Rule 16: authorised play outside the court

Source: FIP rulebook, revision 01.01.2026.

Can you leave the court to hit the ball in padel?

Yes. Players are authorised to leave the court and strike the ball from outside, provided the court meets the conditions laid down for the Safety Zone and Outside Play (see the section on the court).

The safety zone requires a minimum clear space of 3 metres wide, 4 metres long on each side and 3 metres high.

For the consequences of playing outside the court (when the point is won or lost), see Rules 13 and 14.