Official rulebook · FIP 2026
Padel rules
The official rulebook of the International Padel Federation, revision of 1 January 2026, section by section.
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All sections
- 00Introduction to the padel rulebookWho decides the rules of padel?
- 01The padel courtWhat are the official dimensions of a padel court?
- 02The padel ballWhat size and pressure must a padel ball have?
- 03The padel racketWhat are the legal dimensions of a padel racket?
- 04Rule 1: scoringHow does scoring work in padel?
- 05Rule 2: time limitsHow much time is allowed between points and at the breaks?
- 06Rule 3: position of the playersWhere do the players stand on court?
- 07Rule 4: choice of ends and serviceHow is it decided who serves first?
- 08Rule 5: changing endsWhen do you change ends?
- 09Rule 6: the serveHow is the serve executed in padel?
- 10Rule 7: service faultWhen is a serve a fault in padel?
- 11Rule 8: the return of serveHow do you return serve in padel?
- 12Rule 9: let and net on the serveWhen is the serve replayed for a let or a net?
- 13Rule 10: replaying a point (let)When is a point replayed in padel?
- 14Rule 11: interferenceWhat is interference and what are the consequences?
- 15Rule 12: the ball in playWhen is the ball in play?
- 16Rule 13: losing the pointWhen do you lose a point in padel?
- 17Rule 14: a correct returnWhen is a return valid?
- 18Rule 15: winning the pointWhat happens if the ball gets stuck in the mesh?
- 19Rule 16: authorised play outside the courtCan you leave the court to hit the ball?
- 20Rule 17: changing the ballsWhen are the balls changed during a match?
- 21Etiquette and code of conductWhat rules of conduct must a player follow?
- 22Penalties and disqualificationWhat penalties exist and when is a player disqualified?
Source: International Padel Federation (FIP), revision 01.01.2026.