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The ball splits during a rally. What happens?
A ball that breaks during the point means a let. A ball that has merely gone soft does not.
Mid-rally the ball goes soft and clearly splits. What is the ruling?
A ball that breaks during the point means a let. A ball that has merely gone soft does not.
Why
If a ball breaks during play, the point is replayed as a let. A ball that has just lost some pressure is not broken, and a point cannot be replayed on the grounds that the ball felt dead.
The rest of the reasoning
Balls are changed at the intervals a competition sets; in club play, change them when they are visibly worn or when all four players agree. A soft ball changes tactics noticeably, the lob dies short, the smash does not carry out, which is why noticing a dead ball is worth a word at the change of ends.
What this means at your level
Beginner
If the ball has clearly split, stop and say so. Nobody wants to win a point with a broken ball.
Intermediate
Soft balls make the smash worthless and the lob worse. If the ball is dead, play more patient padel until it is changed.
Advanced
Notice that a new can behaves differently: livelier off the glass, easier to smash out. Adjust the first few points after a ball change rather than the first few games.
Common questions
Mid-rally the ball goes soft and clearly splits. What is the ruling?
Let: replay the point with a new ball. A ball that breaks during the point means a let. A ball that has merely gone soft does not. If a ball breaks during play, the point is replayed as a let. A ball that has just lost some pressure is not broken, and a point cannot be replayed on the grounds that the ball felt dead. Balls are changed at the intervals a competition sets; in club play, change them when they are visibly worn or when all four players agree. A soft ball changes tactics noticeably, the lob dies short, the smash does not carry out, which is why noticing a dead ball is worth a word at the change of ends.
Why not the pair that hit it last loses the point?
Nobody is at fault for a ball breaking. The point is simply replayed.
What should a beginner do here?
If the ball has clearly split, stop and say so. Nobody wants to win a point with a broken ball.
How does this change for an advanced player?
Notice that a new can behaves differently: livelier off the glass, easier to smash out. Adjust the first few points after a ball change rather than the first few games.
What do the rules say?
If the ball breaks during a point, the point is replayed. A ball that has only lost pressure is not considered broken.