Unlike tennis, padel is played in an enclosed “cage,” but open at the top. It’s this unique structure – its walls, fences, and compact dimensions – that gives the sport its full tactical and spectacular dimension.
To play well, and even to install a court, it is essential to know the official standards set by the International Padel Federation (FIP). A non-compliant court can make the game inconsistent or even invalidate its use for competitions.
Here is the complete guide to padel court specifications, from net size to wall height.
1. Court Dimensions: The Playing Frame
The padel court is a perfect rectangle, adhering to precise dimensions to ensure fair play.
Court Dimensions
- Length: 20 meters (distance between the two back walls).
- Width: 10 meters (distance between the two side walls).
- Total Area: The padel court therefore occupies an area of 200 square meters.
The Playing Lines
The court lines are drawn with a thickness of 5 cm and must be a color that strongly contrasts with the floor (generally white or black).
- Service Line: It is located 6.95 meters from the net.
- Center Line (Carrer): It divides the court into two equal halves (for serving) and is perpendicular to the net. It extends 20 cm beyond the service line.
Note: The clearance on each side of the court (the outer playing or safety area) is not included in these dimensions but is crucial for player safety.
2. The Net: The Central Separation
The padel net is central and has height specifications that are lower than those of tennis, favoring low and fast play.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 10 meters. Equal to the width of the court. |
| Height at ends | 0.92 meter. The height is slightly higher at the sides. |
| Height at center | 0.88 meter. The height is slightly lower at the center. |
| Material | Nylon or synthetic thread. The net must be fully stretched and tight enough so that the ball cannot pass through. |
3. The Walls and Fencing: The Third Dimension
It is the use of walls that gives padel its tactical richness. The structure is composed of two main materials: the wall (often glass) and the metal mesh.
The Back Walls
- The back walls (those located at 20 meters) must be made of solid material (tempered glass or opaque material) to ensure a perfect and consistent ball rebound.
- Height: The total height is 4 meters, of which the first 3 meters consist of a wall and the last meter is a metal fence.
The Sides and Metal Fencing
- The fencing is installed where the wall ends, i.e., above the wall sections and on part of the sides.
- Fence height: Depending on the construction variant, the metal fence completes the enclosure up to 3 meters on part of the sides and up to 4 meters at the ends, or up to 4 meters along the entire length.
- Rebounds: The fencing creates an “irregular” or “dead” rebound, as it absorbs the ball’s energy, complicating defense. The game often involves hitting hard against the wall to force the ball back onto the fence.
- Mesh: The fencing must form a flat and vertical surface, without sharp elements, and comply with the mesh dimensions specified in the regulations.
4. The Playing Surface: The Speed Factor
The nature of the ground directly influences the speed and height of the rebound, and thus the playing style.
- Material: The most common and standardized surface is artificial turf. It can be green, blue, ochre, or even black (indoors), as long as it contrasts with the lines.
- Sand: A little silica sand is usually spread over the artificial turf.
- Role: It allows players to slide slightly (for safety) and to control the ball’s rebound by limiting spin.
- Drainage: All courts must be equipped with an adequate drainage system for outdoor installations.
By understanding these dimensions, it’s easier to see why the bandeja is played to keep the ball low and skimming: in such a compact space, a good globo forces opponents to retreat 20 meters, which is a major tactical positional loss.
Now that you know the technical specifications of the court, which dimension (width, length, or wall height) do you think is most strategically important for modern play?
Key takeaways
- The court is 20 m x 10 m (internal dimensions), with a tolerance provided by the regulations.
- The lines are 5 cm wide and the service line is 6.95 m from the net.
- The net measures 10 m: 0.88 m at the center and 0.92 m at the ends.
- The back walls are 4 m in total: 3 m of wall + 1 m of fencing.
- The sides can follow several variants (3 m and 2 m zones, fencing up to 3 m or 4 m depending on the configuration).
