The Let in Padel: When Points Are Replayed

In padel, a let is a call that stops play and requires the point to be replayed — no score is awarded. Lets can occur in a few specific situations, and it's important to know which situations result in a let versus which result in a fault or lost point.

The most common let is the net let on a serve: if the server's ball clips the top of the net and then lands correctly within the diagonal service box, the serve is a let and is replayed. This applies to both first and second serves. The server retains the same serve attempt — a let on a first serve means you serve first again; a let on a second serve means you serve second again.

A key distinction: a serve that clips the net and then hits the glass wall before landing in the service box is a fault, not a let. This catches many players who assume the net-touch always leads to a let.

During rallies, a let can be called when something external interrupts play — a ball rolling onto the court from an adjacent court, a door opening unexpectedly, or a similar disruption. Both pairs agree to replay the point. The interruption must be genuine and not used tactically to replay a point you were about to lose.

In recreational padel without referees, lets on rallies are typically called by mutual agreement. In tournaments with referees, the referee calls lets. Disputing a let call should be done calmly and immediately.