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The padel racket

Source: FIP rulebook, revision 01.01.2026.

Play shall be with a regulation padel racket in accordance with the Racket Approval Annex issued by the FIP.

Padel racket dimensions

Part Max length Max width Max thickness
Complete racket 45.5 cm — —
Head variable 26 cm 38 mm
Grip 20 cm 50 mm 50 mm

Two more measurements complete the picture: the safety cord, with a maximum length of 35 cm, and the holes in the hitting surface, 9 to 13 mm in diameter across the central zone and up to 20 mm within 4 cm of the outer edge.

The 2.5% tolerance applies to thickness only. A racket of 38 mm may reach 38.95 mm and still be legal, but the 45.5 cm length and the 26 cm width are hard limits with no margin. The head has no fixed length: a shorter grip allows a longer head, as long as the two together stay under 45.5 cm.

Official padel racket specifications

  1. The racket consists of two parts: head and grip.

  2. Grip: maximum length 20 cm, maximum width 50 mm, maximum thickness 50 mm.

  3. Head: variable length. The length of the head plus the length of the grip may not exceed 45.5 cm. Maximum width: 26 cm. Maximum thickness: 38 mm.

  4. The total length of the racket (head plus grip) may not exceed 45.5 centimetres.

  5. When checking the racket’s measurements, a tolerance of 2.5% is allowed on the thickness.

  6. The hitting surface shall be perforated with cylindrical holes 9 to 13 mm in diameter across the whole central zone (the number is not limited). In the peripheral zone of 4 cm from the outer edge, the holes may have another shape with a maximum size of 20 mm.

  7. The hitting surface, identical on both faces, may be smooth or rough.

  8. The racket shall be free of attached objects and other devices, except those used to limit wear, vibration or to distribute weight. It may not carry reflective or sound-emitting elements that alter play.

  9. The racket must have a non-elastic cord or strap securing it to the wrist. Its use is compulsory. Maximum cord length: 35 centimetres.

  10. The racket must be free of any device capable of communicating with, alerting or instructing the player during a match.

Consequence of not wearing the cord

If a player’s safety cord breaks or the racket slips from their hand, the pair immediately loses the point in play (see Rule 13r).