Double Hit in Padel
Also known as: padel double hit, double hit padel, hitting the ball twice padel, carry padel, both players hit the ball padel, both partners hit the ball padel, is a double hit a fault in padel
Yes. In padel, hitting the ball twice loses the point, and so does a ball hit by both partners. A shot is still good if the ball meets the racket in one movement and its natural path does not change much. If both partners swing and one racket hits the ball while the other only hits the partner's racket, that is not a double hit.
Rule 13 of the FIP rules lists the ways to lose a point. A double hit is one of them. So is a ball touched by both players of a pair, at the same time or one after the other. Only one partner may play each ball.
Rule 14.1.h explains what still counts as a good return. The player must not hit the ball twice. The contact must happen in one movement, and the ball must leave on its natural path. A quick double touch in one smooth swing is judged by those three tests.
Two related rules catch similar moments. You lose the point if your shot touches you, your partner or anything you wear after you hit it. You also lose it if the ball hits your racket and then your body.
The rule includes a clear note for partners. If both of you go for the same ball, one hits it and the other only strikes your racket, it is not a double hit.
Tips by skill level
Agree a simple call for middle balls, such as 'mine' or 'yours', and say it every time.
Settle who takes middle balls before the match. A common choice is the player whose forehand is in the middle, or the partner moving forward.
Example
Ben and Mia both go for a ball down the middle. Ben's racket hits the ball, and Mia's racket clips Ben's. The point goes on, because only one of them touched the ball.
Why it matters
Down-the-middle balls cause most double hits. Clear rules and clear calls between partners save easy points.
Common mistakes
- Both partners touching the ball on a shot down the middle
- Assuming a clash of rackets is always a double hit
- Jabbing at the ball twice when stretching for a low volley
- Letting your own shot rebound into your partner
Frequently asked questions
Is a double hit a fault in padel?
Yes. If a player hits the ball twice, their pair loses the point. The same happens if both partners touch the ball.
What happens if both padel partners hit the ball?
Their pair loses the point. It is not a double hit if one hits the ball and the other only hits the partner's racket.
Sources
Related terms
- Doubles Communication CallsDoubles communication calls are short, pre-agreed words like "mine" or "switch" that a padel pair uses mid-rally. They settle who takes a shot and coordinate movement.
- Ball Hits a PlayerIf 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.
- 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.
- Reaching Over the Net in PadelOnly in one case. If your opponents' ball bounces on your side and then spins or blows back over the net, you may reach over and play it. You must not touch the net, the posts or their court. Reaching over to hit a ball that has not yet crossed to your side loses the point.
- Net Position Communication (Doubles)Net position communication is how a padel pair coordinates spacing at the net, often without words. Partners mirror each other so the middle and sides stay covered.
Related guides & benchmarks
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