Ball Stuck in the Fence or on Top of the Wall
Also known as: ball stuck in the fence padel, padel ball stuck in the mesh, ball stuck on top of the wall padel, ball through the fence padel, padel ball goes through the mesh, hole in the mesh
Under FIP rules, if your shot bounces in the opponents' court and then gets stuck in the metal fence, goes through a hole in it, or lodges on the flat top of a wall, you win the point. If your shot hits the fence before it bounces in their court, you lose the point. On your own side, a shot that touches your own fence also loses the point.
The metal fence, or mesh, is part of the court. In a rally, a ball that bounces in the opponents' court and then hits the mesh stays in play, just like a ball off the glass. Rule 15 adds two special cases that end the point in favour of the hitter.
First, if the ball bounces in the opponents' court and then goes out through a hole in the fence, or gets stuck in that hole, the hitter wins the point. Second, if it bounces in the opponents' court and then gets stuck on the flat top of a wall, the hitter also wins the point.
The order still matters. A shot that hits the opponents' walls or fence before bouncing loses the point. On your own side, you may play the ball off your own walls to get it over the net. If your shot touches your own fence, though, you lose the point. On the serve, a ball that bounces in the box and then touches the fence is a fault.
Tips by skill level
Remember the order: bounce first, then fence or wall. If the ball bounced in their court before it stuck, the hitter wins.
On courts with loose or damaged mesh, point it out before the match so everyone agrees how to call odd bounces.
Example
A smash bounces in the opponents' court and wedges in a gap in the mesh. Nobody can play it, and the point goes to the smashing pair.
Why it matters
Stuck balls are rare but cause arguments. Knowing the rule lets you settle the point and move on.
Common mistakes
- Replaying the point when a ball sticks in the fence after a legal bounce
- Thinking a shot off your own mesh is still in play
- Forgetting that a serve into the fence after the bounce is a fault
Frequently asked questions
What happens if the ball gets stuck in the fence in padel?
If it bounced in the opponents' court first, the player who hit it wins the point. If it hit the fence before bouncing, the hitter loses the point.
What if the ball lands on top of the wall?
If your shot bounced in the opponents' court and then stuck on the flat top of a wall, you win the point under FIP rules.
Can I hit the ball into my own fence to get it over?
No. You may use your own glass walls, but if your shot touches the metal fence on your side, you lose the point.
Is it a fault if my serve hits the fence?
Yes, if the serve bounces in the service box and then touches the metal fence before its second bounce. A serve that bounces in the box and then hits the glass stays in play.
Sources
Related terms
- Court EnclosureThe Court Enclosure is the full perimeter structure of a padel court — glass walls at the back and sides, metal fencing above and at certain sections — which defines the unique enclosed environment that makes wall play possible.
- Fence-and-Glass Rebound ReadA fence-and-glass rebound read is the skill of telling whether a ball will hit glass or metal mesh. Mesh absorbs pace and kills the bounce instead of rebounding it.
- 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.
- Service BoxThe Service Box is the rectangular area diagonally opposite the server into which the underarm padel serve must land after one bounce — with pace blunted by the walls, placement beats power. This makes slice and kick serves especially effective.
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