Common padel rules mistakes — and the correct calls that end arguments on court
Padel rules are simple until they're not — and the edge cases that seem rare are exactly the ones that end up deciding close games. Here are the calls that get argued most, and what the rules actually say.
Table of contents
The ball on the wall before the ground
The single most argued rule: a ball hits your side's wall before bouncing on the ground. The ruling is absolute: lost point, always. On your side of the net, the ball must bounce on the ground first, then can hit any wall freely. A ball that touches any surface before the ground is a fault. No exceptions.
The serve let and where it goes
If the serve clips the net and lands in the correct service box, it's a let — replay the point. If the serve clips the net and lands outside the service box, it's a fault. If the serve hits the net, then hits the net post, and lands in — it's a fault. The net post is not the net; a ball deflecting off a post is out.
The glass clips on the serve
A serve that bounces in the service box then hits the side glass before being returned is a fault — even if the ball is still technically in the court. The serve must bounce cleanly in the box without hitting any glass or wall. This rule surprises players who assume the walls are in play on the serve; they are not.
Can the ball go out over the top?
Yes — and it's legal. A smash hit hard enough to bounce in the opponent's court and exit through the gap at the top of the fence scores the point. This is called 'por tres'. What's not legal: a ball that exits through a door or side opening without first bouncing on the court. Bounce first, then exit — point to you.
Double hits and carries
A ball that hits your racket twice in a single stroke is a lost point. A ball that 'carries' — rolls along the racket during the swing — is allowed as long as it's a single continuous stroke. The distinction: one continuous swing motion is legal; two separate contacts in the same stroke is a fault.
Out of court play
A ball that hits the ceiling, a light fixture, or any object outside the court during a rally is an immediate lost point — for whichever team it was heading toward when it hit the obstruction. Disputed calls here usually need the benefit of the doubt extended in recreational play.
Serve foot faults
The server must keep at least one foot behind the service line when serving and cannot step on or over it during the delivery. Both feet must remain behind the line from the start of the service motion until contact. A serve that otherwise lands correctly but was delivered with a foot fault is still a fault.
Key takeaways
- Ball on wall before ground = lost point, always
- Serve let: clips net and lands in box = replay; lands out = fault
- Serve cannot hit glass or walls after bouncing — it's a fault if it does
- Por tres: legal exit through the top gap after bouncing in the court
- Double hit in one stroke = fault; carry in one continuous motion = allowed
- Foot fault on serve: both feet behind service line until contact
Questions
What happens if the ball hits the net post during a rally?
Lost point for the team that hit the ball. The net post is a fixed part of the structure; a ball deflecting off it during play is treated as if it went out.
Can I catch a ball that's heading out to show it's out?
No. If you catch or stop a ball before it bounces, even to show it's going out, you lose the point. Let it go — out is out once it lands.
Is a ball landing on the line in or out?
In. Any part of the ball touching the line is a good ball.
What if a ball hits a player's body during the rally?
The player who was hit loses the point — regardless of whether the ball was heading in or out. This includes clothing, jewellery, and the racket if it's not in hand.
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