Where Do Players Stand in Padel? Court Positions Explained

The FIP Rules of Padel (Rule 3) set out where players must be positioned at the start of each point, particularly during the serve. Outside of the serve, players may move freely within the court enclosure. For full serve requirements, see serve rules.

Positions During the Serve

The Server

The server must stand behind the service line and within the service half of the court (between the centreline and the side wall on their side). Specifically:

• The server must stand with at least one foot behind the service line, between the imaginary extension of the central service line and the side wall (within the service half), and must remain there until the ball has been struck
• The server must serve from within the correct service half — they alternate sides each point (right side, then left, then right, etc.)
• The server’s feet must not touch or cross the service line or the imaginary central line before the ball is struck

Foot faults — where a foot crosses the service line or central line before the ball is struck — result in a fault.

The Server’s Partner

The server’s partner may stand anywhere within the court on their side of the net. There is no restriction on where they position themselves during the serve.

The Receiver

The receiver must be positioned to receive on the correct diagonal — the same side as the server’s service box. For example, if the server serves from the right side, the receiver must receive in the right-side service box (diagonally opposite).

The receiver may stand anywhere within the court on their side of the net, including close to or against the back wall, provided they receive in the correct service box.

The Receiver’s Partner

The receiver’s partner may stand anywhere on their side of the court during the serve.

Movement During the Serve

Players must not make sudden or deliberate movements during the service action to distract the server or the receiving team. This falls under the hindrance rule — see interference rules for details.

Positions During General Play

Once the serve is completed and the rally is underway, all four players may move freely throughout the court enclosure — including behind the baseline and along the side walls. There are no positional restrictions during a rally.

Players may cross the centreline (the boundary between their half and the opponents’ half) only in specific circumstances related to out-of-court play or after the ball has gone over the net and they are following the ball.

Summary

Player	During Serve	During Rally
Server	Behind service line, correct half	Moves freely
Server’s partner	Anywhere on their side	Moves freely
Receiver	Correct diagonal box, their side	Moves freely
Receiver’s partner	Anywhere on their side	Moves freely