No. In padel only one member of a pair can play the ball on each shot, and it must go straight back over the net. If both partners hit the ball, one after the other or at the same time, the pair loses the point. Unlike volleyball, there is no passing or setting between teammates.
What the rules say
The FIP Rules of Padel say the ball is hit alternately by each pair. They also say a point is lost if both players simultaneously or consecutively hit the ball, and that the ball may only be played by one member of the team.
So on every shot, one of you hits the ball back over the net. You cannot tap it to your partner for a better angle, and you cannot both make contact.
The racket-clash exception
There is one situation the rules treat differently. If both partners go for the ball at the same moment, one hits the ball and the other only hits their teammate's racket, that is not a double hit. The rally carries on as long as the ball goes over the net and lands correctly.
It happens most often with balls down the middle, and it is a good sign that you need a clearer plan for who takes them.
What if your shot hits your partner?
If the ball touches your partner after you hit it, you lose the point. The same applies if it touches you or anything either of you is wearing. Our guide to what happens if the ball hits you covers every case.
Is this the same as a double hit?
They are closely related. A double hit is when one player hits the ball twice on the same shot. Two partners both touching the ball is a separate rule, but the result is the same: the point is lost. For more on single-player double hits, see can you double hit in padel.
How to decide who takes the ball
Most lost points between partners come from hesitation, not from breaking the rule. These habits help:
- Call it early. Say "mine" or "yours" as soon as the ball leaves your opponent's racket. Calling late is worse than not calling.
- Agree a middle rule. Many pairs agree that the player with their forehand in the middle takes balls down the centre. For two right-handers, that is the player on the left.
- Lobs over one player are usually taken by the partner who is better placed to move back, with the other player switching sides.
- Trust the call. Once your partner calls it, get out of the way and cover the space they leave.
The racket rules matter here too. A ball that comes off your frame still counts as your shot, as explained in can you hit the ball with the frame.
The bottom line
One ball, one hitter. Your pair can only touch the ball once per shot, so communication matters more than speed. Agree who takes the middle before the match and call every ball you can.
Related questions
Can both padel partners hit the ball?
Not on the same shot. If both partners hit the ball, the pair loses the point. Racket clashes where only one player touches the ball are allowed.
Who should take the ball down the middle in padel?
There is no rule, but many pairs agree that the player with their forehand in the middle takes it. Agree before you play.
Is padel like volleyball, where you can pass to a teammate?
No. In padel the ball must be returned over the net with one shot by one player.