Padel Rules & Regulations: The Official Guide

Master the Rules, Master the Game

Padel might look simple (hit ball over net, don't let it bounce twice), but the walls add delightful complexity. Here's everything you need to know about official padel rules—from serving to scoring to what happens when the ball escapes the court.

The good news? These rules are standardized by the International Padel Federation (FIP), so whether you're playing in Miami or Madrid, the game stays the same.

Court Specifications

Official Dimensions

Playing Area:

• Length: 65.6 feet (20 meters)
• Width: 32.8 feet (10 meters)
• Total: 2,152 square feet of playing surface

Net:

• Height at center: 2.89 feet (88 cm)
• Height at posts: 3 feet (92 cm)
• Runs the full width of the court

Walls:

• Back walls: 10-13 feet (3-4 meters) high - usually glass
• Side walls: 10-13 feet high - glass at back, metal mesh at front
• Construction: Glass panels or combination glass/mesh

Playing Surface:

• Artificial turf (most common in U.S.)
• Artificial grass with sand
• Must provide adequate grip and ball bounce

The Serve: How to Start Each Point

Serving Rules

Position:

1. Server stands behind the service line (not baseline)
2. Feet may not touch or cross service line until after contact
3. Server alternates between right and left service boxes

Technique:

1. Ball must bounce once on the ground before contact
2. Contact must be made below waist height
3. Racket face must be below wrist at moment of contact
4. Serve must be hit diagonally to opponent's service box

Landing Requirements:

• Must bounce in opponent's service box
• If ball hits net and lands in correct box = LET (serve again)
• No limit on number of lets

You Get Two Attempts:

• First serve fault = second serve
• Second serve fault = point to opponent

Service Faults

❌ Foot fault: Stepping on or over service line ❌ Ball hits wall/fence before bouncing: Automatic fault ❌ Lands outside service box: Fault ❌ Overhand serve: Not allowed ❌ Contact above waist: Violation

Scoring System

Point by Point

Padel uses tennis scoring:

At Deuce (40-40):

• Called "deuce" or "40-all"
• Must win by 2 consecutive points
• Advantage in → opponent wins next → back to deuce
• Advantage in → you win next → you win game

Games, Sets, Matches

Games:

• First to 6 games wins the set
• Must win by 2 games
• At 6-6 → tiebreak

Tiebreak:

• First to 7 points (win by 2)
• Server alternates every 2 points
• Switch sides at 4 points (or 8, 12, etc.)

Sets:

• Match formats vary:
  • Best of 3 sets (most common)
  • Best of 5 sets (tournaments)
  • Single set to 6 (social play)

Match Formats:

• Social/recreational: Often 1 set or best of 3
• Tournament: Best of 3 sets
• Professional: Best of 3 or 5 sets

In-Play Rules: What's Legal & What's Not

Ball in Play

✅ LEGAL:

• Ball bounces on ground → hits your wall → you return it
• Ball bounces in opponent's court → comes back over net → you can hit it
• Ball bounces out of court → you can run around and play it (if you can reach it)
• Hitting ball on the volley (before it bounces)
• Your body touching the wall during play
• Ball touching the net on the way over (as long as it lands legally)

❌ ILLEGAL (Point to Opponent):

• Ball bounces twice on your side
• Ball hits wall before bouncing on ground (on serve or return)
• Ball hits ceiling/lights
• Ball goes directly out of court without bouncing
• You touch the net with racket or body
• You hit ball into the net
• Ball lands outside opponent's court
• You or racket crosses the plane of the net before hitting ball
• You hit ball twice (double-hit)
• Your partner hits ball after you do (two players can't hit consecutively)

The Wall Rules (This Is Where It Gets Interesting)

After the Bounce: Once the ball bounces in your court, it can:

• Hit the wall(s) any number of times
• You can hit it after it comes off the wall
• You can hit it before it hits the wall

Direct Shots:

• You can hit ball directly into your own wall before it crosses net
• But: This is risky and usually not a good strategy
• Legal: Yes. Smart: Rarely.

Over the Fence: If opponent's shot bounces in your court and goes over the side fence:

• You can run around the court and hit it
• Must be before it bounces a second time
• This is called a "bajada de pared" or wall exit
• Spectator favorite: These points are exciting!

Service Return Rules

The Receiver Must:

1. Let serve bounce once
2. Hit it back over the net
3. Cannot volley the serve (must let it bounce)

After the Serve:

• Any shots are fair game
• Volleys allowed
• Walls can be used normally

Net Play Rules

The Net is Sacred

❌ You CANNOT:

• Touch the net with racket, body, or clothing
• Cross the plane of the net before hitting ball
• Reach over net to hit ball on opponent's side

✅ You CAN:

• Get very close to the net (no "kitchen" rule like pickleball)
• Follow through over the net after hitting ball on your side
• Touch your own side wall

Volley Rules

✅ Volleys Allowed:

• After the serve is returned
• As much as you want
• From anywhere on court (including service box)

❌ Volleys NOT Allowed:

• Returning the serve (must bounce first)
• On your own serve (obviously)

Let vs. Fault: What's the Difference?

Let (Replay the Point)

Situations where you replay the point:

• Serve hits net and lands in correct service box
• External interference (ball from another court rolls in)
• Unclear if ball was in/out (and no referee/agreement)

Important: Unlike tennis, there's no limit on service lets. You can hit the net 10 times in a row—each is a let.

Fault (Point Lost)

First serve fault → Second serve Second serve fault → Point to opponent

Common faults:

• Serve doesn't land in service box
• Foot fault on serve
• Ball hits wall before bounce
• Ball hits ceiling/permanent fixtures

Out of Bounds: When Points End

The Ball is OUT When:

❌ It bounces outside the court (without bouncing inside first) ❌ It hits the ceiling or lights ❌ It goes over the back wall without bouncing ❌ It hits permanent fixtures (roof, overhanging structure)

The Ball is IN When:

✅ It bounces inside the lines (lines are IN) ✅ It hits the walls after bouncing in court ✅ It goes out after bouncing in opponent's court (their problem now!)

The Tricky Part: If ball bounces in your court → hits wall → bounces again in your court before you hit it = point over (two bounces)

Doubles Rules & Etiquette

Official Rules

Both Players Can:

• Hit the ball (but not consecutively)
• Stand anywhere on their side
• Move freely within their court area

Switching Positions:

• Partners can switch sides of court
• Communication is key ("I've got left side")
• Common after lobs or defensive situations

Unwritten Etiquette Rules

1. Communicate

• Call "Mine!" when taking the ball
• Say "Yours!" to your partner
• Warn "Bounce!" if ball might go out

2. Apologize for Net Cords

• Lucky net shots that drop = apologize
• Shows good sportsmanship
• Even though it's legal

3. Don't Poach Every Ball

• Let your partner play too
• Trust them on their side
• Exception: If they clearly can't reach it

4. Shake Hands/Fist Bump

• After every match
• Win or lose
• This isn't tennis-level formal, but respect matters

5. Control Your Celebrations

• Celebrate big points (it's fun!)
• But read the room (don't overdo it in social play)
• Save the chest bumps for tournaments

Time Rules (Usually Relaxed in Social Play)

Official Tournament Timing

Between Points:

• Maximum 20 seconds between points
• Includes time to get ball, prepare, serve

Between Games:

• 90 seconds to switch sides
• Quick break allowed

Between Sets:

• 120 seconds (2 minutes)
• Can sit, hydrate, strategize

Warm-Up:

• 5 minutes before match
• Both pairs on court together

Continuous Play:

• No coaching during points
• Medical timeout allowed (specific rules vary)

Social Play Reality

Most clubs are relaxed about timing for casual games:

• Take reasonable time between points
• Don't rush, but don't stall
• Hydration breaks between games = normal
• Just be respectful of others waiting for courts

Equipment Regulations

The Racket (Pala)

Official Specs:

• Maximum length: 18 inches (45.5 cm)
• Maximum width: 10 inches (26 cm)
• Maximum thickness: 1.5 inches (38 mm)
• Surface: Perforated with holes
• No strings (solid face with holes)
• Material: Usually fiberglass, carbon fiber, or foam core
• Must have: Safety cord/strap (wrist leash)

The cord is required! Prevents racket from flying and hitting someone.

The Ball

Official Specs:

• Diameter: 2.56-2.68 inches (6.5-6.8 cm)
• Weight: 1.97-2.10 oz (56-59.4 grams)
• Pressure: Lower than tennis balls
• Color: Usually yellow (some green)
• Type: Pressurized padel balls (not tennis balls, despite looking similar)

Why different from tennis balls? Lower pressure = slightly slower = better for smaller court and wall play.

Player Attire

Required:

• Athletic clothing (shorts, shirts, athletic wear)
• Court shoes (non-marking soles)
• Safety: Some tournaments require eye protection

Prohibited:

• Black-soled shoes (mark the courts)
• Running shoes with aggressive tread (slip risk)
• Jeans, street clothes (yes, people have tried)

Special Situations & Advanced Rules

Golden Point (Punto de Oro)

Some leagues use "Golden Point" at deuce:

• At 40-40 (deuce), next point wins the game
• Receiving team chooses which side to receive
• Faster format: Prevents endless deuce situations

Not universal—check with your club/tournament.

Ball Hits Player

If ball hits you:

• Point to opponent (you lost it)
• Doesn't matter if intentional or accidental
• Includes ball hitting racket while in your hand

If you hit ball at opponent intentionally:

• Legal (part of strategy)
• But hitting them when they're not playing ball = poor form

Multiple Balls on Court

If ball from another court enters:

• Call "Let!" immediately
• Replay the point
• No penalty to either team

Your ball goes to another court:

• Apologize (universal courtesy)
• Wait for their point to finish before retrieving

When Ball Breaks

If ball breaks during point:

• Point is replayed
• Replace with new ball
• No penalty

If racket breaks:

• Too bad, play with broken racket or concede point
• Can replace between points

Tournament vs. Social Play

Tournament Rules (Strict)

• Time violations enforced
• Coaching prohibited during play
• Line judges or referee make calls
• Official balls used
• Dress code may apply
• Substitutions not allowed

Social/Recreational (Relaxed)

• Honor system for in/out calls
• Friendly disagreement = replay point
• Reasonable breaks between games
• Coaching allowed (usually encouraged!)
• Mix and match skill levels

Making Calls: In or Out?

The Honor System

In most social play:

• Your side = you call it
• If you're not sure → call it in favor of opponent
• If genuinely unclear → replay the point
• Don't argue (it's not worth it)

Line Calls

The Line is IN:

• If any part of ball touches the line = GOOD
• This includes serve landing on service box line

How to Tell:

• Watch where ball lands, not where it bounces next
• Low perspective is better than high
• When in doubt: Give benefit of doubt to opponent

Wall Calls

Did it hit the wall before bouncing?

• Usually obvious (sound + trajectory)
• If not sure = ask opponent "Did that hit wall first?"
• Honor system prevails

Padel Etiquette: The Unwritten Rules

On-Court Manners

DO:

• ✅ Shake hands/fist bump before and after
• ✅ Call score clearly before serving
• ✅ Return balls to opponents directly (don't make them chase)
• ✅ Apologize for lucky net shots
• ✅ Compliment good shots (even opponent's)
• ✅ Help retrieve balls from other courts

DON'T:

• ❌ Argue calls endlessly
• ❌ Throw racket (ever)
• ❌ Blame partner (seriously, don't)
• ❌ Coach from the sidelines in tournaments
• ❌ Walk behind courts during others' points
• ❌ Be that person who thinks they're at Wimbledon

Between Points

• Return balls promptly
• Stay ready (but not rushed)
• Keep the game flowing
• Social play tip: Chat between games! It's part of the fun

Court Sharing

Most clubs book courts for 90-minute slots:

• Start on time (don't leave courts empty)
• End on time (others are waiting)
• Clean up (take your water bottles, towels, trash)
• Report issues (broken glass, court damage) to club staff

Common Rule Questions & Scenarios

"Can I hit the ball before it bounces?"

YES! Volleys are allowed (and encouraged) after the serve is returned. The net is prime real estate in padel.

"Can the ball hit the wall on my side before I hit it?"

YES! After it bounces on the ground. Common sequence:

1. Ball bounces in your court
2. Ball hits your back wall
3. You hit it back

This is legal and strategic.

"Can I hit the ball into my own wall before it goes over the net?"

YES, but... it's risky. Ball must still go over net and land in opponent's court. Usually not the best play.

"What if the ball goes over the wall after bouncing in their court?"

You win the point! If your shot bounces in opponent's court and has so much spin/angle it goes out = point for you (they couldn't return it).

"Can I touch the wall?"

YES! You can lean on it, touch it, whatever. Just don't touch the net.

"What if my racket flies out of my hand and hits the ball?"

Point to opponent. This is why the wrist strap is mandatory in tournaments—keeps racket attached to you.

"Can we switch sides of the court?"

YES! Partners can switch positions during points or between points. Common after lobs or defensive situations.

"What happens if ball hits the lights/ceiling?"

Point to opponent. Ceiling and permanent fixtures are out of bounds.

"Do I have to wear the wrist strap?"

Tournaments: Usually yes (safety + rules) Social play: Many clubs require it (insurance reasons) Our advice: Wear it. Nobody wants a flying racket.

Advanced Rules for Competitive Players

The Let Serve Rule

Unlike tennis, there's no limit on service lets:

• Ball can hit net 100 times
• As long as it lands in service box = let (replay)
• This almost never happens, but theoretically...

Ball Touches Net During Rally

If ball touches net and goes over:

• Play continues normally
• Totally legal
• No let called

Only on the serve does hitting the net trigger a let.

Calling Foot Faults

Who calls it:

• Opponent can call foot faults
• Receiver typically calls them
• In tournaments: Line judge calls them

What to do if called:

• Accept it gracefully
• It's first serve → second serve
• Don't argue (it's low-class)

Playing the Ball "Around the Net Post"

Legal! If ball goes wide and you hit it around the outside of the net post (not over net), it's legal IF:

• Ball landed in your court first
• Your shot lands in opponent's court
• Shot goes around (not over) the net

Rare but spectacular when it happens.

Referee Signals & Tournament Protocol

Common Referee Calls

Challenging Calls

Most U.S. clubs don't have:

• Video review
• Hawk-Eye technology
• Line judges for every match

What you DO have:

• Your eyes
• Opponent's honesty
• "Gentleman's call" tradition
• When disputed: Replay the point

Adaptations & Variations

Golden Point Format

Used in some leagues/tournaments:

• At 40-40 (deuce) → next point wins
• Receiving team chooses serve direction
• Speeds up matches significantly

Short Sets

Social play might use:

• First to 4 games (instead of 6)
• 8-game pro set (like tennis)
• Timed matches (60 or 90 minutes)

Check with your club!

Mixed Doubles Modifications

Some social leagues:

• Alternate serves (male/female)
• Special scoring adaptations
• Skill level handicaps

These vary by club—not official FIP rules.

Safety Rules (Often Overlooked)

Mandatory Safety

Wrist Strap:

• Prevents racket from flying
• Required in most tournaments
• Seriously: Use it

Eye Protection:

• Some tournaments require
• Recommended for beginners (balls can bounce unpredictably)
• Available at most clubs

Proper Footwear:

• Court shoes prevent injuries
• Non-marking soles protect court
• Don't: Wear running shoes (slip risk)

Court Awareness

• Look before you swing (is partner nearby?)
• Call "Watch out!" if ball might hit someone
• Stop play if someone is injured
• Stay hydrated (especially outdoor courts in summer)

Rule Modifications by Club

While FIP rules are official, individual clubs may have:

• Time limits on court bookings (90 min typical)
• Noise policies (indoor clubs especially)
• Coaching rules (some allow, some don't)
• Guest policies (how many non-members allowed)
• Cancellation windows (24-48 hours typical)

Always check club-specific rules when booking!

Quick Reference: Rule Cheat Sheet

✅ YES, You Can:

• Volley after serve return
• Use walls after ball bounces
• Touch the walls with your body
• Switch sides with partner
• Hit opponent with ball (strategically)
• Play ball that comes back over net

❌ NO, You Cannot:

• Touch the net
• Let ball bounce twice
• Hit ball before it bounces in your court (on serve return)
• Serve overhand
• Step on service line when serving
• Hit ceiling or lights

🔄 Replay the Point If:

• Serve hits net and lands in box (let)
• External interference
• Genuinely unclear call (both agree)

Where to Learn More

Official Resources

• International Padel Federation (FIP): Official rulebook
• USA Padel Association (USPA): U.S. governing body
• Your local club: Most offer beginner clinics covering rules

Practice Makes Perfect

The best way to learn rules? Play!

• Most rules become intuitive after a few games
• Watch tournament play online (Premier Padel, World Padel Tour)
• Ask questions at your club (players love explaining rules)

Find Clubs That Teach Rules

Looking for a club with beginner-friendly programs? Check our directory and filter for:

• Free beginner clinics
• Intro to Padel programs
• Coaching services
• Social play (learn while playing)

Over 80% of clubs in our directory offer some form of instruction for new players. Many have free intro sessions—take advantage!

Remember: Rules Are Guidelines, Fun Is Mandatory

Yes, these are the official rules. But here's the secret: most recreational padel is pretty casual.

Unless you're in a tournament:

• Nobody's timing your 20 seconds between points
• Disagreements are solved with "Let's just replay it"
• The goal is to have fun and get a good workout

Master the basics, learn as you play, and don't stress the details.

The walls, the glass, the angles—padel has enough to think about. Focus on keeping the ball in play and having a great time.

See you on the court! 🎾

Official rules based on International Padel Federation (FIP) regulations. Last updated: October 2025