Padel / Protocols & guidance
Safety and out-of-court area
FIP · 2026In short
When the court permits players to retrieve a ball outside.
Required free space
Out-of-court play requires 2 access points on each side. The outside area must be obstacle-free for at least 3 m in width, 4 m in length on either side and 3 m in height. A width of 4 m is recommended.
Protection and authorization
Access openings must have protective padding on both sides and above, and the net post must also be padded, at least 2 cm thick. Lighting poles cannot occupy the safety area if outside play is allowed. Leaving the court to return a ball requires the prescribed court conditions.
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 ↗