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Rule 6: the serve

Source: FIP rulebook, revision 01.01.2026.

How is the serve executed in padel?

Every point starts with a serve. If the first serve fails, a second attempt is allowed.

Position and execution of the serve

  1. At the moment the stroke begins, the server must have one foot behind the service line, between the imaginary extension of the centre service line and the side wall (the service box), remaining within that space until the ball has been struck.

  2. The server must bounce the ball on the ground to serve, within the corresponding box. The ball may not pass beyond the service line until the moment it is struck.

  3. The server may not touch the service line, the imaginary centre line or the receiving box of their own half with their feet until the ball has been struck.

  4. At the moment of striking the ball on the serve, the ball must be at or below waist height, and the player must have at least one foot in contact with the ground.

  5. The struck ball must pass over the net into the diagonal receiving box, with the first bounce occurring inside that box. The first service is played to the box on the server’s left, alternating with each point.

  6. The serve is deemed to have been made at the moment of striking the ball, or on a failed attempt with the intention of striking it.

Serving from the wrong box

  1. If a serve is inadvertently played from the wrong box, the error must be corrected as soon as it is discovered. All points won before it was noticed stand.

Order of serving

  1. The pair with the right to serve in the first game of each set decides which of its members serves first. At the end of the first game, the receiving pair takes over the serve, and so on alternately. Once the order of service has been established, it may not be altered until the start of the next set.

  2. If a player serves out of turn, the player who should have served must do so as soon as the error is discovered. All points won before it was noticed stand.

Coordination between server and receiver

  1. The server shall not serve until the receiver is ready. The receiver shall adapt to the reasonable pace of the server.

  2. A player may not claim not to have been ready to receive if they have attempted to return the serve. If it is shown that the receiver was not ready, a fault may not be called either.