by stating “mine” or “yours” clearly.

This ensures that you and your partner or opponents are on the same page and helps prevent misunderstandings during intense rallies.

We recommend only really doing this if it looks like both you and your teammate are going for the same ball, otherwise, it’ll become pretty easy for opponents to return your shots.

Calling your shots to your partner in padel

It’s Good Padel Etiquette to Give Way to the Serving Team


Demonstrate sportsmanship by giving way to the serving team.

As a receiver, position yourself behind the baseline, allowing sufficient space for the serving team.

Avoid crowding the service box and provide the server with the necessary room to execute their shot comfortably.

By doing so, you promote fairness and maintain a level playing field.

Avoid Hindering Your Opponent’s Vision


Respect your opponent’s line of sight to avoid obstructing their view.

Maintain a considerate position on the court, ensuring a reasonable distance from your opponents.

Steer clear of their direct line of vision when they are about to hit the ball.

By being mindful of your positioning, you foster fair play and create a friendly atmosphere during the game.

Embracing Good Sportsmanship is Key to Great Padel Etiquette


Padel thrives on good sportsmanship.

Show appreciation for your opponents’ well-executed shots and maintain a positive attitude throughout the game.

Avoid engaging in unsportsmanlike behaviour such as trash-talking, excessive celebration, or intentionally distracting your opponents.

Display respect towards your fellow players, irrespective of the outcome, and cultivate a friendly competitive spirit.

It’s also important to promote sportsmanship at an early age for your kids when they play padel.

And remember – always shake hands after the game!

Old people shaking hands after a game of padel

Leave the Court as You Found It


Leaving the court in good condition demonstrates your responsibility as a player.

Once you’ve finished your game, take a moment to clean up any trash, bottles, or personal belongings, and dispose of them properly.

By taking this simple step, you contribute to a clean and welcoming environment for the next set of players.

Summing Up Good Padel Etiquette

Mastering padel etiquette is essential for a well-rounded player.

By incorporating the unspoken rules and padel courtesies discussed in this blog post, you will not only enhance your personal game experience but also contribute to a positive and respectful atmosphere on the court.

Remember, padel is more than just skill; it’s about building connections, fostering sportsmanship, and enjoying the game with others.

Let’s embrace these etiquettes and create a thriving padel community!

For more valuable insights, tips, and strategies to elevate your padel game, stay tuned to our blog.

We’re here to help you become the best padel player you can be

Alfie Godfrey Padel Athletes Founder

About the Author

Alfie Godfrey – Padel Player (8+ Years) & Coach

From the moment Alfie discovered Padel on a family holiday in Barcelona back in 2015, his passion for this amazing sport knows no bounds. Driven by a mission to propel Padel to new heights worldwide, Alfie is dedicated to delivering the pinnacle of quality content.

Drawing from his own extensive 8-year journey as a player and the collective expertise of the esteemed team at PadelAthletes, he provides unrivaled insights, recommendations, and guides. Alfie and our ever-expanding network of casual and professional players, club owners, and sports scientists empower us to create the ultimate resources on all things Padel.

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