A padel court looks similar to a tennis court, but its dimensions, enclosed walls and playing surface make it very different. Understanding the layout is important for beginners, especially when learning how the ball interacts with the glass and where players should position themselves.
A standard court follows specific measurements and construction rules. This guide explains its dimensions, walls, surface materials and key differences from a traditional tennis court.
What are the official padel court dimensions?
A standard padel court measures 20 metres long and 10 metres wide, creating a total playing area of 200 square metres. These measurements are taken from the inside of the court enclosure.
The court is divided into two equal halves by a net. Each half measures 10 by 10 metres, providing enough space for two players to move, defend and attack during doubles matches.
The net measures 10 metres across, with a height of 88 centimetres at the centre and 92 centimetres at the sides.
Service lines are positioned 6.95 metres from the net on each side. A central line divides the service area into two boxes, determining where the ball must land during a serve.
These dimensions are established by the International Padel Federation (FIP) and apply to official standard courts.
How do the glass walls and fences work?
One of the most recognizable features of padel is its enclosed playing area. Unlike tennis, the surrounding walls are part of the game.
The back enclosure is 4 metres high, typically consisting of 3 metres of wall with an additional metre of metal fencing above it. The sides combine wall sections and fencing, with different configurations permitted under official regulations.
Glass is commonly used because it allows spectators to watch matches while providing a consistent ball rebound.
During a rally, the ball may bounce on the ground and then hit the surrounding glass before being returned. However, hitting the opponents' wall directly before the ball touches their court is not allowed.
Metal fencing also affects the ball's movement. Unlike glass, the fence can produce unpredictable rebounds, making some shots harder to anticipate.
Learning to read these rebounds is an essential part of developing defensive skills.
What surface is used on a padel field?
Most modern courts use artificial grass, although other approved surfaces include suitable synthetic materials and cement.
Artificial grass is popular because it provides grip, supports controlled movement and allows a relatively consistent ball bounce when correctly installed and maintained.
Some artificial grass systems use sand infill to stabilize the fibres and influence how the surface performs. The amount and distribution of sand depend on the specific system.
A poorly maintained surface can affect traction and ball behaviour, making regular maintenance important.
Blue and green are common court colours, although other colours are also permitted under official regulations.
The choice of surface can influence how players move, how quickly the ball travels and how comfortable the court feels during longer matches.
What is the difference between a padel court and a tennis court?
The biggest difference is size. A standard doubles tennis court measures approximately 23.77 metres long and 10.97 metres wide, making it noticeably larger than a standard padel playing area.
Padel is usually played in doubles within an enclosed court, while tennis can be played in singles or doubles on an open court.
The walls create another major difference. Tennis players normally lose a point when the ball travels beyond the permitted playing boundaries. In padel, the ball can remain in play after rebounding from the surrounding walls, provided it first lands correctly.
Serving is also different. Padel uses an underarm serve after bouncing the ball, while tennis allows an overhead serve.
These differences make padel more focused on positioning, teamwork and controlling rebounds.
Can padel courts be indoor or outdoor?
Padel can be played both indoors and outdoors. The court dimensions remain the same, but the playing conditions can differ.
Indoor courts protect players from rain and wind, offering more consistent conditions throughout the year. They also require sufficient ceiling clearance to accommodate high shots.
Outdoor courts are exposed to changing weather conditions. Wind can affect the ball's trajectory, while rain can make surfaces slippery and unsuitable for play.
The right environment depends on local weather, available facilities and personal preference.
Understanding the court before you play
A padel court is designed around a combination of compact dimensions, enclosed walls and a surface suited to quick movements.
Understanding these features makes it easier to anticipate rebounds, position yourself correctly and avoid common mistakes.
Although the term padel field is sometimes used, court is the standard term for the playing area. When comparing facilities, pay attention to the dimensions, glass condition, surface quality and whether the court is indoors or outdoors.
Knowing how the padel field is structured helps new players feel more confident and understand the game before their first match.