Can You Play Padel 1v1?

I’ll be honest—when I first heard someone ask if padel could be played one-on-one, my first reaction was a mix of laughter and concern. Padel, for those who don’t know, is a doubles sport by design. It thrives on teamwork, strategy, and the beautiful chaos of four players smashing a ball around a court that has more walls than my commitment issues. But sure, let’s entertain the idea of a 1v1 padel match. Because, why not?

The Short Answer (But Stick Around for the Fun One)

Yes, you can play padel 1v1. Will it feel like a normal game? Absolutely not. Will it test your stamina, shot placement, and patience with yourself? Oh, without a doubt. Should you do it? Well, that depends on how much you enjoy pain.

Why Padel Wasn’t Built for Singles (But We’re Doing It Anyway)

Padel, unlike tennis, is designed around the concept of covering the court as a team. The court dimensions (20m x 10m) are significantly smaller than a tennis court, but that doesn’t mean it’s manageable for one player. There’s a reason pro players don’t suddenly ditch their partners and say, “I got this.”

Here’s why playing 1v1 in padel is an entirely different beast:

• Movement Becomes a Marathon – In doubles, your partner covers half the court. In singles? You’re on your own, running from one corner to another, lunging for drop shots, and cursing yourself for not doing more cardio.
• Shot Placement is Everything – You no longer have a partner at the net to help block and attack. Your ability to place shots accurately—preferably where your opponent isn’t—becomes crucial (but I won’t say the word crucial, because we both know that’s banned).
• Defending is a Nightmare – Those back walls that usually help reset a point? Now they’re just mocking you as you scramble to cover all that open space.

The 1v1 Rules (Because We Need Some Structure)

If you’re stubborn enough to attempt a singles match, here are some adjustments to make it more playable:

1. Use the Singles Padel Court – Yes, they exist. Some clubs have smaller courts designed for one-on-one games. If you’re on a normal court, just accept that you’ll be gasping for air halfway through.
2. Adjust the Serve – Normally, in doubles, you serve cross-court. In 1v1, you can serve straight ahead or cross-court, depending on what makes sense.
3. Scoring Stays the Same – Standard padel scoring applies. The game doesn’t need to be any more complicated than it already is.
4. Limit Smashes – This isn’t an official rule, but be honest—if your opponent smashes a ball past you, are you really running to get it? Probably not. Some casual players agree to keep smashes at a minimum.

Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Play Padel 1v1

Let’s be clear—this isn’t for the faint of heart. Playing singles padel is an extreme sport in its own right. It’s for the player who:

• Has stamina for days.
• Can place shots with precision.
• Enjoys suffering.

On the other hand, if you’re the type who relies on their partner to do all the work while you casually hang around the net, 1v1 padel is not for you. Stick to doubles and let your partner keep carrying you to victory.

The Benefits of Playing 1v1 Padel

Now, despite my sarcasm, I will admit that playing padel one-on-one does have some real benefits:

• Fitness Levels Go Through the Roof – Your endurance, speed, and reaction time will improve faster than you can say, “I regret this.”
• Better Shot Accuracy – Since you have no partner to rely on, you’re forced to refine your shot placement, making you a stronger player overall.
• Mental Toughness – There’s no blaming your partner for missed shots. Every mistake is yours alone, which makes you more accountable and mentally resilient.

Should You Try It?

If you’re looking for a fun way to mix up your padel routine, test your limits, or prove a point to your doubles partner who says you “never move enough,” go for it. Just be prepared to run more than you’ve ever run in your life.

If you do attempt a 1v1 padel match, make sure you bring plenty of water, a good attitude, and maybe a therapist to help process what you just went through.

Would I personally play padel 1v1? Probably not. But if you’re into that kind of challenge, I fully support your questionable life choices. Good luck, and may your legs forgive you.