The net
The net is 10 m long, 0.88 m high in the middle and 0.92 m at the ends, hung on a metal cable between posts no taller than 1.05 m. It must reach the posts and the floor with no gaps.
Clause 1: Length of the net
The net is 10 m long, so it runs the full width of the court.
Clause 2: Height in the middle
The net is 0.88 m high at the centre.
Clause 3: Height at the ends
The net rises to 0.92 m at each end. Because the net is higher at the sides, a shot down the middle has a little more room to clear it.
Clause 4: Tolerance on net height
The net heights may be out by no more than 0.005 m, which is 5 mm.
Clause 5: The tension cable
The net hangs from a metal cable no more than 0.01 m, or 1 cm, thick.
Clause 6: Posts at each end
The ends of the cable are fixed to two posts at the sides, each no more than 1.05 m tall. Instead of posts, a part of the court structure that holds the net at the right height and tension may be used.
Clause 7: Tension that cannot slip
Whatever is used to tension the cable must be built so that it cannot come loose by surprise and does not put players at risk.
Clause 8: Posts line up with the sides
The outer face of each post should line up with the side edge of the court, whether that is an opening, an entrance or the metal fence.
Clause 9: Shape of the posts
Posts may be round or square, but their edges must be rounded. Rounded edges matter because players often run close to the posts when chasing balls near the net.
Clause 10: The white band
The top of the net is covered by a white band that measures between 5.0 cm and 6.3 cm once fitted, with the tension cable running beneath it.
Clause 11: An extra advertising band
A second band carrying advertising, in any colour, may be added, as long as it does not interfere with play.
Clause 12: Maximum band height
However the bands are combined, the band on top of the net may not be more than 11.0 cm deep.
Clause 13: Nothing fixed to the mesh
Nothing may be attached to the strings of the net.
Clause 14: Painted advertising on strings
The strings may be painted for advertising, as long as this does not affect normal play.
Clause 15: No gaps at the edges
The net must be fully stretched out so that it fills the whole space between the two posts and down to the court surface, with no gaps between the ends of the net and the posts.
Clause 16: Not pulled tight
Although the net must fill that space, it should not be stretched tight.
Clause 17: What the mesh is
The mesh is made of synthetic fibre, and the weave is close enough that the ball cannot pass through it.
In real games
Questions
How high is a padel net?
It is 0.88 m high in the middle and 0.92 m at the posts, give or take 5 mm.
Does the net have to reach the floor?
Yes. It must fill the whole space between the posts and down to the court surface with no gaps, but it should not be pulled tight.
Can the net have advertising on it?
Yes. An extra advertising band may sit along the top as long as the total band is no deeper than 11.0 cm, and the strings may be painted, provided neither affects play.