What is a Padel Court? Everything You Need to Know
A padel court is a specially designed enclosed playing area that combines elements of tennis and squash to create a unique racket sport experience. Unlike traditional tennis courts, padel courts feature glass walls and mesh fencing that are integral to gameplay.
Understanding the padel court design is essential to appreciating why this sport has become so popular worldwide. The enclosed nature of the court creates longer rallies, more strategic play, and a social atmosphere that sets padel apart from other racket sports.
Official Court Dimensions
Standard Measurements
- •Length: 20 meters (65.6 feet)
- •Width: 10 meters (32.8 feet)
- •Total Area: 200 square meters
- •Net Height: 88cm center, 92cm sides
Comparison to Tennis
A padel court is approximately 25% smaller than a standard tennis court, making it more compact and accessible. This smaller size means:
- ✓Less running required
- ✓More strategic positioning
- ✓Longer rallies
- ✓Better for all fitness levels
Court Structure & Materials
Glass Walls
The most distinctive feature of a padel court is the glass walls that surround the playing area. These walls are typically:
- •Height: 3 meters (9.8 feet) at the back, 2 meters (6.6 feet) at the sides
- •Material: Tempered safety glass (10-12mm thick)
- •Purpose: Allow ball rebounds while maintaining visibility
Mesh Fencing
Above the glass walls, metal mesh fencing extends to create the full enclosure:
- •Total Height: 4 meters (13.1 feet) from ground
- •Material: Galvanized steel mesh
- •Function: Keeps balls in play while allowing airflow
Playing Surface
Padel courts can have different surface types, each affecting gameplay:
Artificial Turf
Most common, good grip, consistent bounce
Concrete
Faster play, harder surface, more bounce
Synthetic
Cushioned, joint-friendly, slower pace
Court Layout & Markings
Service Boxes
The court is divided into service boxes similar to tennis, but with padel-specific dimensions:
- •Service line is 3 meters from the net
- •Center service line divides the court
- •Serves must land in the diagonal service box
Line Markings
All lines are typically 5cm wide and clearly visible:
- •Baseline: Back boundary line
- •Service Line: 3m from net
- •Center Line: Divides service boxes
- •Sidelines: Define court width
Indoor vs Outdoor Courts
Indoor Courts
Climate-controlled facilities offer year-round play:
- ✓Consistent playing conditions
- ✓No weather interruptions
- ✓Controlled lighting
- ✓Often include amenities
Outdoor Courts
Open-air courts provide a different experience:
- ✓Natural lighting and fresh air
- ✓Lower facility costs
- ✓Weather adds challenge
- ✓More scenic locations
Why Court Design Matters
The unique design of a padel court is what makes the sport so special. The enclosed walls create a three-dimensional playing field where strategy and positioning matter as much as power and speed.
The glass walls allow spectators to watch from all angles while keeping the ball in play, creating longer rallies and more exciting gameplay. The smaller court size compared to tennis means players don't need to cover as much ground, making the sport accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels.
The combination of walls, mesh, and compact dimensions creates a fast-paced, social game that emphasizes teamwork, strategy, and creativity over pure athleticism. This is why padel has become the fastest-growing racket sport in the world.
Experience a Padel Court Yourself
Now that you understand what makes a padel court unique, the best way to appreciate the design is to experience it firsthand. The enclosed glass walls, compact dimensions, and strategic layout create a playing environment unlike any other racket sport.
Whether you're looking for indoor climate-controlled facilities or outdoor courts with natural lighting, padel courts are popping up across the United States. Use our court finder to locate facilities near you and see why the padel court design has captivated millions of players worldwide.