PADEL RULES
Padel Rules FAQ 2026 — Official Rules Explained
6 min read
Padel is one of the fastest-growing racket sports in the world, but its rules can be confusing at first — especially wall play, serving, scoring, and the 2026 Star Point system. Below are 17 answers to the questions players ask most often, based on the official FIP regulations. For the complete rulebook, see Padel Rules 2026.
Scoring
What is the scoring system in padel?
Padel uses the same point progression as tennis: 15, 30, 40, and game. A set is won by the first team to reach 6 games with a minimum two-game advantage. At 6-6 a tie-break is played (first to 7 points, win by 2). Matches are normally best of three sets.
What happens at deuce?
When a game is tied at 40-40 (“deuce”), there are three official options — all must be agreed before the match:
- Advantage mode — classic tennis deuce, must win two consecutive points.
- Star Point mode (since January 2026) — a structured sequence of deuce levels before a decisive golden point.
- Golden point — a single decisive point is played immediately at first deuce, with the receiving team choosing the service side.
The Serve
How does the serve work?
The server bounces the ball on the ground within their service half, then strikes it at or below hip/waist level. The ball must pass the net and land in the diagonally opposite service box. Overhand serves are not permitted. Two consecutive faults lose the point.
What is a service let?
If the served ball clips the net and still lands in the correct service box it is a let — the serve is replayed. There is no limit to the number of lets in a row.
Wall Play
Can the ball hit the walls?
Yes — wall play is one of padel’s defining features. After the ball bounces once on your side of the court, it may rebound off any wall and remain in play. Players can also deliberately play shots into the side or back walls on their own side. The ball must always bounce on the floor before hitting a wall on the receiving team’s side after crossing the net.
What is out-of-court play?
Players may exit through the court gates to retrieve a ball that has left the enclosure and continue playing the point from outside. This “exit play” rule makes padel unique and allows spectacular defensive shots.
Faults and Lets
What is a fault?
A service fault occurs when the serve lands outside the service box, the ball is struck above waist height, the server’s feet cross the service line before contact, or the ball bounces in the wrong service half. Two consecutive faults on the same point give the point to the receiving team.
What is a let?
A let is a valid interruption that requires a point or serve to be replayed. The most common let is a served ball that touches the net cord before landing correctly in the service box.
Match Format
How many sets are in a padel match?
Standard padel matches are best of three sets. Some formats replace the third set with a match tie-break (first to 10 points, win by 2).
Court and Equipment
What are the court dimensions?
- Length: 20 m · Width: 10 m
- Net height: 88 cm at posts, 92 cm at centre
- Service box length: 6.95 m each
- Walls must be between 3 m and 4 m high; fencing above that height
What equipment is required?
- Racket: Solid perforated bat, max 45.5 cm total length, no strings
- Ball: Padel-specific ball (ITF or FIP approved)
- Wrist strap: Mandatory — must attach the racket to the player’s wrist at all times during play
- Footwear: Non-marking court shoes recommended
Net and Body Contact
Can you touch the net in padel?
No — touching the net, the net posts, or any part of the opponent’s court during a point results in losing that point. This applies to the player, their racket, and anything they are wearing. You also cannot reach over the net to hit a ball before it has crossed to your side.
What happens if the ball hits a player?
If the ball strikes a player (or anything they wear or carry) before they can play it with the racket, that player loses the point. It does not matter whether the ball had bounced. You cannot deliberately use your body to block or redirect the ball.
Padel vs Tennis and Singles
Is padel played as singles or doubles?
Padel is a doubles sport. The standard FIP court (20 m × 10 m) is designed for four players, and all official competitions are doubles only. Some facilities offer smaller singles courts, but these follow unofficial rules.
What is the difference between padel and tennis?
Key differences:
- Racket: Solid perforated bat with no strings (padel) vs strung racket (tennis)
- Walls: The padel court is enclosed; the ball can be played off walls after bouncing
- Serve: Underhand only in padel; overhand allowed in tennis
- Format: Padel is always doubles; tennis has both singles and doubles
- Scoring: Identical point/game/set system
Serve Return and Volleys
Can you volley the return of serve?
No. The return of serve must bounce once before the receiver strikes it. After the return, all shots may be volleyed. This rule means the serving team can approach the net after serving and look to volley the third ball.
2026 Rule Changes
What changed in the 2026 FIP padel rules?
The major 2026 update was the formal introduction of the Star Point system — a structured deuce format that replaced the old golden point terminology. The Star Point offers multiple deuce levels before a decisive point. The 2026 revision also clarified coaching rules during play, updated medical timeout procedures, and introduced standards for electronic line-calling technology.
Tie-Breaks and Match Duration
How does the tie-break work?
At 6-6 in a set, a tie-break is played. The first server serves one point from the deuce side, then each player serves two points in rotation. The first team to 7 points with a two-point lead wins the set. Players switch ends every 6 points during the tie-break.
How long does a padel match last?
Most padel matches last 60–90 minutes. Matches using the Star Point or golden point format tend to be shorter (around 60 minutes), while advantage-scoring matches or tight three-setters can run 90 minutes or longer. Professional matches with coaching timeouts may run even longer.
Related Padel Rules
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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.
Padel Fault Rules and Lets
A fault is an invalid serve — two faults lose the point. A let means the serve is replayed with no penalty. Covers every fault type and the let rule with real-match scenarios.