Serve Fault Rules in Padel

A serve fault in padel occurs when the serve fails to meet technical or placement requirements. Common faults include: (1) overhand or overarm serving motion (must be underarm), (2) bouncing outside the service box, (3) foot fault (stepping on or over the baseline before contact), (4) bouncing higher than waist height before net, (5) volleying instead of bouncing, or (6) the ball passing outside the net post. Each player gets two serve attempts per point. If the first serve is a fault, they get a second serve. If both serves are faults, the receiver wins the point. A double fault can be frustrating during high-pressure moments, which is why consistent serve practice is essential. Tennis players switching to padel often commit faults by attempting overhand serves or not bouncing the ball. Understanding fault rules helps players develop reliable serve patterns.