PADEL RULES
Faults and Lets
Understanding the difference between a fault and a let is essential for correct play and fair scoring. See serve rules for the full service requirements that a valid serve must meet.
Faults
A fault is an invalid serve. One fault does not cost a point — the server gets a second attempt. Two faults on the same point (a double fault) results in a lost point.
When a Fault Is Called
A serve is a fault when:
- The server infringes any part of Rule 6 (position, bounce, height, motion)
- The server misses the ball when attempting to hit it
- The ball bounces outside the receiver’s service box (lines count as good)
- The ball hits the server, their partner, or any object worn or carried by either
- The ball bounces correctly in the service box but then touches the metallic fence before the second bounce
- The ball bounces correctly in the service box and then exits directly through the court gate in a court where out-of-court play is not authorised (no safety zone; see out-of-court play)
- The ball hits the net and does not land in the correct service box
- The server foot-faults — their foot crosses or touches the service line or imaginary centre line before striking the ball
- The ball is struck above waist/hip level
- The ball is not bounced on the ground (within the server’s service box) before being struck
Double Fault
If the server commits a fault on both the first and second serve, it is a double fault and the receiving team wins the point.
Lets
A let means the serve must be replayed in full — neither the first nor second serve is consumed. The exact same serve attempt is repeated.
When a Let Is Called on the Serve
- The ball touches the net or net post and then lands correctly in the service box (as long as it does not touch the fence before the second bounce)
- The serve is delivered before the receiver is ready (and the receiver did not attempt to return it)
When a let occurs on the first serve, the entire point is replayed and the server retains both serves. When a let occurs on the second serve, only the second serve is replayed.
Lets During a Rally
A let may also be called during a rally (not just on the serve) if:
- A ball from another court enters the playing area and could have affected play
- An unexpected hazard enters the court
When a let is called during a rally, the entire point is replayed — not just the specific shot.
Net Ball in Play (Not a Let)
If the ball clips the net during a regular rally (not a serve) and lands in the opponent’s court, it is in play — the rally continues. This is not a let. See ball in play for the full rules on what keeps the ball in play. See interference for lets called due to external disturbances.
Summary Table
| Situation | Result |
|---|---|
| Serve touches net or net post, lands in box | Let — replay serve |
| Serve touches net, lands out | Fault |
| Serve lands correctly in box | Good serve |
| Serve lands in box, then touches fence before 2nd bounce | Fault |
| Serve lands in box, exits through gate (no safety zone) | Fault |
| Foot fault | Fault |
| Ball above waist on serve | Fault |
| Ball from adjacent court interrupts serve | Let — replay serve |
| Ball clips net during rally, lands in | In play — rally continues |
| Ball clips net during rally, lands out | Point to opponent |