Le paddle is based on clear rules established by the International Federation of Padel (FIP). Among these, the notions of resumption of the point and ball in play are essential to ensure a fair game. Here’s a look at common situations related to these rules.

When to replay a point?

According to FIP rules, a point can be replayed in certain specific situations:

1. Broken ball (deflates):
If a ball breaks during a rally, the point is immediately stopped and must be replayed.

2. Intrusion of an external element:
If an external element (person, object, etc.) enters the field during a point, the point is replayed.

3. Unplanned interruption:
Any unforeseen event beyond the control of the players, such as weather conditions or a technical incident, results in the point being retaken.

Please note: If a player notices any of these situations, he must immediately stop playing and inform the referee. Continuing to play and then requesting a let invalidates the request.

Role of the referee:
The referee decides whether the player's request is justified. If the reason is not valid, the point will be awarded to the opposing team.

Practical case: service after an interruption

  • Question: If a player serves a first ball fault, and then an event requires the point to be replayed, does he get two serves again?
  • Reply : Yes. According to FIP rules, the recovery of a point also resets the serves. The server therefore starts with two serves.

The ball in play: what are the limits?

A ball is considered as stake as soon as a good serve is made and until a point is scored or a “let” is declared.

Some precisions :

  • Bounce on terrain elements: If, after a first bounce on the ground of the opponent's court, the ball touches the grid, the net, the windows or the posts, it remains in play and must be hit before a second bounce.
  • Bounce on top of the grid:
    • If the ball bounces on the ground and then on the above the metal grid, it is still valid.
    • If it comes back inside the field, it can be played normally.
    • If it goes out of bounds (in cases where play is permitted outside), the ball may be defended out of bounds, and the point continues.

Example on this point from Franco Stupaczuk at the 2022 Brussels Open:

These rules, established by the FIP, make it possible to regulate specific situations to avoid any confusion and guarantee the smooth running of matches.

Benjamin Dupouy

I discovered padel directly during a tournament, and frankly, I didn't really like it at first. But the second time, it was love at first sight, and since then, I haven't missed a single match. I'm even ready to stay up until 3am to watch a final of Premier Padel !