Guide
Padel rules 2026: what's changing and what you need to know
The International Padel Federation (FIP) is updating the rulebook for 2026 with clarifications around the serve, screening and coaching. Here is the summary, and what the new rules mean for you playing padel in Sweden, at both recreational and tournament level.
What's new in the 2026 padel rules?
Most of the core rules are unchanged, the direction of the serve, scoring and playing off the glass all work as before. The 2026 changes are about clearer interpretations of situations that have often caused disputes: foot faults on the serve, screening and when coaching is allowed.
Service footwork and foot faults
The FIP has clarified that both feet must stay behind the baseline until the racket makes contact with the ball. A step forward during the service motion now counts as a foot fault even without a clear line crossing.
Screening (blocking the opponent's view)
From 2026 a referee can award the point directly to the opponent if a player deliberately or repeatedly blocks the view during a serve or a volley at the net. Previously multiple warnings were required.
Coaching between points
In FIP-sanctioned tournaments short coaching between points is now allowed, but longer conversations between sets require the referee's permission. At recreational level this has no impact on play.
Playing the ball off your own back wall
The rule stays: after the first bounce on the floor, the ball may bounce off your own back wall before being returned, but it must not bounce twice on the floor first. A new clarification: the ball may never touch the ceiling on your own side before the return.
Playing shots back through the fence (x3)
Shots played from outside the court after the ball has passed through openings in the fence (so-called x3 or por3) are valid as long as the ball has not bounced twice on the floor before the return. The 2026 rulebook has clarified this.
Basic padel rules: a quick refresher
Even if you've played for a while it's worth going over the basics. Here is the core of the rules that apply in 2026.
Scoring
Padel uses the same scoring as tennis: 15, 30, 40, game. At 40–40 (deuce) most formats use the golden point, the next point wins the game. A match is normally best of three sets to 6 games.
The serve
The serve is hit underhand, below waist height. The ball bounces once on the ground behind the baseline and is struck diagonally into the opponent's service box. Two service attempts per point, as in tennis.
Playing off the glass and fence
After the first bounce on the floor the ball may bounce off your own glass or fence before being returned. It may not bounce twice on the floor before the return. Net contact during a rally is allowed.
Volleys and smashes
Volleys (shots without a bounce) are allowed anywhere except on the serve. A smash that clears the fence still counts as a point if the ball first bounces in the opponent's court and then flies out over the fence, provided the opponent cannot return it.
How the let works in 2026
A let only applies on the serve. If the serve clips the net and then lands correctly in the opponent's service box without first hitting the fence, it counts as a let and the serve is replayed. During a rally there is no let, net contact stays in play. This is unchanged from previous years but clarified in the 2026 rulebook.
Screening: what counts as cheating?
Screening is when a player blocks the opponent's view, for example by standing in front of their partner on the serve or by blocking the ball with their body. From 2026 this can lead to an immediate loss of the point if the behaviour is judged intentional. At recreational level, simply stepping aside when your partner serves is usually enough to avoid it.
Coaching during a match
In FIP-sanctioned tournaments short coaching instructions between points are permitted, but longer conversations are limited to changeovers and the break between sets. In social matches in Sweden it has no effect, local club practice applies.
Differences from 2025
- Screening can now lead to an immediate loss of the point without a prior warning.
- Foot faults on the serve are judged more strictly, a step forward is more often a fault.
- Coaching between sets requires the referee's permission in sanctioned tournaments.
- Clarification that the ball must not touch the ceiling on your own side after the first bounce.
- Rules for shots played back through the fence have been clarified as valid.
Do I need to know every rule by heart?
No. At recreational level knowing the basics is enough, underhand serve, playing off the glass and the scoring system. The new clarifications mostly show up in tournament play. If you want to compete in FIP-sanctioned tournaments or the Swedish Padel Federation's series, read through the full rulebook once per season.
Try the rules in a real match
The best way to learn the rules is to play. On Padelpoolen we match you with players at your level in Sweden, create a free account and find a match today.
FAQ about the 2026 padel rules
Where can I find the full rulebook?
The official rulebook is published by FIP (International Padel Federation) and translated into Swedish by the Swedish Padel Federation. 2026 updates are published on padelforbundet.se.
Do the same rules apply in Americano and King of the Court?
The base rules for serve, glass play and scoring always apply. Format-specific rules (player rotation, points per round) differ, see our guides in the articles archive.
Do I need a referee to play by the rules?
No. In social matches players call their own lines. A good habit is to confirm doubtful calls together and to give the opponent the benefit of the doubt, it keeps the match friendly and the rules respected.