Racket Safety Cord (Wrist Strap)
Also known as: padel wrist strap, padel racket strap, padel safety cord, padel wrist cord, padel racket cord rule, dropping the racket in padel
The safety cord on a padel racket is compulsory under FIP rules. It is a non-elastic cord, no longer than 35 cm, fixed to the handle and worn around your wrist to protect against accidents. In matches under FIP rules, if you drop your racket or break the cord during a point, your pair loses the point at once.
The cord is part of the racket rules. It must be non-elastic, no more than 35 cm long and fixed into the handle. You put it around your wrist before you play. The rules say it is there as protection against accidents, and that using it is compulsory.
Two point rules link to it. If a player drops the racket or breaks the safety cord during a point, that pair loses the point straight away. Throwing the racket at the ball also loses the point.
In social games, wearing the cord makes just as much sense. Padel is played close together in an enclosed court, so a racket that slips can hit a partner, an opponent or the glass. Loop the cord around your wrist and tighten it so it can't slide off your hand.
Tips by skill level
Put your hand through the cord loop before every session and tighten it. Check the cord for fraying now and then.
Replace a worn cord before a tournament. A cord that breaks mid-point costs the point under FIP rules.
Example
Before the first point, a coach checks that all four players have looped their cords around their wrists. Later, one player's racket slips on a wide ball but stays tied to her wrist instead of flying toward her partner.
Why it matters
The cord protects players in a small, enclosed court. In matches under FIP rules, losing hold of your racket also costs the point.
Common mistakes
- Letting the cord hang loose instead of looping it around the wrist
- Playing with a frayed cord that could break
- Thinking a point with a dropped racket is replayed
Frequently asked questions
Is the safety cord on a padel racket compulsory?
Yes. Under FIP rules the cord must be fixed to the handle, non-elastic, no longer than 35 cm and worn around your wrist.
What happens if I drop my racket in padel?
Under FIP rules, your pair loses the point straight away if you drop your racket or break the safety cord.
Can you throw your racket at the ball in padel?
No. A ball hit with a thrown racket loses the point under FIP rules.
Sources
Related terms
- Choosing a Padel RacketFor a first padel racket, many coaches suggest a round shape with a low balance and a soft foam core. It is easier to control and more forgiving on off-center hits. Move to a teardrop or diamond shape, or a firmer core, once your strokes are reliable.
- 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.
- Common Padel InjuriesPadel injuries include overuse problems like elbow and shoulder pain, and acute ones like calf strains, ankle sprains and knocks against the walls. General prevention includes a warm-up, padel shoes, sound technique, a suitable racket and building playing time gradually. Stop if something hurts, and see a qualified medical professional for pain that persists.
- Continental GripThe Continental Grip is padel's most versatile hold and the recommended default. Forehands, backhands, volleys and serves all come off it without the hand moving.
Related guides & benchmarks
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