Ball Hits a Player
Also known as: ball hits a player padel, ball hits my partner, ball hits your partner, hit by the ball in padel, ball hits opponent padel, ball hits the body padel, ball hit me before it bounced
If the ball touches you or your partner, your pair loses the point, whether it was your own shot or the opponents'. So if your shot hits an opponent's body or clothing, your pair wins the point, even if the ball was going out. On the serve, a ball that hits the receiver before it bounces gives the point to the server.
Under FIP rules, the ball should be played only with the racket. If the ball touches you, your partner or anything you wear after you hit it, your pair loses the point. If an opponent's shot hits any part of your body or clothing, rather than your racket, you lose the point too. The rules make no exception for a ball that was going out.
The serve has its own cases. If the serve hits the server or the server's partner, it is a fault. If it hits a receiving player or their racket before bouncing, the server wins the point. If it clips the net and then hits a player, the serve is played again.
Being hit by the ball can hurt. If a player is hit and needs a moment, FIP rules let the umpire allow up to five minutes to recover. In social games, check on the player and restart when they're ready.
Tips by skill level
If a smash is coming at your body and you can't get your racket to it, move out of the way. A ball that hits you loses the point, but one that misses you may land out.
At the net, keep your racket up in front of your chest so you can block balls hit at your body instead of being struck.
Example
A defender ducks under a hard volley, but it clips her shoulder on its way toward the back fence. Even though it was going out, her pair loses the point.
Why it matters
In a small court, the ball often hits players. Knowing the rule settles these points fairly.
Common mistakes
- Claiming a let when an opponent's shot hits you
- Thinking a ball that was going out doesn't count if it hits you
- Blocking a smash with your arm instead of moving out of its way
Frequently asked questions
What happens if the ball touches my partner?
Your pair loses the point. Under FIP rules, if your own shot or the opponents' shot touches your partner's body or clothing, the point goes to the other pair.
Is it my point if I hit an opponent with the ball?
Yes. If your shot hits their body or clothing, your pair wins the point under FIP rules, even if the ball was going out.
What if the serve hits the receiver?
If the serve hits a receiving player or their racket before it bounces, the server wins the point.
Sources
Related terms
- Padel Rules for BeginnersPadel is played in pairs on an enclosed court, and scoring follows tennis. Serve underarm after one bounce behind the service line, diagonally into the opposite box. In a rally, your shot must land in the opponents' court before it touches their walls. After that bounce it may come off the walls and still be played.
- Net ZoneThe Net Zone, closest to the net, is padel's dominant attacking position. Players there can volley, smash, and pressure opponents without the glass being a factor.
- VolleyA volley in padel is a shot struck before the ball bounces, usually from the net zone. It keeps pressure on, cuts off angles, and finishes points.
- ServeThe padel serve is an underarm delivery. The ball is bounced once and struck at or below waist height into the diagonal service box — making placement and net advancement far more important than pace.
Related guides & benchmarks
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