Rules of Padel
Padel rules explained for players in Ireland.
Learn the essentials of padel scoring, serving, returns, walls, ball in play, and player conduct, then check the detailed guidance when you need official detail.
The core rules most players need first.
Start with the essentials from the 2026 FIP Rules of Padel, then move into the full rule sections when you need exact wording, competition context, or an official check.
Court and walls
Padel is played on an enclosed 10m by 20m court. Once the ball has bounced in court, the glass or mesh can become part of the rally.
Scoring
Padel uses a tennis-style scoring structure, with points, games, sets, and match formats handled through the official competition rules.
Serve and return
The serve is underarm, made after a bounce, and directed diagonally into the opposite service box. Returns must keep the ball legally in play.
Ball in play
A ball is live when it lands in the opponent court and can be played from rebounds allowed by the rules. Direct hits to walls or fences before court are faults.
Use the ten official rule topics to go deeper.
Each topic follows the official rule structure in a more approachable format, with links to detailed guidance on court standards, equipment, scoring, service, returns, ball outcomes, out-of-court play, and conduct.
Court Layout & Dimensions
This section explains the official padel court footprint, the key service-line measurements, and the basic layout requirements that make a competition court playable and consistent.
What this covers
- Official court dimensions
- Playing area and court lines
- Court layout and measurement reference points
- Minimum clear height above the playing area
Player notes
- For club and tournament use, the most important practical check is that the court is not only the right size, but also symmetrical and free from overhead obstructions.
- Line visibility matters. The line colour should contrast clearly with the playing surface so players and officials can read the court quickly during play.
Condensed guide
Court Footprint
A padel court is a rectangle measuring 10 metres wide by 20 metres long, using the interior court measurements.
Net and Service Areas
The court is divided into two equal halves by the net. On each side of the net, a service line runs parallel to the net at a distance of 6.95 metres.
Symmetry and Court Lines
The two halves of the court must be symmetrical when looking at the playing surface and line layout.
Net, Enclosures & Court Structure
This section explains the court structures that shape play: the net, posts, walls, glass, metal mesh, ends, and side enclosures.
What this covers
- Net specification
- Glass, wall, and mesh enclosures
- Ends and sides of the court
- Wall, glass, and metallic fence requirements
Player notes
- A court can look visually complete but still fail the playing standard if there are gaps beside the net or unsafe edges in the mesh or wall joins.
- For player experience, the most important practical point is consistency: the walls and glass should produce a predictable bounce, while the mesh should not create dangerous contact points.
Condensed guide
Net Standards
The net runs across the full width of the court and should measure 10 metres long. It is lower in the centre and rises slightly at the ends.
Posts, Cable and Net Finish
The net is suspended by a metal cable with a maximum diameter of 0.01 metres and fixed either to lateral posts with a maximum height of 1.05 metres or an approved court structure that can hold the net correctly.
Court Enclosures
The court must be fully enclosed. The ends are 10 metres wide from the inside, while the side length is 20 metres from the inside.
Surface, Access & Safety
This section covers the playing surface, court access, and the safety space required when out-of-court play is permitted.
What this covers
- Ground surface requirements
- Court access points
- Safety areas
- Out-of-court play space
Player notes
- If a venue wants to allow out-of-court play, the access and safety-zone requirements matter as much as the court itself.
- For everyday users, surface consistency is the most noticeable issue: irregular bounce, poor drainage, or unclear line contrast can affect both safety and play quality.
Condensed guide
Playing Surface
The court surface may be cement, synthetic material, or artificial grass, provided it gives a regular ball bounce and prevents water build-up.
Surface Level and Drainage
The playing surface should be sufficiently level, with differences inside the court kept below 3 millimetres when measured with a 3 metre rule.
Court Access
Access points are placed on one or both lateral sides and should be symmetrical with the centre of the court.
Lighting & Orientation
This section covers the visibility standards that help create safe, fair, and consistent playing conditions.
What this covers
- Illumination requirements
- Lighting placement considerations
- Recommended court orientation
Player notes
- Good lighting is not only about brightness. Uniformity matters because glare and dark patches can affect player reaction time and line visibility.
- If a court is planned for livestreaming or broadcast, lighting should be reviewed early, because broadcast guidance is more demanding than general play guidance.
Condensed guide
Lighting Quality
Artificial lighting should be uniform and positioned so it does not create visibility problems for players, officials, or spectators.
Light Placement
Light poles should be outside the court. If lighting falls inside the required safety area, out-of-court play is not allowed.
Broadcast and Film Recording
For television broadcasts and film recording, the 2026 rules call for at least 1000 lux of vertical illumination.
Ball & Racket
This section explains the approved ball and racket requirements used for official padel play.
What this covers
- Approved padel ball characteristics
- Padel racket dimensions and surface requirements
- Racket safety cord requirements
Player notes
- The wrist cord is not optional. If it breaks or the racket becomes dangerous, play should not continue with that racket.
- Players may use more than one racket during a match, but not during the same point.
Condensed guide
Official Ball
Balls used in official competitions must be approved for the game of padel.
Ball Dimensions and Performance
The ball diameter should measure between 6.35 and 6.77 centimetres, with a weight between 56.0 and 59.4 grams.
Racket Dimensions
The racket is made up of a head and a handle. The full racket length, including head and handle, may not exceed 45.5 centimetres.
Scoring & Timing
This section explains how games, sets, tie-breaks, match formats, rest periods, warmups, delays, and medical interruptions are handled.
What this covers
- Score in a game
- Game, set, and match structure
- Warmup, rest, and delay timing
- Continuous play expectations
Player notes
- For event pages and tournament documents, scoring format should always be stated before play begins, especially if golden point or match tie-break rules are being used.
- Players should expect the first game of each set and tie-break changeovers to be continuous, without a normal rest period.
Condensed guide
Standard Scoring
Standard padel scoring follows the familiar sequence of love, 15, 30, 40, and game.
Sets and Matches
The first pair to win 6 games wins the set, provided they lead by at least two games.
Tie-Break and Alternative Formats
If a set reaches 6-6, a tie-break may be used. Tie-break points are counted numerically and continue until one pair reaches the required total with a two-point margin.
Players & Side Changes
This section covers where players may stand, how the first service and court side are chosen, and when players change sides during a match.
What this covers
- Position of the players
- Choice of sides and service
- Changes of sides
Player notes
- A player may not stand outside the court during service.
- One player can dominate open play if they remain within their court, but all players must still serve and receive in the correct order when required.
Condensed guide
Player Positions
Each pair plays on one side of the net. The server puts the ball in play and the receiver is the player diagonally opposite the server.
Choosing Sides and Service
The choice of first serve, first receive, and court side is decided by a coin toss.
Declaring Serve and Receive Order
Once sides and serve order have been chosen, both pairs identify who will serve and receive first.
Service & Return Rules
This section brings together how a point starts, what makes a serve legal or faulty, how serve return works, and when a serve or point must be repeated.
What this covers
- The service
- Service faults
- Return of serve
- Net service and let situations
Player notes
- The most common service issues for players are standing in the wrong position, striking the ball too high, or forgetting that the serve must be diagonal.
- The receiver cannot claim they were not ready if they attempted to return the serve.
Condensed guide
The Service
Every point begins with a serve. If the first serve is not valid, the server is allowed a second serve.
Legal Serve Action
The ball must be struck at or below waist height, and the server must keep at least one foot in contact with the ground at the moment of contact.
Service Faults
A service fault can occur if the server breaks the service-position rules, misses the ball, serves outside the correct receiving box, or hits the server, partner, or their equipment.
Ball in Play & Point Outcomes
This section covers the rally situations that decide whether the ball remains live, whether a return is correct, and when a point is won or lost.
What this covers
- Interference
- Ball in play
- Point lost
- Correct return
Player notes
- For most players, the practical question is simple: did the ball bounce correctly, and was it returned before the second bounce?
- Contact with the net during a live point is a major boundary line. Players should avoid reaching or stepping into positions where net contact is likely.
Condensed guide
Interference
Interference occurs when a player's deliberate or accidental action distracts or affects an opponent while they are making a shot.
Ball in Play
The ball is in play from the moment a valid service takes place until a let is called or the point is decided.
Point Lost
A point is lost for actions such as touching the net while the ball is in play, allowing the ball to bounce twice, playing the ball before it crosses the net, double-hitting, or striking the ball with a thrown racket.
Out-of-Court Play & Conduct
This section covers authorised out-of-court play, ball-change procedures, player etiquette, conduct expectations, penalties, and disqualification.
What this covers
- Authorised out-of-court play
- Change of balls
- Punctuality, attire, and identification
- Advice and instructions
Player notes
- Out-of-court play should only be advertised or used where the court has the required access and safety space.
- Tournament organisers should publish ball-change and scoring policies clearly before play starts to avoid disputes.
Condensed guide
Authorised Out-of-Court Play
Players may leave the court to play the ball only when the court satisfies the required access and safety-area conditions.
Change of Balls
Competition organisers must announce the ball brand, ball type, number of balls used in the match, and ball-change policy in advance.
Etiquette and Match Conduct
Players are expected to arrive on time, wear suitable sports clothing and footwear, identify themselves when requested, and behave courteously throughout the competition.
Court Layout & Dimensions
This section explains the official padel court footprint, the key service-line measurements, and the basic layout requirements that make a competition court playable and consistent.
What this covers
- Official court dimensions
- Playing area and court lines
- Court layout and measurement reference points
- Minimum clear height above the playing area
Player notes
- For club and tournament use, the most important practical check is that the court is not only the right size, but also symmetrical and free from overhead obstructions.
- Line visibility matters. The line colour should contrast clearly with the playing surface so players and officials can read the court quickly during play.
Condensed guide
Court Footprint
A padel court is a rectangle measuring 10 metres wide by 20 metres long, using the interior court measurements.
Net and Service Areas
The court is divided into two equal halves by the net. On each side of the net, a service line runs parallel to the net at a distance of 6.95 metres.
Symmetry and Court Lines
The two halves of the court must be symmetrical when looking at the playing surface and line layout.
Net, Enclosures & Court Structure
This section explains the court structures that shape play: the net, posts, walls, glass, metal mesh, ends, and side enclosures.
What this covers
- Net specification
- Glass, wall, and mesh enclosures
- Ends and sides of the court
- Wall, glass, and metallic fence requirements
Player notes
- A court can look visually complete but still fail the playing standard if there are gaps beside the net or unsafe edges in the mesh or wall joins.
- For player experience, the most important practical point is consistency: the walls and glass should produce a predictable bounce, while the mesh should not create dangerous contact points.
Condensed guide
Net Standards
The net runs across the full width of the court and should measure 10 metres long. It is lower in the centre and rises slightly at the ends.
Posts, Cable and Net Finish
The net is suspended by a metal cable with a maximum diameter of 0.01 metres and fixed either to lateral posts with a maximum height of 1.05 metres or an approved court structure that can hold the net correctly.
Court Enclosures
The court must be fully enclosed. The ends are 10 metres wide from the inside, while the side length is 20 metres from the inside.
Surface, Access & Safety
This section covers the playing surface, court access, and the safety space required when out-of-court play is permitted.
What this covers
- Ground surface requirements
- Court access points
- Safety areas
- Out-of-court play space
Player notes
- If a venue wants to allow out-of-court play, the access and safety-zone requirements matter as much as the court itself.
- For everyday users, surface consistency is the most noticeable issue: irregular bounce, poor drainage, or unclear line contrast can affect both safety and play quality.
Condensed guide
Playing Surface
The court surface may be cement, synthetic material, or artificial grass, provided it gives a regular ball bounce and prevents water build-up.
Surface Level and Drainage
The playing surface should be sufficiently level, with differences inside the court kept below 3 millimetres when measured with a 3 metre rule.
Court Access
Access points are placed on one or both lateral sides and should be symmetrical with the centre of the court.
Lighting & Orientation
This section covers the visibility standards that help create safe, fair, and consistent playing conditions.
What this covers
- Illumination requirements
- Lighting placement considerations
- Recommended court orientation
Player notes
- Good lighting is not only about brightness. Uniformity matters because glare and dark patches can affect player reaction time and line visibility.
- If a court is planned for livestreaming or broadcast, lighting should be reviewed early, because broadcast guidance is more demanding than general play guidance.
Condensed guide
Lighting Quality
Artificial lighting should be uniform and positioned so it does not create visibility problems for players, officials, or spectators.
Light Placement
Light poles should be outside the court. If lighting falls inside the required safety area, out-of-court play is not allowed.
Broadcast and Film Recording
For television broadcasts and film recording, the 2026 rules call for at least 1000 lux of vertical illumination.
Ball & Racket
This section explains the approved ball and racket requirements used for official padel play.
What this covers
- Approved padel ball characteristics
- Padel racket dimensions and surface requirements
- Racket safety cord requirements
Player notes
- The wrist cord is not optional. If it breaks or the racket becomes dangerous, play should not continue with that racket.
- Players may use more than one racket during a match, but not during the same point.
Condensed guide
Official Ball
Balls used in official competitions must be approved for the game of padel.
Ball Dimensions and Performance
The ball diameter should measure between 6.35 and 6.77 centimetres, with a weight between 56.0 and 59.4 grams.
Racket Dimensions
The racket is made up of a head and a handle. The full racket length, including head and handle, may not exceed 45.5 centimetres.
Scoring & Timing
This section explains how games, sets, tie-breaks, match formats, rest periods, warmups, delays, and medical interruptions are handled.
What this covers
- Score in a game
- Game, set, and match structure
- Warmup, rest, and delay timing
- Continuous play expectations
Player notes
- For event pages and tournament documents, scoring format should always be stated before play begins, especially if golden point or match tie-break rules are being used.
- Players should expect the first game of each set and tie-break changeovers to be continuous, without a normal rest period.
Condensed guide
Standard Scoring
Standard padel scoring follows the familiar sequence of love, 15, 30, 40, and game.
Sets and Matches
The first pair to win 6 games wins the set, provided they lead by at least two games.
Tie-Break and Alternative Formats
If a set reaches 6-6, a tie-break may be used. Tie-break points are counted numerically and continue until one pair reaches the required total with a two-point margin.
Players & Side Changes
This section covers where players may stand, how the first service and court side are chosen, and when players change sides during a match.
What this covers
- Position of the players
- Choice of sides and service
- Changes of sides
Player notes
- A player may not stand outside the court during service.
- One player can dominate open play if they remain within their court, but all players must still serve and receive in the correct order when required.
Condensed guide
Player Positions
Each pair plays on one side of the net. The server puts the ball in play and the receiver is the player diagonally opposite the server.
Choosing Sides and Service
The choice of first serve, first receive, and court side is decided by a coin toss.
Declaring Serve and Receive Order
Once sides and serve order have been chosen, both pairs identify who will serve and receive first.
Service & Return Rules
This section brings together how a point starts, what makes a serve legal or faulty, how serve return works, and when a serve or point must be repeated.
What this covers
- The service
- Service faults
- Return of serve
- Net service and let situations
Player notes
- The most common service issues for players are standing in the wrong position, striking the ball too high, or forgetting that the serve must be diagonal.
- The receiver cannot claim they were not ready if they attempted to return the serve.
Condensed guide
The Service
Every point begins with a serve. If the first serve is not valid, the server is allowed a second serve.
Legal Serve Action
The ball must be struck at or below waist height, and the server must keep at least one foot in contact with the ground at the moment of contact.
Service Faults
A service fault can occur if the server breaks the service-position rules, misses the ball, serves outside the correct receiving box, or hits the server, partner, or their equipment.
Ball in Play & Point Outcomes
This section covers the rally situations that decide whether the ball remains live, whether a return is correct, and when a point is won or lost.
What this covers
- Interference
- Ball in play
- Point lost
- Correct return
Player notes
- For most players, the practical question is simple: did the ball bounce correctly, and was it returned before the second bounce?
- Contact with the net during a live point is a major boundary line. Players should avoid reaching or stepping into positions where net contact is likely.
Condensed guide
Interference
Interference occurs when a player's deliberate or accidental action distracts or affects an opponent while they are making a shot.
Ball in Play
The ball is in play from the moment a valid service takes place until a let is called or the point is decided.
Point Lost
A point is lost for actions such as touching the net while the ball is in play, allowing the ball to bounce twice, playing the ball before it crosses the net, double-hitting, or striking the ball with a thrown racket.
Out-of-Court Play & Conduct
This section covers authorised out-of-court play, ball-change procedures, player etiquette, conduct expectations, penalties, and disqualification.
What this covers
- Authorised out-of-court play
- Change of balls
- Punctuality, attire, and identification
- Advice and instructions
Player notes
- Out-of-court play should only be advertised or used where the court has the required access and safety space.
- Tournament organisers should publish ball-change and scoring policies clearly before play starts to avoid disputes.
Condensed guide
Authorised Out-of-Court Play
Players may leave the court to play the ball only when the court satisfies the required access and safety-area conditions.
Change of Balls
Competition organisers must announce the ball brand, ball type, number of balls used in the match, and ball-change policy in advance.
Etiquette and Match Conduct
Players are expected to arrive on time, wear suitable sports clothing and footwear, identify themselves when requested, and behave courteously throughout the competition.