Player Rotation and Changeovers

Player rotation in padel covers two main concepts: changing ends (changeovers) and service rotation. Both are strictly regulated. See changes of sides for the full end-change rules, service order for the serving rotation, and tie-break rules for tie-break specifics.

Changing Ends (Changeovers)

Players switch sides of the court:

• After the 1st game of each set
• After every 2 games thereafter (i.e., when the total number of games in the set is odd)
• At the start of a tie-break (the side you start on is determined by the end of the set)
• During a tie-break: after every 6 points played

Example — Set Changeovers

Games played in set	Change ends?
After game 1	Yes
After game 2	No
After game 3	Yes
After game 4	No
After game 5	Yes
After game 6	No
Tie-break starts	Yes (change at start)
After 6 tie-break points	Yes

Time Allowed During Changeovers

• Side change: maximum 90 seconds
• Between sets: maximum 120 seconds
• Side change during tie-break: maximum 20 seconds

Service Order During Changeovers

The service order is not affected by a changeover. Whichever player is next in the rotation serves the first point after the changeover.

Player Positions

Players are free to position themselves anywhere on their side of the court during a rally. There is no fixed position for either player — the notion of a “forehand side” and “backhand side” is a strategic choice, not a rule.

However, during the serve:

• The server must stand behind the service line in the appropriate half
• The server’s partner may stand anywhere on their side
• The receiving players may stand anywhere on their side, but the receiver must be ready before the serve is delivered

Receiving Positions

At the start of each game, the receiving team decides which player will receive serves from the right side and which from the left side. This arrangement is maintained for the entire game.

The receiving order cannot be changed during a set or tie-break. At the start of a new set, the receiving team may reorganise — choosing which player receives from each side for that set.

Switching Sides During a Point

Players may cross their own half of the court and cover their partner’s side at any time during a rally. In practice, partners often switch sides mid-rally to cover a better position, particularly after an overhead smash or lob.