PADEL RULES
Padel Fault Rules and Lets
5 min read
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, the imaginary centre line, or the service reception box on their own side of the court 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
- The ball crosses the service line or imaginary central line before being struck — the server must make contact while the ball is still on their side
2026 rule change: Rule 11 above is new as of the January 2026 FIP revision. The 2021 rules did not explicitly prohibit the ball from drifting past the centre line or service line before contact. Some servers were letting the ball travel forward before striking it, which shortened the effective distance across the net. The 2026 rules close this by requiring the ball to stay on the server’s side until the moment of contact.
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.
The Let Rule
A let in padel means the serve is called invalid through no fault of the server — it must be replayed in full with no penalty. Neither the first nor second serve is consumed; the exact same serve attempt is repeated.
The most common let is a net cord on the serve: the ball clips the net or net post and still lands correctly in the service box. Play stops, and the server tries again.
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 (crosses service line, centre line, or own reception box) | Fault |
| Ball crosses service line before contact | 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 |
For a dedicated deep dive on when serves are replayed, see padel let rule explained.
Gear That Helps You Avoid Faults
Most double faults happen because the server misjudges the ball strike height or loses control of the racket face angle. A lighter, round-shaped racket with a large sweet spot gives beginners more room for error on the serve — see our best padel racket for beginners guide. Ball quality matters too: worn or depressurised balls bounce inconsistently during the serve toss, making it harder to time the strike below hip level. Check our padel balls guide for recommended FIP-approved options.
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More in Basic Rules
What Happens If the Ball Hits a Player in Padel?
If the ball hits a player's body in padel, that player's team loses the point — with limited exceptions. Full FIP rule breakdown with scenarios.
What Happens When the Ball Goes Out of the Court in Padel?
When the ball leaves the padel court through an open door or over the fence, the point may continue if a player can retrieve it.
Can the Ball Bounce Twice in Padel?
No — if the ball bounces twice on your side of the court, you lose the point. Learn the one-bounce rule, wall rebounds, and the exceptions every padel.
What Happens If You Hit the Ball Twice in Padel?
Hitting the ball twice in padel results in losing the point — unless the double contact is unintentional and happens in a single continuous swing.