Padel Rules Reference

Padel — Rules of the Game (Summary)

Reference document for DPL league administration

Based on International Padel Federation (FIP) rules. This is a plain-English summary for use by the DPL Committee in adjudicating in-play disputes. For the full official ruleset, refer to the FIP Rules of Padel.

1. The Court

A padel court is an enclosed rectangular court measuring 10m wide × 20m long, divided by a net.
The court is enclosed by walls and/or metallic fencing. Balls that rebound off the walls remain in play.
The service boxes are 3m deep, marked on the court surface.
There is a 7m line (non-volley zone reference) marked on each side.

2. Equipment

Rackets (palas): Solid, perforated construction. No strings. Maximum length 45.5cm, width 26cm.
Balls: Standard padel balls (slightly less pressurised than tennis balls). The home team provides new balls for each match (DPL Rule 3.6).
Shoes: Non-marking court shoes required (DPL Rule 3.7).

3. Scoring

Padel uses standard tennis scoring:

Points: 0, 15, 30, 40, Game
Short deuce applies in DPL matches: at deuce (40–40), the next point wins the game (no advantage)
Games: First to 6, with a minimum 2-game lead (e.g. 6–4, 7–5)
Tiebreak: If the set reaches 6–6, a 7-point tiebreak is played (first to 7, win by 2)
DPL match format: Best of 3 sets; if sets are split 1–1, a 10-point champions' tiebreak replaces the third set (first to 10 points, win by 2)

4. Service

4.1 Procedure:

The server must stand behind the service line and within the centre mark and sideline.
The ball must be bounced on the ground behind the service line and struck below waist height.
After bouncing, the server strikes the ball diagonally into the opponent's service box.

4.2 Valid Service:

The ball must land in the diagonally opposite service box.
The ball may then hit the side or back wall of the receiver's side and remain in play.
If the served ball hits the wire fencing before bouncing in the service box, it is a fault.

4.3 Faults:

Ball lands outside the service box
Ball hits the net and does not land in the correct service box
Ball bounces in the service box and then hits the wire mesh before the receiver plays it (let if it hits the wall — see 4.4)
Server's foot crosses the service line before striking the ball (foot fault)

4.4 Let:

If the served ball touches the net cord and lands correctly in the service box, it is a let — the serve is replayed.
A let is also called for external interference.

4.5 Two serves:

Each server gets two attempts. Two faults = double fault = point to the receiver.

4.6 Order of service:

At the start of a match, a coin toss or spin decides who serves first and which end is played from.
Service alternates each game. In a tiebreak, service changes every 2 points (first server gets 1 point, then alternates every 2).

5. Play — Returning the Ball

5.1 The ball must be returned over the net before it bounces twice on the court.

5.2 The ball may be played off the walls on your own side (after it has bounced on the floor first).

5.3 Players may volley the ball (before it bounces) except when returning the serve.

5.4 The ball must not be hit into the net, or out of the court enclosure without bouncing in the opponent's half first.

6. Walls in Play

6.1 If a ball bounces in the opponent's court and then rebounds off a wall or fence, it may still be played.

6.2 "Off the glass" shots: A player may allow the ball to bounce off their own side's wall and play it back. This is legal and a key tactical element of padel.

6.3 If a ball passes through a hole or gap in the fencing (not a standard opening), a let may be called.

6.4 Ball leaving the court: In some court configurations, a ball may exit through an opening (door or gap). If this happens:

If the ball exits through a door/opening on the side or back walls and the player can reach it, they may play it back through the same opening.
A ball leaving through a standard opening may be played back — this is an advanced rule and rare in club/league play.

7. When a Point Is Lost

A team loses the point when:

The ball bounces twice on their side before they return it
They hit the ball into the net
They hit the ball out of bounds (over or around the enclosure without first bouncing in the opponent's court)
They or their racket touches the net during play
They hit the ball before it crosses the net (reaching over)
They hit the ball twice (double hit) — unless it is one continuous stroke
The ball hits a player or their clothing

8. Interference and Lets

A let (replay of the point) is called when:

Interference from an external source (ball from another court, spectator) disrupts play
A serve clips the net and lands correctly (service let only)
A player is genuinely unsighted due to interference outside their control

Players should call a let promptly and before playing the next shot. Lets should not be used to undo a shot a player is unhappy with.

9. Conduct During Play

Players call their own lets and faults in recreational and league play (unless an umpire is present).
Disputes about ball marks or calls should be resolved sporting: if genuinely unsure whether a ball was in or out, the benefit of the doubt goes to the opponent.
Players should not question calls repeatedly or argue over close calls.
Racket abuse, deliberate time-wasting, and coaching from outside the court are not permitted.

10. Changeovers and Rest Periods

Players change ends after the first, third, and every subsequent odd-numbered game.
In a tiebreak, players change ends after every 6 points.
Players are allowed 90 seconds during changeovers.
Players are allowed 20 seconds between points (in formal competition).

11. Umpires and Officials

In DPL league matches, there are no appointed umpires. Players are expected to:

Call their own lets and hinders honestly
Resolve in-play disputes between themselves
Refer unresolved disputes to team captains, and if necessary to the DPL Committee post-match

For the complete FIP Rules of Padel, visit: www.padelfip.com

Governance