Padel rules / Common mistakes
12 padel rules most players get wrong
Most arguments on a padel court come from the same dozen situations. Here is what players usually believe, and what the 2026 rulebook actually says.
In short
The most common mistakes: thinking a serve may hit the fence, thinking both feet must be behind the line, letting a ball that is going out hit you, using your own fence, and assuming Star Point is compulsory at every club. Each is explained below with the rule number.
1. A serve can hit the fence after the bounce
Wrong
On the serve, the ball may hit the glass after bouncing in the box, but if it hits the metal fence before the second bounce it is a fault. Rule 7
2. Both feet must be behind the service line
Out of date
Since 1 January 2026 one foot behind the line is enough. You still may not touch the line. Rule 6
3. If the ball hits me on its way out, it is my point
Wrong
If your opponents' shot hits your body before it bounces, you lose the point, even if it was going out. Rule 13 (k)
4. I can use my own fence like my own glass
Wrong
You may play the ball off your own glass. If your shot touches your own fence, you lose the point. Rule 13 (l)
5. Star Point is now the rule everywhere
Wrong
Star Point is one of three official options. The organiser chooses between Advantage, Star Point and Golden Point. Clubs and leagues may keep their own choice. Rule 1
6. Star Point and Golden Point are the same thing
Wrong
Golden Point decides the game at the first 40-40. Star Point only comes after two advantages have been played and the score returns to deuce a third time. Rule 1
7. Dropping the racket is no problem if I pick it up
Out of date
From 2026 a dropped racket or a broken strap loses the point straight away. Rule 13 (r)
8. You can drink between points
Wrong
Eating and drinking are only allowed at the change of ends and between sets. Rule 2
9. A ball stuck in the fence is a let
Wrong
If it bounced on the opponents' floor and then got stuck in the fence or went through a hole, the player who hit it wins the point. Rule 15 (a)
10. Any double hit loses the point
Partly wrong
A double contact in one continuous swing, without a real change in the ball's path, is allowed. A deliberate second hit is not. Rule 14 (h) Rule 13 (i)
11. If our rackets clash, we lose the point
Wrong
Partners' rackets touching is not a double hit. You lose the point only if both of you actually hit the ball. Rule 13 (o)
12. You can always run out of the court to save the ball
Wrong
Only on courts that meet the FIP safety requirements and where out-of-court play is authorised. Otherwise a ball that leaves your side after the bounce is your lost point. Rule 13 (d) Rule 16
Questions
Is it a fault if the padel serve hits the fence?
Yes, if it hits the metal fence after bouncing in the box and before its second bounce. Hitting the glass is fine.
If the ball hits me before it bounces, whose point is it?
Your opponents'. It does not matter whether the ball would have landed out.