Can you hit the ball after it hits the glass in padel?

Yes. If an incoming ball bounces once in your court and then hits the back or side glass, you can play it before its second floor bounce. Hitting the glass does not count as another floor bounce. That’s the basic rule in the FIP Rules of Padel.

We like to keep this one simple: count the floor bounces, not the wall contacts.

First the floor, then the glass

During a rally, an incoming shot must bounce in your court before it touches your glass or metal fence. After that first bounce, it can rebound off the glass or fence and remain in play. You must return it before it touches the floor again.

So, if it lands once, hits the back glass, and you return it before the next floor bounce, play on. If it lands a second time before you hit it, the point is over. The glass has not reset the bounce count.

What if it hits the glass before the floor?

If your opponent’s incoming shot hits your glass or metal fence before bouncing in your court, their return is out. The ball needs to land in your court first. For an incoming rally ball:

1. Floor, then glass: still playable before the second floor bounce.
2. Glass before floor: the opponent’s return is out.
3. Two floor bounces before your return: you lose the point.

Can you hit the ball against your own wall?

Yes. You can hit the ball against your own wall and have it travel into your opponents’ court. For the return to count, it must then land correctly in their court. Your own metal fence is different: if your shot hits the fence or the floor on your own side after leaving your racket, you lose the point.

Does the same rule apply to a serve?

There’s an important difference. After landing in the correct service box, a serve may rebound from the glass. If it hits the metallic fence before its second floor bounce, it’s a service fault. The receiver must also let the serve bounce before returning it; a volleyed service return isn’t allowed. The LTA’s rules guide also explains this distinction.

The version to remember

For an incoming rally ball: one floor bounce, then glass, then your shot is fine. The second floor bounce is the deadline.

Choosing your first racket too? The Volan Racket Finder asks about your level, playing style and budget, then gives a recommendation with reasons. You can also explore where to try Volan before deciding.