The Net

The net is always king in Padel, and it has its whole own rule book – now what makes a Padel net so special?

Unlike other sports, the net is often shorter in the centre at 0.88 metres whilst it then has a slight rise to 0.92 metres at either end.

At 10 metres long, you can imagine just how wide but small the net is within Padel, but this creates a unique challenge for participants.

The ends are attached to two lateral posts with a maximum height of 1.05 metres while the net is suspended by a metal cable.

Now then, it’s rules! Different to Badminton, Tennis and all your other racket sports. Buckle in, here we go…!

So, you are allowed to reach over the net in Padel as long as:

• You don’t touch the net
• The ball has already bounced on your side of the court

You are not allowed to reach over the net for the ball if it comes straight from your opponent and the ball has not yet bounced on your side of the court, the point at which contact is made has to be on your side. 

Touching the net is a massive NO, there are no excuses or exceptions so you will instantly lose the point – you don’t want that!

However, touching the fence is allowed somewhat, you can touch the fence if:

• The ball goes out of the court, you are allowed to touch the fence on your side of the court

You will instantly lose the point if you touch your opponent’s side of the fence.

But… you are allowed to walk outside the court and play the ball into the net of the opponent so long as you don’t touch any part of the court. 

There is also a rule not many know about…

If you smash the ball and it comes back to your side, you are allowed to touch the net as soon as the ball crosses the line to your side of the court, this only allies if they didn’t touch the ball.

That’s it all! Once you get playing, it’ll come as second nature before you know it!

Remember, the net is always king!