The padel racket
Source: FIP rulebook, revision 01.01.2026.
Play shall be with a regulation padel racket in accordance with the Racket Approval Annex issued by the FIP.
Official padel racket specifications
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The racket consists of two parts: head and grip.
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Grip: maximum length 20 cm, maximum width 50 mm, maximum thickness 50 mm.
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Head: variable length. The length of the head plus the length of the grip may not exceed 45.5 cm. Maximum width: 26 cm. Maximum thickness: 38 mm.
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The total length of the racket (head plus grip) may not exceed 45.5 centimetres.
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When checking the racket’s measurements, a tolerance of 2.5% is allowed on the thickness.
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The hitting surface shall be perforated with cylindrical holes 9 to 13 mm in diameter across the whole central zone (the number is not limited). In the peripheral zone of 4 cm from the outer edge, the holes may have another shape with a maximum size of 20 mm.
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The hitting surface, identical on both faces, may be smooth or rough.
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The racket shall be free of attached objects and other devices, except those used to limit wear, vibration or to distribute weight. It may not carry reflective or sound-emitting elements that alter play.
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The racket must have a non-elastic cord or strap securing it to the wrist. Its use is compulsory. Maximum cord length: 35 centimetres.
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The racket must be free of any device capable of communicating with, alerting or instructing the player during a match.
Consequence of not wearing the cord
If a player’s safety cord breaks or the racket slips from their hand, the pair immediately loses the point in play (see Rule 13r).