A let in padel means the serve or point must be replayed in specific situations covered by the rules. The most common case is a serve that touches the net: it is replayed only if the ball then lands in the correct service box without touching the metal fence before the second bounce.
That detail prevents many arguments in amateur matches. A ball that clips the net is therefore not automatically good and not automatically a fault. It depends on the bounce, the trajectory and what the ball touches after crossing to the other side.
The most common case: the net on serve
Under the International Padel Federation rules, a serve is replayed when the ball touches the net or supporting posts and then lands correctly in the receiving service box. The key condition is clear: the ball must not touch the metal fence before the second bounce.
In practical terms, if you serve, the ball clips the net, bounces in the diagonal box and then carries on towards the glass or remains playable, the serve is a let. If the ball touches the fence after bouncing in the box, it becomes a fault, just like a standard serve that hits the fence before the second bounce.
Another frequent question is the let serve that exits through the gate. FIP rules state that a serve which bounces in the box and then goes directly through the gate on a court where out-of-court play is not authorised is a fault. In competition, the court configuration and the umpire’s decision take priority over club habits.
First or second serve: what is really replayed
The consequence depends on when the let happens. On a first serve, the point restarts with two serves available. On a second serve, the server does not get a new first serve: only the second serve is replayed.
A let can also be awarded if the receiver was not ready when the serve was played. Here again, the rule requires consistency: if the receiver attempts to return, they normally cannot then claim they were not ready. The call must be made immediately.
A let can also concern a point in play
The term is not limited to the serve. A point can be replayed if an outside element disturbs the rally, if the ball breaks, if a foreign object enters the court or if an unexpected interruption prevents normal play.
In practice, the right reflex is simple: call the situation immediately and replay only if both teams agree, or if the umpire decides so in competition. A let is not a second chance requested after the fact; it is a rule designed to neutralise a point that could not be played normally.
FAQ – Let in padel
A let in padel means a serve or point must be replayed, but only in situations covered by the rules.
FAQ – Let in padel
What is a let in padel?
A let in padel is a situation where the serve or point is replayed, for example when a serve touches the net and then lands correctly in the opponent’s box without touching the fence before the second bounce.
If the serve touches the net, is it always a let?
No. The serve is a let only if it touches the net or posts and then lands in the correct service box without touching the metal fence before the second bounce. Otherwise, it may be a fault.
What happens if the let is on a second serve?
If the let happens on a second serve, the server replays only the second serve. They do not get two serves again.
Is a let serve that exits through the gate a fault?
On a court where out-of-court play is not authorised, a serve that bounces in the box and then goes directly through the gate is a fault under FIP rules. In competition, the official court configuration must be considered.
