Court etiquette

Court etiquette and behaviour

Padel has rules of play, but it also has unwritten rules of behaviour that help make matches fair, friendly and enjoyable.

Greeting your opponents and partner:

• before the match, it is customary to shake hands or simply say hello

• after the match, thank your opponents and partner regardless of the result

• if you are playing at a club, greet players on the neighbouring courts as well

Disputed balls:

• if a ball is disputed and nobody is sure, simply replay the point

• on a serve, the receiver usually makes the call because they have the best view of the line. Amateur leagues may set out a different procedure

• if an opponent calls the ball out and you are not sure, you can accept their call or suggest replaying the point

• do not argue for too long. If you cannot agree, replay the point

If a ball enters from another court:

• stop play and return the ball to the players on the neighbouring court

• if the ball interfered with your rally, replay the point

• do not hit or throw the ball back aggressively; return it carefully

If you are late or need to change partners:

• let the others know in advance if you are running late

• if you need a substitute partner, agree this with your opponents before the match starts

• in tournaments, substitute partners may be restricted by the competition rules, so check in advance

Players may receive a warning, a point penalty or disqualification for unsporting conduct, repeated time-wasting, abusive language or deliberately hitting a ball or racket outside of play.

Under competition disciplinary rules, sanctions can escalate from a warning to loss of a point and disqualification; the specific code and penalty table depend on the tournament.

Note: padel is meant to be enjoyable, so help keep the atmosphere friendly and respectful.

Exception: tournaments may have their own etiquette requirements. For example, they may require a handshake before and after the match.