7 padel rules that players argue about most often
Is a serve that hits the net replayed? When can the ball touch the glass or the grates? We explain the situations that cause the most discussion on court.
The padel match is gaining momentum, the score is tied, the ball hits the glass or the grates – and the game suddenly stops. One player is convinced that the point has been won, while the other is already preparing to replay it.
Although the basic rules of padel are not complicated, the court glass, grates, the net, and different serve technique create quite a few situations that are interpreted differently. We discuss seven rules that are worth knowing for every player.
How should the serve be performed?
The ball is hit after the bounceWhen serving, the ball must first bounce off the court surface. At the moment of the hit, it must be at the player's waist or below it.
At least one foot of the server must touch the ground. The player must stand behind the service line in their service zone and may not step on the service line or the imaginary extension of the center service line.
The serve is made diagonally, into the service box on the opposite side of the court.
Is a serve that lands on the line good?
YesThe lines bordering the service box are considered part of it. If the ball first bounces on the service line, the serve is considered valid.
A fault is recorded only when the first bounce of the ball is completely outside the boundaries of the correct service box.
Important: there are no side lines on a padel court like on a tennis court. The lines marked inside the court are used to define the service zones and boxes.
After the serve, the ball touched the glass or the grates. Does play continue?
Glass – yes, grates – noIf the ball first bounces in the correct service box and then hits the glass, the serve is valid and play continues.
If, after the first bounce in the service box, the ball touches the metal grates before the second bounce, a serve fault is recorded.
In short: service box → glass – allowed. Service box → grates – serve fault.
This exception applies specifically to the serve. Once the point has started, the ball after bouncing in the opponents' court may touch both the glass and the grates, and play continues.
The ball touched the net while serving. Is the serve replayed?
Yes, if it landed in the correct boxIf, when serving, the ball touches the net or its support structure, but still lands in the correct service box, a "let" is called and the serve is replayed.
However, the ball may not touch the metal grates before the second bounce. In that case, a serve fault would be recorded.
If a "let" occurs on the first serve, the player again has two serve attempts. If the net is touched on the second serve, only the second serve is replayed.
During the point, the ball may touch the net and land in the opponents' court – in that case, play continues.
Can the serve be taken out of the air?
NoThe player receiving the serve must wait until the ball has bounced once in their service box. The ball must be returned before the second bounce.
If the receiving player touches the ball with the racket or body before it bounces off the court surface, the point is won by the serving pair.
This applies even when the player thinks the ball would have gone outside the service box.
Can you hit the ball off your own glass?
YesA player may hit the ball against the glass of their own court if, after contact with the glass, the ball crosses the net and first bounces in the opponents' court.
However, the ball may not be sent off your own metal grates. If, after the player's shot, the ball touches the grates or the court surface on their side before crossing the net, the point is lost.
A shot off your own glass is most often used in defense, when returning the ball directly over the net is difficult.
Can you lean the racket over into the opponents' side?
Only in a certain situationAs a rule, the ball may not be hit before it has crossed the net to your side of the court.
However, if the ball hit by the opponents first bounces in your court and, due to spin or direction, returns back over the net, you may lean the racket over into the opponents' side and hit the ball.
Neither the player nor their racket, clothing, or any other item they have may touch the net, its structure, or the opponents' court while the ball is in play. Touching the net loses the point.
Quick reminder before the next match
- The serve is made after the ball bounces, at waist height or below.
- The service box line is considered part of the box.
- After the serve, the ball may touch the glass, but not the grates.
- A serve that touches the net and lands in the correct box is replayed.
- The serve may not be taken out of the air.
- The ball may be hit off your own glass, but not off your own grates.
- Leaning the racket over the net is only possible when the ball has already bounced on your side and returned back.
Knowing the rules of padel helps not only avoid disputes, but also provides more tactical options. The next time the ball touches the glass, the grates, or the net, there will be no need to stop the match for a long discussion – you will be able to continue playing immediately.
Frequently asked questions
Can a padel serve touch the net?
Can the ball hit the glass after the serve?
Can the ball touch the grates after the serve?
Can the serve be taken out of the air?
Get ready for the next match
Rackets, balls, footwear, and other padel equipment for players who want to feel confident on court.
BROWSE GETPADEL RANGEThe article was prepared according to the official International Padel Federation FIP rules in force in 2026. View the official rules document.
