Padball Rules
Want to take your game to the next level? Understanding the official Padball rules gives you the edge—whether you’re training for a tournament or just love playing with precision. This quick guide outlines the core gameplay standards, including Padball court zones, scoring, and how to keep it fair with the correct Padball equipment.
Court Zones Explained
A Padball court features distinct areas that guide how the game flows:
Service Zone
Where the server must stand when initiating play. It sits behind the 3.25m line and stretches across the back area of the court.
Receiving Serve Zone
The space diagonally opposite the server where the ball must land during the serve. It includes the area between the net and the center line.
Red/Attack Zone
A one-meter zone on either side of the net. Players must be in contact with this area when volleying.
Exterior Zone
If a player chases the ball outside the court walls, the ball must remain airborne to stay in play.
Ball in Play: Touches, Bounces, Glass & Rebounds
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The ball can be played without bouncing, but only one bounce per side is allowed. A second bounce ends the rally and results in a fault.
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Each team is allowed up to three touches between teammates, with the third touch required to send the ball to the opposing side.
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Walls can be used strategically on your own side. However, on the opponent’s side, the ball must bounce on the floor before it touches their back or side wall—otherwise, it’s a fault.
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You can use your feet, head, chest, or any body part—except your arms or hands.
Serving in Padball
The serve is freestyle—you can use any body part except your hands, and the ball doesn’t need to bounce before serving. Whether it’s a powerful kick or a creative trick serve, the only requirement is that the ball lands in the opponent’s receiving serve zone.
Players remain on their original side of the court throughout the match—partners do not switch sides during play. However, teams alternate sides between games.
Padball Serving Rules
Step by Step
- One player from Team A starts the match with a serve
- Only one player serves at a time
- The same player continues serving as long as their team wins points
- When the opposing team wins a point, they gain the right to serve
- When a team regains serve, the serving player alternates within that team
- Teams switch sides between games, not during play
- Players do not rotate positions during the match
- The server must aim for the receiving serve zone on the opponent’s side
Match Format & Scoring
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Matches are played in a best-of-three games format
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Each game is played to 11 points
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If the score reaches 10–10, a team must win two consecutive points to win the game
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The first team to win two games wins the match
Faults & Violations
A point is lost for:
- Allowing more than one bounce on your side
- Exceeding three touches
- Using arms or hands to play the ball
- Serving from the wrong position or missing the receiving zone
- Touching the net or entering the opponent’s court
- Involuntary interference (e.g., contact with court structures), which may result in a replay
Play the Right Way
Official Padball tournaments are played in a 2v2 format, ensuring a balanced and competitive experience. The rules of Padball are designed to keep the game fair, fast, and fun. Whether you’re competing or just practicing with friends, sticking to the official Padball rules keeps the sport sharp and exciting.
Reserve a Padball Court
Ready to rally? Bring your A-game, follow the official Padball rules, and let the court sharpen your skills.
