Padel Rules
Plain-English FIP Reference · DPL Administration Use
Reference Document
This is a plain-English summary based on International Padel Federation (FIP) rules, for use by the DPL Committee in adjudicating in-play disputes. For the full official ruleset, refer to the FIP Rules of Padel .
The Court
Court dimensions, enclosure, and service box measurements.
Width
10m
Length
20m
Service Box Depth
3m
Non-Volley Line
7m
Divided By
Net
Enclosed By
Walls / Fencing
The court is enclosed by walls and/or metallic fencing. Balls that rebound off the walls remain in play.
Equipment
Rackets, balls, and footwear requirements.
Rackets (Palas)
- Solid, perforated construction
- No strings
- Max length: 45.5cm
- Max width: 26cm
Balls
- Standard padel balls
- Slightly less pressurised than tennis
- Home team provides new balls (DPL Rule 3.6)
Footwear
- Non-marking court shoes required (DPL Rule 3.7)
Scoring
Points, games, sets, and tiebreaks.
0, 15, 30, 40, Game
At deuce (40–40), the next point wins the game — no advantage.
First to 6, with a minimum 2-game lead (e.g. 6–4, 7–5).
If the set reaches 6–6, a 7-point tiebreak is played (first to 7, win by 2).
Best of 3 sets. If sets are split 1–1, a 10-point champions' tiebreak replaces the third set (first to 10 points, win by 2).
Service
Procedure, valid service, faults, and lets.
4.1 · Procedure
- The server must stand behind the service line and within the centre mark and sideline.
- The ball must be bounced on the ground behind the service line and struck below waist height.
- After bouncing, the server strikes the ball diagonally into the opponent's service box.
4.3 · Faults
- Ball lands outside the service box
- Ball hits net without landing in the correct service box
- Server's foot crosses the service line (foot fault)
- Ball bounces in service box, then hits wire mesh before receiver plays it
4.4 · Let
- Served ball touches the net cord and lands correctly in the service box — serve is replayed.
- A let is also called for external interference.
4.5 · Two Serves
Each server gets two attempts. Two faults = double fault = point to receiver.
4.6 · Order of Service
A coin toss or spin decides who serves first and from which end. Service alternates each game. In a tiebreak, service changes every 2 points (first server gets 1 point, then alternates every 2).
Play in General
Returning the ball, volleys, and wall play.
The ball must be returned over the net before it bounces twice on the court.
The ball may be played off the walls on your own side (after it has bounced on the floor first).
Players may volley the ball (before it bounces) except when returning the serve.
The ball must not be hit into the net, or out of the court enclosure without bouncing in the opponent's half first.
Walls in Play
How walls and fencing interact with live play — a key tactical element.
If a ball bounces in the opponent's court and then rebounds off a wall or fence, it may still be played.
"Off the glass" shots: A player may allow the ball to bounce off their own side's wall and play it back. This is legal and a key tactical element of padel.
If a ball passes through a hole or gap in the fencing (not a standard opening), a let may be called.
In some court configurations, a ball may exit through a door or gap opening. If the player can reach it, they may play it back through the same opening.
Losing a Point
Conditions under which a team concedes the point.
A team loses the point when:
- The ball bounces twice on their side before they return it
- They hit the ball into the net
- They hit the ball out of bounds (over or around the enclosure without first bouncing in the opponent's court)
- They or their racket touches the net during play
- They hit the ball before it crosses the net (reaching over)
- They hit the ball twice (double hit) — unless it is one continuous stroke
- The ball hits a player or their clothing
Interference & Lets
When and how to call a let correctly.
A let (replay of the point) is called when:
- Interference from an external source (ball from another court, spectator) disrupts play
- A serve clips the net and lands correctly (service let only)
- A player is genuinely unsighted due to interference outside their control
Important
Players should call a let promptly and before playing the next shot. Lets should not be used to undo a shot a player is unhappy with.
Conduct During Play
Changeovers & Rest
End Changes
After games 1, 3, then every odd-numbered game. In tiebreaks, every 6 points.
Changeover Time
90 seconds
Between Points
20 seconds (in formal competition)
Full FIP Ruleset
This is a plain-English summary. For the complete and authoritative rules, visit the International Padel Federation.