Padel rules explained
By the Finding Padel team · Updated 30 October 2026
The core rules of padel: it is doubles, the serve is underarm and diagonal, the ball must bounce on the opponents' ground before touching their walls, and after that bounce it can be played off any wall. A point ends when the ball bounces twice, goes out without bouncing in court, or is played illegally.
The official rules are written by the International Padel Federation (FIP). The version below follows the FIP Rules of Padel that apply from 1 January 2026. Social games at your club may relax a few of them, so agree before you start.
The big ones
- Doubles. Two teams of two.
- Serve underarm and diagonal. Bounce the ball behind the service line and hit it at or below the waist into the opponent's diagonal service box. Two attempts. See serve rules.
- Return after one bounce. The serve must bounce before it is returned.
- Then one bounce or a volley. In a rally you can volley, or play the ball after one bounce. Never after two.
- Ground first on their side. Your shot must land on the opponents' ground before it touches their walls or fence.
- Walls are in play after the bounce. Once the ball has bounced, it can hit any wall or the mesh and you can still return it.
- Your own walls are allowed. You can play the ball into your own walls to send it over, as long as it then lands on their ground.
- Do not touch the net. Or the posts, or the opponents' side of the court, while the ball is in play.
Is it in or out? Common situations
| Situation | Ruling | FIP rule |
|---|---|---|
| Your shot lands on their ground, then hits their back glass | In play. They must return it before a second bounce. | 12.3, 14.1c |
| Your shot hits their glass or mesh before landing on their ground | Point lost by you | 13.1g |
| You hit the ball into your own back wall and it carries over the net onto their ground | Good return | 14.1b |
| Your shot touches the mesh fence on your own side | Point lost by you | 13.1l |
| The ball clips the net and lands on their ground | Good return | 14.1e |
| The ball clips the net and goes straight into their wall or fence | Point lost by the hitter | 13.1h |
| The ball lands in the corner where wall meets ground | Good | 14.1i |
| The ball bounces in their court, then flies out over the wall or through the door | Point won by the hitter, unless out-of-court play is allowed and they get it back | 13.1d, 13.1e |
| After bouncing on their side, the ball goes through a hole in the mesh or gets stuck in it | Point won by the hitter | 15.1a |
| After bouncing on their side, the ball lands and stays on top of the wall | Point won by the hitter | 15.1b |
| The ball hits a player (anywhere but the racket) | That player's team loses the point | 13.1k |
| Your partner and you both hit the ball | Point lost. Only one player may play each ball. | 13.1o |
| You hit the ball twice | Point lost | 13.1i |
| You touch the net with your racket or body during the point | Point lost | 13.1a |
| You drop your racket or your wrist cord breaks mid point | Point lost | 13.1r |
| You hit the ball by throwing your racket | Point lost | 13.1m |
| You hit the ball before it crosses the net to your side | Point lost | 13.1f |
| A stray ball rolls onto court mid point | Let: replay the point | 10.1b |
Out-of-court play
On some courts you can run out through the side doors to chase a ball that has bounced and flown out. This is only allowed when the court has a big enough clear safety area outside (at least 3 m wide and 4 m long on each side, with 4 m wide recommended). If your club does not allow it, a ball that bounces in and flies out is simply a winner for the hitter.
Interference
If a player puts off an opponent during a shot on purpose, the point goes to the other team. If it is accidental, the point is replayed. A second accidental interference by the same pair in a match loses them the point.
Changing ends
Swap ends after the first game, then after every odd game (the 3rd, 5th and so on). In a tie-break, swap every six points.
Equipment rules
- Rackets must have the wrist cord on your wrist. It is compulsory.
- Rackets have no strings. They are solid and perforated, up to 45.5 cm long and 26 cm wide. See equipment.
- Wear proper sports clothing and shoes. Swimwear is not allowed in competition.
Time rules (competition)
Up to 20 seconds between points, 90 seconds at a change of ends (no break after the first game of each set or during a tie-break) and 120 seconds between sets. Social games are usually more relaxed.
Quick answers
Can the serve hit the glass?
Yes, after it bounces in the correct box. If it hits the mesh fence before a second bounce, it is a fault.
Can you volley a serve?
No. If the serve hits the receiver or their racket before bouncing, the point goes to the server.
Can you hit the ball off the opponents' wall?
Only after it has bounced on their ground.
Do lines count as in?
Yes. On the serve, a ball landing on the lines of the service box is good.
Can you jump over the net?
No. Jumping over the net while the point is being played loses the point.
Where to play padel near you
Club details last checked 30 Oct 2026.
Sources
International Padel Federation, Rules of Padel (applies from 1 January 2026), Rules 2, 5, 7, 8, 10 to 16, the safety area, racket and etiquette sections.
Keep reading
How to serve in padel: bounce behind the line, hit at or below the waist, land it in the diagonal box. Plus every serve fault, lets, and what happens if the serve hits the glass or fence.
Padel scoring works like tennis: 15, 30, 40, game, first to six games. Here is how deuce, golden point, star point and tie-breaks work, with worked examples.
Learn how to play padel in ten minutes: the serve, the one-bounce rule, playing off the walls, where to stand with your partner and the shots to learn first.