A valid let replays the serve or point; a fault or lost-point event does not.

The governing rule and version used here

This page applies the FIP Rules of Padel, effective 1 January 2026. Rule 6 controls receiver readiness, Rule 7 lists service faults, Rule 9 governs repeated service “net” and “let” calls, Rule 10 governs point lets, and Rule 11 governs player interference. Rules 12–14 distinguish a let from a normal live-ball or point-lost outcome.

The FIP is the international governing body. National federations, clubs and event organizers may add competition procedures, so a local match should use the rules named in its entry conditions. A narrowly relevant Cupra FIP Tour note appears below; this page does not present that circuit's officiating procedures as universal.

“Net,” “let” and “replay” are related but not identical

FIP Rule 9 uses “net” for a serve that touches the net or a supporting post and then satisfies the service-net conditions. The affected serve is repeated. FIP also uses “let” for a serve made before the receiver is ready and for a point that must be replayed under Rules 10 or 11.

In every case the score returns to what it was before that point began. What changes is the service entitlement: whether the server resumes with a first serve or only a second serve depends on which serve began the interrupted point.

When a net-cord serve is repeated

Under FIP Rule 9.1, call a service net when either of these tests is met:

• The serve touches the net or a supporting post, then lands in the correct receiver's service box, and does not touch the metallic fence before its second bounce.
• After touching the net or a post that is within the playing area, the served ball hits a player or something that player wears or carries.

The service box lines count as in under Rule 7. A serve that clips the net but first bounces outside the correct box is a fault, not a net. A serve that clips the net, lands correctly, then touches the metallic fence before its second bounce is also a fault under Rules 7.1(e) and 9.1(a).

The interrupted serve determines what the server gets back

FIP Rule 9.2 makes the consequence precise:

• First-service net or let: repeat the complete point with two serves available.
• Second-service net or let: repeat only the second serve.

A rally let after a valid second serve does not erase the earlier first-service fault. Conversely, if the interrupted point began with a valid first serve, the replay begins again with a first serve.

Not ready can produce a replay, but the receiver must act consistently

Under FIP Rule 6.10, the server must wait until the receiver is ready. The receiver must also adapt within reason to the server's rhythm and be ready when the server is ready. If the serve is delivered while the receiver is genuinely not ready, Rule 9.2(a) requires a let.

Rule 6.11 prevents a receiver from taking both positions: after attempting to return the serve, the receiver cannot then claim “not ready.” If the receiver can show that they were not ready, however, the serve cannot be called a fault. In an officiated match, the umpire decides the factual question.

Four kinds of rally interruption are named

FIP Rule 10 treats a disputed point as a let when:

1. The ball splits during play.
2. An element that is not part of the game enters the court area.
3. An unexpected situation unconnected to the players interrupts the match.
4. The live ball hits an unrelated object lying on the opponents' court—such as another ball—and the object moves in a way that could interfere with play or endanger a player.

The fourth test matters. Rule 14.1(f) otherwise treats a return as correct when the ball, after being hit, lands on an unrelated object on the opponents' court. The let arises when the object's movement creates possible interference or danger; merely touching a stationary object is not, by itself, a universal replay rule.

A requested let must be raised immediately

Under FIP Rule 10.1(e), a player who believes a let has arisen must notify the umpire immediately. Continuing the rally gives up the right to that requested let. Once asked, the umpire decides whether the rule applies; if the request is rejected, Rule 10.1(f) says the requesting player loses the point.

This is why a player should not play on to see whether the rally ends favourably and then ask for a replay. In an unofficiated club match, agree before play who will decide disputed lets; the FIP text itself assigns that decision to the umpire.

Intent and repetition change the outcome

FIP Rule 11 defines interference as a player's deliberate or involuntary action that puts off an opponent while the opponent is executing a shot. The umpire classifies the act and applies one of three outcomes:

• First involuntary interference by that pair: call a let and replay the point.
• Second involuntary interference by the same pair: that pair loses the point.
• Deliberate interference: the offending pair loses the point immediately.

The 2026 Cupra FIP Tour Rulebook gives dropped items such as a ball from a pocket or a cap as examples of first-time involuntary interference. It also says the chair umpire decides whether an item fell deliberately or involuntarily. The label depends on the act and its possible effect on the opponent's stroke, not simply on the offending player's explanation.

Some accidents still lose the point

A let is displaced when another rule supplies a definite outcome:

• Player or equipment touches the net: if a player, racket or anything worn or carried touches the net, posts, cable or opponents' court while the ball is in play, that pair loses the point under Rule 13.1(a).
• Ball touches a player: a live ball striking a player or carried item, other than the racket in a legal stroke, produces the applicable point outcome rather than a replay.
• Racket or safety cord: Rule 13.1(r) says breaking the racket's safety cord or dropping the racket immediately loses the disputed point. It is not first-time involuntary interference.
• Ordinary rally net cord: Rule 14.1(e) makes a return correct when it touches the net or posts and then lands in the opponents' court. Unlike a service net, that rally continues.

How to decide a padel replay

1. Name the phase. Was the ball being served, or was a point already in progress?
2. For a serve, identify the call. Apply Rule 9's net/post, correct-box and metallic-fence tests; otherwise use the service-fault rules.
3. Preserve the serve status. A first-service net/let restores two serves; a second-service net/let restores only the second.
4. For a rally, identify the cause. Split ball, outside element, unexpected outside event, moving object, or player interference each has a defined test.
5. Check for a specific point outcome. Net contact, a dropped racket or another Rule 13 event defeats a general request for a replay.
6. Classify player interference. First involuntary occurrence, repeat by the same pair, or deliberate act.
7. Act immediately. If the player is requesting the let, stop and notify the umpire; the umpire makes the ruling.

A first serve clips the net and then the fence

Situation: the first serve touches the net, lands on the correct service-box line, then touches the metallic fence before bouncing again.

FIP 2026 ruling: first-service fault, not a net replay. The line makes the first bounce good, but the metallic-fence contact triggers Rule 7.1(e) and fails Rule 9.1(a). The server has one serve remaining.

A second serve is delivered before the receiver is ready

Situation: after a first-service fault, the server immediately serves again while the receiver is still retrieving position and has not tried to return.

FIP 2026 ruling: let, then repeat the second serve only. Receiver readiness creates the let under Rules 6.10 and 9.2(a); Rule 9.2(c) preserves the fact that the interrupted delivery was a second serve.

A spare ball is struck but does not create danger

Situation: a shot bounces correctly in the opponents' court and touches a stationary spare ball. The spare ball does not move in a way that could interfere or endanger anyone.

FIP 2026 ruling: no automatic let. Rule 14.1(f) treats the return as correct; Rule 10.1(d)'s replay condition depends on the struck object's movement creating possible interference or danger.

A cap falls during a player's first hindrance

Situation: a player's cap accidentally falls during a rally and may prevent an opponent from making the stroke.

FIP 2026 / Cupra procedure: first involuntary interference by that pair produces a let. The chair umpire warns that a subsequent involuntary hindrance by the same pair loses the point. If the umpire finds that the act was deliberate, the pair loses the present point instead.

A player continues after seeing an outside ball

Situation: a player notices another ball enter the court, completes several more shots, loses the rally, and then requests a let.

FIP 2026 ruling: the late request fails. Rule 10.1(e) requires immediate notice and says continued play removes the player's right to claim the let.

Professional procedures add detail—and one wording caution

The 2026 Cupra FIP Tour Official Rulebook, effective 1 January 2026, supplements the baseline for that circuit. Sections 6.6 and 11.1.8 say spectator noise is not interference, a chair-umpire correction from “out” to “good” produces a let, and deliberate hindrance may also lead to a Code of Conduct violation. Section 13 allows electronic review only where the organizer provides an FIP-approved system; a player must make a timely request after a final shot or stop play during the point.

There is a genuine text difference on service nets. Baseline FIP Rule 9.1(a) excludes a ball that touches the metallic fence before the second bounce. The Cupra officiating script adds “or sidewalls” to that condition, but does not separately state the resulting call when a correct-box ball then hits a sidewall. Because the Cupra Rulebook says its circuit rules prevail where documents conflict, treat this as a Cupra-only ambiguity for the appointed officials—not as a universal extra condition or an inferred fault.

Five replay claims to avoid

• “Every net cord is a let.” A rally ball can touch the net and remain live; a serve must satisfy Rule 9.
• “A let always gives two serves.” A let on a second serve repeats only the second serve.
• “Any object contact forces a replay.” Rule 10.1(d) turns on movement that could interfere or be dangerous.
• “Accidental always means replay.” Repeat involuntary interference and specific Rule 13 events lose the point.
• “Finish the rally, then ask.” Continuing play gives up a player's requested-let claim.

Governing-body sources and effective versions

• International Padel Federation — Rules of Padel, effective 1 January 2026, Rules 6–14
• International Padel Federation — Cupra FIP Tour Official Rulebook, Version 2026, application date 1 January 2026, Sections 1.1, 6.6, 11.1.8 and 13
• International Padel Federation — Reglamento Oficial Cupra FIP Tour, versión 2026, texto español de los procedimientos de “net” e interferencia

Checked against the current FIP document directory and the official rulebooks available there on 27 August 2026. The baseline is the FIP Rules of Padel effective 1 January 2026; appointed national or competition regulations may supplement it. The Cupra service-net wording difference is retained and labelled rather than treated as a universal rule.