Rules of Padel

Dimensions

• The court is a rectangle 10 m wide by 20 m long (interior measurements) with a 0.5% tolerance.
• The rectangle is divided in half by a net. On either side of and parallel to the net, at 6.95 m, are the service lines. The area between the net and the service lines is divided in half by a perpendicular central service line.
• The central service line extends a minimum of 20 cm beyond the service line. The two halves of the court must be absolutely symmetrical. All lines are 5 cm wide, preferably white or black for contrast.
• Minimum free height must be 6 m throughout the court with no obstructions. New facilities are recommended to have a minimum height of 8 m.

Net

• The net is 10 m long and 0.88 m high at the centre, rising to 0.92 m at the ends (tolerance 0.005 m).
• It is suspended by a metal cable (max 0.01 m diameter) attached to two lateral posts (max 1.05 m high), or to part of the court structure.
• The tensioning mechanism must not loosen unexpectedly or pose a risk to players.
• The outer side of the net posts coincides with the lateral limits of the court. Posts may be circular or square but must have rounded edges.
• The net is capped with a white strip 5.0–6.3 cm wide with the tension cable beneath. An advertising strip is allowed but the total strip cannot exceed 11.0 cm.
• Nothing may be affixed to the net strings. Painting for advertising is allowed if it does not affect play. The net must be fully extended with no gaps at the posts, but not tense.
• The mesh is synthetic fibre, woven tightly enough that the ball cannot pass through.

Enclosures - Ends & Sides

The court must be completely enclosed. Ends measure 10 m and sides 20 m, all from the inside.

• Ends: total height 4 m - first 3 m is wall (transparent or solid), last 1 m is metallic fence.
• Sides Variant 1 (stepped wall): first step 3 m × 2 m, second step 2 m × 2 m; metallic fencing completes up to 3 m in the centre 6 m and up to 4 m at the ends.
• Sides Variant 2 (crystal): wall at each end zone 3 m × 4 m without step; metal mesh completes the enclosure up to 4 m in the extreme 2 m.
• The metallic fence is always placed in line with the inner side of the wall. Walls may be glass, brick or similar - uniform colour, hard, smooth, allowing body contact and ball slide.
• Mesh holes are square or electro-welded, 5–7.08 cm diagonally; wire thickness 2–3 mm (max 4 mm). Solder points must be protected on both sides.

Ground Surface

• Surface may be cement, synthetic material or artificial grass, provided it allows a regular bounce.
• Permitted colours: green, blue or terracotta (or like tones), one colour for the entire floor and clearly different from the walls.
• Internal level differences must be less than 3 mm measured with a 3 m rule (1/1000).
• For surfaces without drainage, max transverse evacuation slope is 1% from the centre outwards.

Access

• Access points are on the lateral sides, one or two per side, symmetric to the centre, with or without doors.
• One access per side: opening min 1.05 × 2.00 m, max 2.20 × 2.20 m.
• Two accesses per side: openings min 0.72 × 2.00 m, max 1.10 × 2.20 m.
• Public installations must comply with accessibility standards. Door handles go on the outside and must not protrude inside.

Safety Area & Out-of-Court Play

• For out-of-court play each side of the court must have 2 access points.
• No obstacles outside the court within an area at least 3 m wide (4 m recommended) × 4 m long on each side × 3 m high minimum.
• Access protections (lateral, upper, net post) must cushion against player contact - min 2 cm thick spongy rubber, neoprene or similar, firmly fixed.

Illumination

• Artificial light must be uniform and placed so it does not impair vision for players, umpires or audience.
• Light poles are located outside the court. If they fall within the safety area, out-of-court play is not allowed.
• Lights must be a minimum 6 m above the ground (8 m recommended for new facilities).
• For TV broadcast/film recording, vertical illumination of at least 1000 lux is needed.

Orientation

• For outdoor facilities, the recommended longitudinal axis is N-S, with variation between N-NE and N-NW.

The Ball

Balls used in official competitions are those approved by FIP for the game of padel.

• Rubber sphere with a uniform exterior in white, yellow or another colour contrasting with the surface. Diameter 6.35–6.77 cm, weight 56.0–59.4 g.
• A new ball must bounce 135–145 cm when dropped onto a hard surface from 2.54 m.
• Internal pressure: 4.6–5.2 kg per 2.54 cm².
• At altitudes above 1000 m, an alternative ball may be used (bounce 121.92–135 cm).

The Padel Racket

Manufactured in accordance with the FIP Annex on Padel Rackets Homologation. The racket has two parts: head and handle.

• Handle: max length 20 cm, max width (of throat, excluding free space) 50 mm, max thickness 50 mm.
• Head: variable length. Head + handle may not exceed 45.5 cm total. Max width 26 cm, max thickness 38 mm.
• Measurement control allows 2.5% tolerance in thickness.
• The hitting surface has cylindrical holes 9–13 mm in the central area. Within 4 cm of the edge, holes may have a different shape (max 20 mm) as long as it does not affect the essence of the game.
• Both faces must be flat; they may be smooth or rough.
• No adhered objects beyond what is needed to limit deterioration, vibration and weight distribution. No reflective or sound elements that could disturb play.
• A non-elastic wrist cord of max 35 cm, fixed into the handle, is obligatory and must be worn around the wrist.
• The racket may not contain any visible or audible device that could communicate, warn or instruct the player during a game.

Rule 1. Score in a Game

Three official scoring methods are recognised: Advantage, Star Point, and Golden Point.

• Advantage - points called 15, 30, 40, game. At 40-40 the call is deuce; the next point won is advantage, and the following point wins the game. If the point is lost, score returns to deuce.
• First pair to win 6 games with a 2-game advantage wins the set. At 5-5 the players play two more games to win 7-5. At 6-6 a tie-break is played.
• The match is best of three sets.
• Star Point - at 40-40 a deciding point sequence (deuce 1 → advantage 1 → deuce 2 → advantage 2 → deuce 3 → Star Point) is played. The receiving pair chooses which side receives but cannot swap positions for the deciding point.
• Golden Point - at 40-40 (deuce) a single deciding point is played. The receiving pair chooses which side receives but cannot swap positions.
• In mixed matches, the deciding-point receiver must be the same sex as the server.

Rule 1. Tie-Break

• Points in a tie-break are called zero, 1, 2, 3, etc.
• Won by the first pair to reach 7 points with a 2-point advantage; if needed, the tie-break continues until that margin is achieved.
• Started by the player whose turn it is to serve; they take one serve from the right. The next two points are served by the opposing team starting from the left, then players continue serving two consecutive points each.
• A tie-break set is won 7-6.
• The next set is started by the player of the pair who did not begin serving in the tie-break.

Rule 1. Alternative Scoring Methods

• Four games / mini set: first pair to 4 games (margin of 2) wins the set; 4-4 triggers a tie-break.
• Match tie-break to 7: at one set all, a tie-break to 7 (margin of 2) decides the match.
• Super tie-break to 10: at one set all, a tie-break to 10 (margin of 2) decides the match.

Rule 2. Times

• Walk-over awarded against players not on court 10 minutes after the official start time (except in cases of force majeure).
• Obligatory 3-minute courtesy rally between players.
• Matches are continuous from first service to finish - no suspensions to recover, receive instructions or advice.
• Maximum 20 seconds between points.
• Maximum 90 seconds when changing sides (no rest after the first game of each set or during a tie-break - change ends without rest). No liquids or food may be consumed between points.
• Maximum 120 seconds rest at the end of each set.
• If suspension is due to lack of light, the match must be stopped at an even number of games in the current set so that on resumption both pairs are on the same side as when play stopped.
• Medical attention is given only once per player per treatable condition, and cannot be transferred to the partner.
• If a match is suspended due to rain, lack of light, accidents etc.: up to 5 min - no warm-up; 5–20 min - 1 min warm-up; over 20 min - 3 min warm-up.
• On resumption, the match continues from where it stopped (same game, score, server, side and order).
• Injury / treatable medical condition: one 3-minute treatment, repeatable in the following two changes of side within regulation time.
• Unusual non-game incidents (involuntary fall, ball hitting a player, etc.): umpire may grant up to 5 minutes recovery.
• Accident not directly caused by the game (fainting, allergic reaction, dizziness, respiratory crisis): umpire may grant up to 15 minutes medical attention.

Rule 3. Position of the Players

• Each pair stands on either side of the net. The server puts the ball in play; the player diagonally opposite (receiver) receives it.
• The receiver may stand anywhere on their side, as can their partner and the server's partner.

Rule 4. Choice of Sides and Service

• Decided by a coin toss. The winning pair may choose: (a) to serve or receive first (the other pair picks the side); (b) the side (the other pair picks serve or receive); or (c) to make the opponents choose first.
• Both pairs then tell the umpire who serves and receives first.

Rule 5. Changes of Sides

• Players change sides after the 1st, 3rd, and every subsequent odd game.
• In the tie-break, players change ends every 6 points.
• If players forget to change ends, the correction is made as soon as discovered; all prior points are valid. If discovered after a faulty first serve, the server has only one serve remaining.

Rule 6. The Serve

All points begin with the serve. The server is allowed a second service if the first is not valid.

• At the start of the service, the server must stand with one foot behind the service line, between the imaginary prolongation of the central line and the side wall, and remain there until the ball is hit.
• The server must bounce the ball on the ground within the correct service box; the ball may not cross the service line until it is struck.
• The server's feet must not touch the service line, the imaginary centre-line extension or their own reception box until the ball is hit.
• Contact with the ball must be at or below waist level and the player must have at least one foot in contact with the ground.
• Service alternates: first into the receiver's left box, then alternating sides on each subsequent service game.
• Any intentional attempt to hit the ball counts as a serve.
• If a serve is inadvertently made from the wrong side, correct it as soon as discovered; previous points stand and any first-serve fault counts.
• Before each set, the pair chooses which player serves first; the order may not change until the next set.
• If a player serves out of turn, the correct player serves as soon as the error is found. Previous points stand. A single first-serve fault before the error is disregarded.
• The server must wait until the receiver is ready, but the receiver must adapt within reason to the server's rhythm.
• A 'not ready' call cannot be alleged if an attempt has been made to return the serve; conversely a fault cannot be called if the receiver clearly was not ready.

Rule 7. Serve Fault

The serve is a fault if:

• The server infringes Rule 6, points 1 to 6.
• The server misses the ball when trying to hit it.
• The ball bounces outside the receiver's service box (lines count as good).
• The ball hits the server, their partner, or anything worn or carried by either.
• The ball bounces in the receiver's box and then touches the metallic fence before the second bounce.
• The ball bounces in the receiver's box and goes directly out of court through the gate of a court with no authorised out-of-court play.

Rule 8. Return of Serve

• The receiver must wait for the ball to bounce within their service box and hit it before it bounces a second time.
• Receivers decide who receives first in the first game of each set; that player continues receiving the first service of each game until the set ends.
• Receivers alternate serves during the game; the order cannot change during the set or tie-break, but may change at the start of a new set.
• If receivers alter the order mid-game/tie-break, they must continue that way until the end of that game/tie-break, then return to the original order.
• If the ball hits a receiving player or their racket before bouncing on a serve, the point goes to the server.

Rule 9. Let & Net Service

• Net serve: the served ball touches the net or supporting posts and then lands in the receiver's service box, without touching the metallic fence before the second bounce.
• Net serve also: ball touches the net or posts (if inside the play area) and hits any player or worn/carried article.
• Let serve: served when the receiver is not ready (Rule 6.10).
• If a let occurs on the first serve, the complete point is repeated and the server still has two serves.
• If the net/let is on the second serve, only the second serve is repeated.

Rule 10. Repetition or 'Let' Point

A point in dispute is a let if:

• The ball splits during the game.
• Any element not part of the game invades the court area.
• Any other interruption due to unexpected situations unconnected to the players.
• The ball in play hits an object on the ground in the opposing field (e.g. another ball) that moves in a way that could interfere with play or endanger players.
• A player must request a let immediately; if play continues, they lose the right to a let.
• The umpire decides whether the let is valid; if not, the player loses the point.

Rule 11. Interference

• Interference is when a player, deliberately or involuntarily, puts off an opponent during the execution of a shot.
• Deliberate interference: point awarded to the opponent.
• Involuntary interference: a let is called and the point is replayed.
• A second unintentional interference by the same pair is penalised with the loss of the point.

Rule 12. Ball in Play

• The ball is hit alternately by each pair.
• The ball is in play from a valid service until a let is called or the score is determined.
• If the ball in play hits any part of the court after bouncing in the opponent's ground, it remains in play and must be returned before the second bounce.
• Parts of the court include the inside of the walls, the metallic fence, the ground, the net and net posts. The mesh and its frame are considered part of the fence.

Rule 13. Point Lost

Players lose a point if:

• A player, racket or anything worn/carried touches the net, posts, tension cable or any part of the opponent's court while the ball is in play.
• The ball bounces twice before being returned.
• When out-of-court play is not authorised: the ball, after bouncing, goes over the outer perimeter or through the gate.
• When out-of-court play is authorised: the ball goes over the end wall after bouncing correctly. If it goes over the side wall or through the door, the point is lost on the second bounce or when it hits any element not related to the court.
• A player hits the ball before it has crossed the net.
• A return - direct or off the player's own walls - hits the opponent's walls, fence or anything unrelated to the opponent's court without first bouncing.
• A return hits the net or posts and then lands directly on the opponent's walls, fence or anything unrelated to the opponent's court.
• A player hits the ball twice (double hit).
• After being hit, the ball touches the player, their partner or anything they wear.
• The ball hits any part of the players or their equipment (other than the racket) after being hit by the opposing team.
• A player hits the ball and it touches the metallic fence, any part of their own ground, or anything unrelated to the court on their side.
• The ball is hit with a thrown racket.
• A player jumps over the net while the point is being played.
• Both players hit the ball simultaneously or consecutively (only one team member may play each ball).
• A player hits the ball with one or both feet (or any body part) out of the court, unless out-of-court play is authorised.
• A player serves two consecutive faults.
• A player breaks their safety cord or drops their racket - the pair immediately loses the point.

Rule 14. Correct Return

A return is correct if:

• After being hit, the ball is volleyed by an opponent, or it hits any part of an opponent's body, clothing or racket.
• The ball bounces directly into the opposing court, or hits the player's own wall first and then bounces into the opposing court.
• The ball bounces in the opposing court and then hits the fence or one of the walls.
• Due to direction and force, the ball bounces in the opposing court and then leaves the court (ceiling, lights, or any unrelated object).
• The ball touches the net or posts and then lands in the opposing court.
• The ball in play hits an object on the opponent's ground that is not part of the court (e.g. another ball).
• The ball, after bouncing correctly in the opponent's court, returns to the server's court where the opposition then hits it - provided no player/clothing/racket has touched the net, posts or opponent's court.
• A double hit is not penalised if the impact happens during the same movement and the natural ball trajectory does not vary substantially.
• The ball bounces in the corner where the wall meets the ground.
• When out-of-court play is authorised, the ball may be returned from outside the court.

Rule 15. Point Won

The point is won if:

• After bouncing in the opponent's court, the ball goes out through a hole in the metallic fence or gets stuck in it.
• After bouncing in the opponent's court, the ball gets stuck on the flat horizontal surface on top of the wall.

Rule 16. Authorised Out-of-Court Play

• Players may leave the court to play the ball whenever the court complies with the requirements for safety area and out-of-court play.

Rule 17. Change of Balls

• Organisers must announce in advance: brand and type of balls, number used per match (2 or 3), and ball-change policy.
• Changes after an established odd number of games - the warm-up counts as two games, the tie-break as one.
• Ball changes do not happen at the start of a tie-break - delayed to the second game of the next set.
• Ball changes may also occur at the start of a set.
• If a change is missed, correct the error when it is the turn of the team that should have served with new balls; then continue the original schedule.
• A lost or damaged ball is replaced immediately. If lost within the first 2 games after a change, replace with a new ball; if after 2 games, replace with a used ball of similar wear.

Punctuality

• Matches follow each other without delay as per the schedule. Players are obliged to inform themselves of match times. The order cannot change without the Tournament Umpire's authorisation.

Attire

• Players wear suitable sports clothing and footwear. Swimwear is not allowed. A fault is given on failure; persistent failure leads to disqualification.
• Teams are recommended (not required) to wear the same clothing. Players may choose footwear, clothing and rackets within regulation.

Identification

• Participants must identify themselves (identity, nationality, age, and any other relevant documentation) when requested by the Tournament Umpire.

Conduct & Discipline

• Players behave courteously and respect other people during any competition.
• Coaches are held to the same standard; sanctions on coaches may add to those on players.

Match Area

• Players may not leave the match area (court and surroundings) during a match, including warm-up, without the umpire's authorisation.

Advice & Instructions

• Players may receive advice from an accredited coach during rest times in team and doubles competitions.
• During medical timeouts, interruptions, suspensions or bathroom breaks, the chair umpire decides whether coaching is allowed.

Prize Award

• Finalists must participate in the prize-giving at the end of the competition, unless prevented by verified injury, indisposition or reasonable cause.

Continuous Play & Delays

A match once started must be continuous; no player may delay it beyond Rule 2.

• First violation: warning for time violation.
• Repeat (server): loss of first serve. Repeat (receiver): loss of point.
• Subsequent violations: loss of successive points at the referee's discretion.
• Serious or unsportsmanlike repetition: additional penalties including disqualification under the Disciplinary Code.

Audible & Visible Obscenities

• Audible obscenity: words known to be offensive, spoken loud enough to be heard by the umpire, spectators or organisers.
• Visible obscenity: signs or gestures with hands, racket, balls or any body part that commonly carry obscene meaning or offend reasonable people.

Ball Abuse

• Players may not throw or hit the ball violently in any direction, out of the court or at opponents when the ball is not in play.

Racket or Equipment Abuse

• Players may not throw or deliberately hit any part of the court, ground, net, umpire's chair, walls, fence or any facility element with their racket.

Verbal & Physical Abuse

• Aggressive, unsportsmanlike behaviour toward umpires, opponents, partners, spectators or anyone related to the tournament is treated with particular gravity.
• Verbal abuse includes insults and any contemptuous or belittling oral expression.

Best Efforts

• All players must try their best to win the match.

Unsportsmanlike Conduct

• Players must behave in a sportsmanlike manner at all times, respecting the sporting spirit, the competition and fair play.

Penalties - Table of Penalties

Infractions during a match are sanctioned by the Judge/Umpire under the following schedule.

• Players: 1st infraction - warning; 2nd - warning with point loss; 3rd - warning with disqualification.
• Coaches: 1st infraction - warning; 2nd - expulsion from the match.
• Violations by both players in a pair (and their accredited coach) are cumulative if due to instructions given.

Direct Disqualification

• For very serious infractions (grave physical or verbal aggression), the umpire authorises immediate disqualification.
• A disqualified player loses the match and cannot continue in the competition.
• An accredited technician, captain or another player disqualified must withdraw from the tournament.