Net Touch

Definition

Net touch during a point is typically not a fault or penalty in padel. A player may touch the net with their racket or body during normal play without losing the point, as long as the ball was struck properly and the return meets all other validity requirements. However, a net touch during serve is a different rule: a serve that touches the net is a let (replay the serve). Net touches during rallies are permitted and common in aggressive net play. A net touch does not interrupt play unless the player's contact with the net hinders the ball or their opponent's opportunity to play. If a net touch causes hindrance or interference (e.g., player hangs on the net, blocking the ball), it may result in a let or point loss. The permissiveness of net touches is one of padel's differences from tennis.

Origin: Unique to padel rules; differs significantly from tennis where net touch costs the point.