Wrist strap
The wrist strap is the cord tying the racket to the player’s wrist. Under FIP rules, the strap is mandatory and must be no longer than 35 cm. The strap prevents the racket from flying out of the player’s hand and is one of the few padel equipment items the rulebook regulates explicitly.
What is the wrist strap?
The wrist strap is a cord, usually 25 to 35 cm long, that loops around the player’s wrist and attaches to the butt of the racket handle. It prevents the racket from flying out of the hand on hard swings or accidental drops. The strap is built into every modern padel racket and is non-removable on most models.
FIP regulation
FIP rules require the wrist strap to be worn during all sanctioned competition. The strap must be no longer than 35 cm. Players who serve without the wrist strap on can be called for a fault and lose the point. The rule is in place to prevent injury to other players from flying rackets - a real risk on enclosed padel courts.
Using it correctly
Loop the strap around your wrist so it sits snug but not tight. The strap should hold the racket if you let go but not restrict wrist movement. Many players adjust the strap each session - too loose and the racket can still slip, too tight and the strap becomes uncomfortable over a long match.
Coach tip: Tournament umpires call wrist-strap faults strictly. If you train without the strap on, you will forget at tournaments and lose points. Always use the strap in practice so it becomes automatic in match play.
Common mistakes
Two common errors. First, training without the strap on, which creates a habit that costs points in sanctioned events. Second, leaving the strap loose to the point where it does not actually hold the racket - which defeats the safety purpose entirely.