Padel Rules: Serve and Return

The serve in padel is governed by a set of specific rules that every player must follow. These regulations dictate the server’s positioning, the method of striking the ball, and where the ball must land. The article outlines the correct serving technique, including the requirement to bounce the ball once before hitting it below the hip. It also explains the rotation of servers, the concept of “let” serves, and what constitutes a fault. Additionally, the piece covers the rules for receiving serves and clarifies how many times the ball can bounce during play. Understanding these serving rules is crucial for maintaining fair play and avoiding errors during padel matches.

Basic Serving Guidelines

The serve in padel follows straightforward rules, though certain situations may cause confusion. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the serving regulations:

• The server must position both feet behind the service line.
• The ball must be bounced once before contact with the racket.
• The serve must be executed below the hip with at least one foot grounded.
• The ball should be directed diagonally to the opposite service box.
• The ball must land within the designated service box, including the lines.
• Each server has two attempts per service.

Serving Order and Rotation

• In the first game of each set, the serving pair decides which member serves first.
• This order remains unchanged until the next set.
• If an error in serving order is discovered, it must be corrected immediately.
• Previously scored points remain valid.
• The serving order rotates between pairs after each game.

Faults in Serving

A serve is considered faulty if:

1. The server fails to make contact with the ball.
2. The ball lands outside the designated service box.
3. The ball touches the server or their partner.
4. After the first bounce, the ball hits the metallic net (not the wall).
5. The ball exits through the court door.

Rules for the Receiver

• The receiver must hit the ball after its first bounce but before the second.
• Receiving order is decided at the beginning of each set and alternates throughout the game.
• If the ball bounces twice, the point goes to the server.

Let Serves

A serve is repeated (called a “let”) when:

• The ball touches the net and lands in the correct service box.
• The receiver isn’t ready for the serve.

Understanding “LET” in Padel

A “LET” occurs when:

• The served ball touches the net and lands in the correct service box.
• The server gets another attempt, even on a second serve.

Rare cases after a LET that result in a lost point:

1. The ball touches the side metal mesh after the first bounce.
2. The second bounce occurs outside the court or the ball exits through the door.
3. The ball hits the net and returns to the server’s side.

Ball Bounces in Padel

Remember: The ball is allowed only one bounce, both during serve and regular play. A second bounce on the floor results in a point for the opponent.