Rule 14: a correct return

Source: FIP rulebook, revision 01.01.2026.

When is a return valid in padel?

The return is correct in the following cases:

• a) If, after being struck, the ball is volleyed by either player of the opposing pair, or hits them on the body, on any part of their clothing or on their own racket.

• b) If, after being struck, the ball bounces directly in the opposing half, or first strikes one of the walls of the player’s own half and then bounces directly in the opposing half.

• c) If the ball bounces in the opposing half and then touches the metal mesh or any of the walls.

• d) If, as a result of the direction and force of the stroke, the ball bounces in the opposing half and leaves the boundaries of the court, or hits the roof, the floodlights or any object foreign to the elements of the court.

• e) If the ball touches the net or its posts and then bounces in the opposing half.

• f) If the ball in play strikes an object lying on the floor of the opposing half that is foreign to the game itself (for example, another ball).

• g) If the ball, after bouncing in the player’s own half, returns to the half from which it was struck and is struck back into the opposing half, provided that neither the player, any part of their clothing nor their racket has touched the net, its posts or the opposing half.

• h) The return is correct provided the player has not struck the ball twice, the impact is made in a single movement, and the natural path of the ball is not substantially altered.

• i) If the returned ball bounces in the opposing half in the angle (corner) formed by one of the walls and the floor, it counts as a correct return (the so-called “chiquito” or glass ball).

• j) With authorised play outside the court: if the ball is struck from outside the court, the return is valid provided the preceding points are met.