Padel / Rule 06
The service
FIP · 2026In short
Bounce, contact height, placement and readiness.
A legal delivery
Serve from behind the service line in the appropriate half, without touching the service line or centre-line extension with the feet. Bounce the ball in that area before striking it at or below waist height, keeping at least one foot grounded. The ball must not cross the boundary lines of that area before contact.
Direction and order
Start each game from the right and alternate sides, sending the ball diagonally into the receiving service box. A failed first serve permits a second. The serving order chosen for the set remains fixed. Wait until the receiver is ready; a return attempt prevents a later claim of unreadiness. Correct wrong-side or wrong-server errors under their distinct procedures.
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 ↗