Clarifying the rules around playing with a ball in hand during padel matches
The reviewer begins by addressing a common point of confusion in padel: whether it is legal to play with a spare ball in your hand. According to the channel, the official regulations do not specify where you must keep the second ball during play. Players often keep it in their pocket, but if your clothing lacks pockets, holding the ball in your hand is entirely permitted. The only restriction is that if you accidentally drop the ball during a point, play is interrupted—there cannot be two balls in motion on the court at the same time.
Some players may claim that holding a ball in your hand is distracting or even unfair, but the reviewer emphasizes that this is not supported by the rules. The discomfort is usually psychological or based on personal preference, not regulation. The channel also notes that in professional circuits like the World Padel Tour and Premier Padel, specific practices have evolved—such as ball pickers keeping spare balls off the court—but for amateur and most competitive play, holding the ball in your hand is legal.
Who should take balls played to the center of the padel court?
Another frequent source of debate is who should take balls that land in the center of the court. The reviewer explains that, in principle, the player whose forehand is closest to the center should take these balls. For two right-handed players, this means the player on the right (the “drive” side) is generally responsible for balls coming from the diagonal, as they can approach with a strong forehand volley. The player on the left would have to use a more awkward backhand volley in these situations.
However, the reviewer points out that this is not a rigid rule. Factors such as player skill, positioning, and whether one partner is left-handed can change the dynamic. For example, if a left-handed player is on court, the responsibility for center balls may shift. The key takeaway is that clear communication and understanding of each partner’s strengths are essential for deciding who takes these shots.
- Right-handed pair: Player on the right usually takes center balls from the diagonal
- Left-handed/right-handed pair: Diagonal trajectories and handedness determine who takes the ball
- Communication: Essential for avoiding confusion and maximizing offensive potential
The importance of using the safety strap in padel
The reviewer highlights a rule that is sometimes overlooked, especially by players coming from other racket sports: the use of the safety strap (wrist rope) is mandatory in padel. According to the international federation, playing without the strap is a violation, and if a player is found not wearing it during a point, they automatically lose the point. Continued non-compliance can even result in disqualification from the match.
Some players, especially those who are ambidextrous or come from tennis backgrounds, may find the strap uncomfortable or unnecessary. However, the channel stresses that this rule exists for safety reasons, both for the player and others on the court. All padel rackets are manufactured with a strap for this reason, and referees are instructed to enforce this rule strictly.
- Mandatory use: Safety strap must be worn at all times during play
- Penalty: Losing the point or even the match for repeated violations
- Reason: Player and partner safety
How the rules treat balls that hit the net post and go over
A less common but sometimes controversial situation is when a ball hits the net post and still lands in the opponent’s court. The reviewer clarifies that, according to the rules, the net and its posts are considered a single element. If the ball hits the post and then lands validly in the opponent’s side, the point continues as normal. The net does not have “sides”—the entire structure is treated as one, so a ball deflecting off the post is still in play.
This can be surprising for players who are not familiar with the rule, but the channel recommends always playing out the point if this occurs, as the shot is legal and valid.
Clarifying the rules on repeated let serves in padel
The reviewer addresses a persistent myth regarding how many times a serve can be repeated if the ball touches the net tape and lands in the correct service box (a “let” serve). Some players believe that after three consecutive let serves, the point is lost or the serve becomes invalid. The channel firmly debunks this: there is no limit to the number of let serves allowed. The serve must be repeated as many times as necessary until it is either valid or a fault is committed for another reason.
Other scenarios, such as the ball touching the net and then bouncing out the door or hitting the fence, are treated differently, but as long as the ball lands in the correct box after touching the tape, the serve is replayed. The reviewer notes that it is extremely rare to have more than a couple of let serves in a row, so the idea of a limit is more urban legend than reality.
- No limit: Let serves can be repeated indefinitely
- Serve replayed: Only when the ball lands validly after touching the net tape
- Other outcomes: If the ball bounces out or hits the fence, different rules apply
Key takeaways from the reviewer’s padel rules analysis
- Holding a spare ball in your hand during play is legal, but dropping it interrupts the point
- Responsibility for center balls depends on handedness and positioning, but clear communication is crucial
- Wearing the safety strap is mandatory, and not doing so results in losing the point or match
- Balls that hit the net post and land validly are still in play
- There is no limit to the number of let serves allowed in padel
By clarifying these frequently misunderstood rules, the channel aims to help players avoid disputes and enjoy a smoother padel experience. Understanding the details of the regulations not only prevents arguments but can also give players a strategic edge during matches.
