Net (Red)

The net is the great divider of the padel court — and we mean that both literally and strategically. Everything in padel revolves around who controls the space closest to it.

Dimensions

A padel net spans the full 10-meter width of the court. At the center, it stands 88 cm high, rising to 92 cm at the side posts. If those numbers sound familiar but slightly off, you're probably thinking of tennis — the padel net sits a few centimeters lower. That small difference matters more than you'd think, because it makes net approaches and volleys just a bit more forgiving.

The net is suspended by a cable running through the top, tensioned to metal posts on each side. A center strap pulls the net down to the regulation 88 cm at the midpoint. FIP rules also specify the maximum drop from the top of the net to the ground at any point — no sagging allowed.

Why Net Height Matters

That 88 cm center height is a design choice that shapes the entire sport. A lower net means volleys are easier to hit downward with pace, which is why padel rewards teams that take the net position. In tennis, the higher net and larger court make baseline play dominant. In padel, the lower net and enclosed court flip that equation — the net position is king.

This is why you'll hear coaches say "play forward" in padel. The lower net gives the attacking team a significant geometric advantage. You're hitting down at your opponents' feet, and they're trying to hit up and over you. The math is in your favor when you're at the net.

During Play

In rallies, the ball can clip the net and keep going — totally legal, and it happens all the time. These net-cord shots are unpredictable and often produce winners or awkward scrambles. Nobody celebrates a net cord in padel, but nobody apologizes very sincerely either.

On serves, the rules change: if the ball touches the net and lands in the correct service box, it's a let, and the server gets another attempt. If it hits the net and misses the box (or hits the mesh/glass before bouncing), it's a fault.

The Battle for the Net

In padel strategy, "winning the net" means your team controls the forecourt while your opponents are pinned at the back. Nearly every point in competitive padel is decided by which pair establishes net dominance. The net itself is just a strip of woven cord, but the position it represents is the most valuable real estate on the court.