Change ends after odd-numbered games; the first change is not a 90-second rest.

Which padel rules this page applies

This page uses the International Padel Federation Rules of Padel, revised in Acapulco on 28 November 2025 for application from 1 January 2026. FIP Rule 2 controls match timing and Rule 5 controls changes of sides.

Those are the international baseline, not a promise that every club league, national federation, junior event or professional tour uses identical procedures. Event regulations may add heat breaks, broadcast extensions, restroom limits, coaching conditions or a different enforcement process. A verified Premier Padel variation appears below.

The four timing situations

• Between ordinary points: 20 seconds maximum.
• Normal odd-game changeover: 90 seconds maximum.
• After the first game of a set: change ends, but play is continuous and there is no rest period.
• After a set: 120 seconds maximum, whether or not the pairs also need to change ends.

In a tiebreak, pairs change ends after each six-point block and FIP specifically allows 20 seconds for the move.

Count games completed in the set

FIP Rule 5.1 requires the pairs to change sides after the first, third and every subsequent odd game in that set. The trigger is the number of completed games, not which pair served or won the latest game.

For example, 2–1 means three games have been completed, so the pairs change. At 2–2, four games have been completed, so they do not. The count resets with the new set.

Ninety seconds runs point-to-point

At a normal changeover after the third or a later odd-numbered game, FIP Rule 2.5 grants a maximum of 90 seconds. Rule 2.7 says the interval runs from the end of the previous point until the following point begins with the serve.

The clock therefore does not start when players reach the bench and does not stop when they stand up. Ninety seconds is a ceiling, not a guaranteed amount that must be used. Once the next point has begun, an unsuccessful first serve does not create another recovery interval.

Players switch, but do not receive a rest

After game one of every set, Rule 5 still requires a change of sides. Rule 2.5, however, says play is continuous and the players change without a rest period. They should cross, take their positions and resume; they are not entitled to sit out a normal 90-second changeover.

This exception is why “odd games always mean 90 seconds” is wrong. The first-game movement preserves the alternating-end pattern, but it is not an authorized recovery break.

Switch after 6, 12, 18 and later total points

FIP Rule 5.2 requires a change of ends after every six tiebreak points. Count the total points played: 4–2, 3–3 and 5–1 all total six, so each triggers the first switch. Another switch follows when the total reaches 12, then 18, for as long as the tiebreak continues.

Rule 2 treats play as continuous during a tiebreak and grants 20 seconds for the change. The move does not reset the score or alter the established service and receiving orders. For the service sequence, see padel tiebreak rules.

Rest and changing ends are separate at the end of a set

FIP Rule 2.6 gives a maximum 120-second rest at the end of every set. Whether the pairs also switch ends depends on the side-change sequence. A set ending after an odd number of games produces the change due after that odd game; a set ending after an even number leaves the pairs at their current ends until the first game of the next set is complete.

The current Premier Padel 2026/2 rulebooks state that even-game result expressly. Thus after 6–4, the pairs take the set break but do not switch immediately; they change after game one of the next set. After 6–3, the ninth game itself triggers a switch before the next set begins.

How to identify the correct interval

1. Decide whether the last point ended an ordinary game, a set or the match.
2. If the set continues, count completed games: change only after an odd total.
3. If it was game one, change ends without a rest; if it was a later odd game, use the 90-second maximum.
4. If a tiebreak is in progress, count total points and change after each multiple of six, within 20 seconds.
5. If the set ended, apply the 120-second maximum and separately determine whether the last completed game requires a change of ends.
6. Finally check the appointed competition regulations for any authorized variation.

Wrong ends do not erase completed points

Under FIP Rule 5.3, if the pairs fail to change ends, they correct the mistake as soon as it is discovered and then follow the proper sequence. Points already won remain valid; the rules do not order a replay merely because some points were played from the wrong ends.

If discovery comes after the server has already faulted on the first serve, that fault also remains. The pairs move to the correct ends and the server has only the second serve left. This prevents the correction from supplying a fresh first serve.

Food, drink and coaching need an authorized interval

FIP Rule 2 says a match must remain continuous and cannot be delayed simply for recovery, instructions or advice. Its general text also says no liquid or food may be consumed between points. That wording should not be turned into a universal claim about every organized event’s bench procedure.

Competition rules can be more specific. Premier Padel 2026/2 allows hydration on changes of sides but not after even-numbered games. FIP’s conduct provisions allow advice from a properly accredited coach at rest times in the covered team and pairs competitions; accreditation and the event’s coaching regulations still control.

Equipment and medical time are not extra changeovers

FIP Rule 2.8 lets an official allow reasonable additional time for an unforeseen need to replace clothing, shoes or equipment. Rule 2.9 permits an event to announce limited restroom or clothing-change breaks before the match. Neither provision creates an on-demand tactical timeout.

Medical treatment is a separate procedure. Rule 2.14 provides one three-minute treatment break for a player and treatable medical condition, with treatment repeatable during the next two changes of sides only within the ordinary regulation time. Rules 2.16 and 2.17 give the official limited discretion for specified non-play accidents, acute conditions and unusual incidents. Players and officials should apply the exact medical text and any competition-specific medical procedure rather than adding treatment time to every changeover.

A restart preserves the score and side sequence

Under FIP Rule 2.12, a match resumes at the same game and point score, with the same server, court positions, service order and receiving order. The interruption does not begin a new set or restart the odd-game count.

Rule 2.11 allows no warm-up after a suspension of up to five minutes, one minute after a suspension from five to 20 minutes, and three minutes after a suspension longer than 20 minutes. This is a resumption warm-up, not a changeover rest.

Delay can cost more than a warning

The FIP 2026 continuous-play provision gives a warning for the first time violation. On a repeat, a serving pair loses its first serve; a receiving pair loses a point. Further violations may cost successive points, and serious repeated or unsporting delay can bring additional discipline, including disqualification.

Competition regulations may use a different code and financial penalties. Premier Padel 2026/2, for example, subjects a player who is not ready within its in-match limits to its Code of Conduct process and fines. Do not import the baseline FIP progression into a tour match without checking that tour’s current rulebook.

Broadcast, heat and authorized-break variations

The Premier Padel men’s and women’s Official Rulebooks, version 2026/2 effective 1 June 2026, retain 20 seconds between points, 90 seconds on ordinary side changes and 120 seconds after a set. For televised matches, the chair umpire may reasonably extend a side-change rest at broadcast production’s request; players wait for the umpire’s signal before returning.

Those rulebooks also provide a 10-minute extreme-heat break between the second and third sets when the tour’s heat rule applies. Each pair may have at most two authorized restroom or clothing-change breaks per match, normally requested at the end of a set, with separate three- or five-minute limits depending on purpose. These are Premier Padel procedures, not automatic rights under the FIP baseline or local club rules.

The score reaches 2–1

Situation: the third game of the set ends with Pair A leading 2–1.

Ruling: the pairs change ends and the normal 90-second maximum applies. Three games have been completed, so FIP Rule 5.1 triggers a side change; unlike game one, this is an ordinary changeover under Rule 2.5.

A tiebreak reaches 5–1

Situation: six tiebreak points have been played and one pair leads 5–1.

Ruling: change ends within 20 seconds and preserve the tiebreak’s service and receiving order. The decisive fact is the six-point total, not whether the score is tied.

The error is found after a first-serve fault

Situation: the pairs should have changed ends, play continued from the wrong ends, and the mistake is noticed only after the next server faults.

Ruling: completed points remain valid, the players move to the correct ends, and the same server has one serve remaining. Rule 5.3 preserves both earlier points and that first-service fault.

A televised changeover runs longer

Situation: broadcast production requests extra time during an otherwise ordinary side-change rest, and the chair umpire keeps the players at their benches.

Ruling: the extension can be lawful in Premier Padel because section 4.3.12(C)(iii) gives the chair umpire that discretion. It does not change the FIP baseline maximum for a non-Premier event, and players return only when directed.

Shortcuts that produce the wrong ruling

• “Every odd-game switch gives 90 seconds”: not after the first game, when play is continuous.
• “A tiebreak switch is a normal changeover”: no; it occurs after six total points and is limited to 20 seconds.
• “The 90 seconds begins at the bench”: no; it begins when the previous point ends.
• “A wrong-end error voids the points”: no; correct the ends and preserve completed points.
• “The end-of-set break always means switch ends”: rest entitlement and court position are separate questions.
• “A televised pause proves the basic rule is longer”: a competition-specific broadcast extension does not rewrite FIP Rule 2 for other matches.

FIP and Premier Padel source material

• International Padel Federation, Rules of Padel, application review 1 January 2026 — Rule 2 (Times), Rule 5 (Changes of Sides), and Continuous Play or Delays.
• International Padel Federation, official documents register — current controlling Rules of Padel and competition rulebooks.
• Premier Padel Official Rulebook, Men’s Tournaments, version 2026/2 — application date 1 June 2026; sections 4.3.12, 6.2 and 6.5.
• Premier Padel Official Rulebook, Women’s Tournaments, version 2026/2 — application date 1 June 2026; sections 4.3.12, 6.2 and 6.5.

Source note: checked against FIP’s official documents register and the linked rulebooks on 27 August 2026. The FIP rules are the baseline used throughout; Premier Padel procedures are labelled separately. National federations and appointed tournament regulations may supplement or vary the baseline.