Padel rules

Padel Rules

Padel is a racket sport played almost exclusively as doubles on an enclosed court, combining elements of tennis and squash. It is governed internationally by the International Padel Federation (FIP), whose Rules of Padel are the reference for the rules below (current edition applied from 01.01.2026).

1. Objective & Format

The objective is to win points by hitting the ball over the net so that the opposing pair cannot return it legally before it bounces twice. Padel is played by two pairs (four players); singles exists but is rare and uses a narrower court.

The court is an enclosed rectangle 20 m long and 10 m wide, divided across the middle by a net. It is surrounded by walls of glass and metal mesh fencing, which are part of the playing area. The net stands 88 cm high at the centre, rising to a maximum of 92 cm at the posts. A line 6.95 m from the net on each side marks the service area, and a centre service line divides each service zone into two boxes (each roughly 6.95 m x 5 m).

A match is normally the best of three sets. A set is won by the first pair to reach six games with a margin of at least two games; at 6-6 a tie-break (first to 7 points, win by two) decides the set. FIP also permits agreed alternatives such as a short "Mini Set" (4 games) and match/super tie-breaks.

2. Scoring

Games use the tennis scoring system: 15, 30, 40, game. At 40-40 the score is deuce, and a pair must then win two consecutive points (advantage, then game) to take the game, unless the "golden point" / no-advantage system is agreed, where the receiving pair chooses the return side and the next point decides the game. Points, games, and sets accumulate as described above to decide the match.

3. Core Rules of Play

The serve must be underhand: the server bounces the ball once on the ground behind the service line, then strikes it at or below waist height (1.06 m). At least one foot must stay on the ground behind the line; no walking, running, or jumping is allowed. The serve must travel diagonally and land in the receiver's opposite service box. After bouncing in the box the served ball may touch the side glass and remain valid, but if it strikes the metal mesh fence (or the post) it is a fault. Each server gets two attempts; a serve that clips the net and otherwise lands correctly is a let and is replayed.

In open rallies the ball may be hit before it bounces (a volley) or after one bounce only. After bouncing on the ground, the ball may rebound off your own walls before you play it, and you may deliberately use the back/side glass on your own side. A returned ball must clear the net; once on the opponents' side it may bounce on the ground and then off their walls and still be in play.

4. Common Fouls & Violations

A point is lost when a side:

• lets the ball bounce twice on its own side before returning it;
• hits the ball into the net, or out of the enclosure over the surrounding walls;
• strikes the ball so it hits the opponents' fence/mesh or any wall before bouncing on their ground;
• has the ball touch a player, their partner, or anything they wear or carry while in play;
• touches the net, posts, or the opponents' court with body or racket while the ball is live;
• commits a double fault on serve.

5. Win Condition

A pair wins by taking the majority of sets in the match (typically two sets out of three), each set requiring six games (win by two) or a tie-break, and each game requiring four points won by a two-point margin (or the deciding golden point where used).