Padel / Rule 16
Playing outside the court
FIP · 2026In short
When chasing a ball through the doorway is allowed.
Court and safety requirements
Outside play is permitted only on a court meeting the specified access and safety requirements. Each side needs 2 access points and an unobstructed safety area at least 3 m wide, 4 m long on each side and 3 m high. Doorway and post protection must be fitted.
Which balls remain playable?
With outside play authorised, a correctly bounced ball leaving over a sidewall or through a doorway can be returned before its second bounce or contact with an unrelated object. A ball going over the end wall ends the point. Without authorisation, crossing the outer boundary after bouncing ends it.
Independent explanations and translations, not official federation publications. Independent summaries of the FIP Rules of Padel 2026, applicable from 01.01.2026: all 17 rules plus equipment and conduct. References use physical PDF pages. Scoring format depends on the competition.
Sources & approach ↗
Sources & approach ↗