What is a fault on a padel serve?
I · Intermediate · Serving and play · 1 of 2Checked 15 October 2026
A serve is a fault if it breaks the serving rules, misses the box or, after bouncing in the box, hits the metal fence before a second bounce. Two faults lose the point. A serve that clips the net and lands in the box without touching the fence is a let.
How it works
- Out of the box: fault.
- Box then fence: fault.
- Box then glass: good.
- Hits server or partner: fault.
- Miss: fault.
- Two faults: point lost.
- Net then box: let.
- Net then fence: fault.
The glossary has the fault, the double fault, the let, the metal fence, the glass walls and the service box.
Tricky cases
The serve lands in the box and hits the back glass. Good?
Yes.
The serve lands in and hits the side fence. Good?
No. A fault.
A let on a second serve. What is replayed?
Only the second serve.
The receiver was not ready. Result?
A let, unless they tried to return.
Why the rule exists
The fence ball is a fault because its bounce is too hard to read for a return.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Fence | Fault | L R7(e) |
| Net cord | Let | L R9 |
| Two faults | Point | L R13(q) |
From the rule book
International Padel Federation (FIP), Rules of Padel (2026), Rules 6.10, 7 and 9. Checked 15 October 2026. Official document: FIP Rules of Padel 2026.