Padel-court dimensions: How the court is structured

Measuring just 20 × 10 meters, a padel court is significantly smaller than a tennis court. The playing area is fully enclosed by glass walls and metal mesh fencing—and this is no coincidence. These walls are an integral part of the game: once the ball has bounced on the court, it can rebound off the walls and remain in play. This unique feature is what fundamentally sets padel apart from tennis. 

For comparison, a singles tennis court measures 23.77 × 8.23 meters and includes generous run-off areas beyond the baselines and sidelines. A padel court has no such spaces. The playing area ends at the walls. This results in shorter running distances, longer rallies, and tactical situations in which not only the direct shot but also the controlled use of the glass walls can determine the outcome of a point. 

Johannes Lindmeyer knows from firsthand experience that this tactical element often determines the course of a match. The four-time German champion and captain of the national team told spized: “Players who learn to stay calm, use the glass effectively, and wait for the right opportunity usually make the greatest progress.”

The Walls: Glass, Mesh, and Why They Matter

At first glance, the enclosure is what most clearly distinguishes a padel court from a tennis court. There are no loose nets or open sides—only solid walls. And not all of them serve the same purpose. 

Back walls: Made of tempered glass or an equivalent solid material. They must be at least 3 meters high and completely solid. This is where the ball rebounds—and that's by design. Playing off the back wall is a core tactical element of padel. 

Side walls: A combination of materials. The first 3 meters extending from the back walls are also made of glass, after which metal mesh fencing begins. Some facilities install full-glass side walls (known as "panoramic courts"), but this is a design preference rather than an official FIP standard. 

Upper metal mesh: Everything above the glass panels is enclosed with metal mesh, which keeps the ball inside the court. Unlike glass, the mesh has a slight amount of flex, so a ball that strikes it rebounds differently than one hitting the glass wall. 

Lindmeyer explains why the walls are so decisive in padel: “The glass wall is one of the most important elements of the entire sport. Every ball that you deliberately let reach the glass gives you more time for your next shot and often allows you to make better decisions.” According to the captain of the German national padel team, players coming from tennis often try to hit every ball before it reaches the glass: “Those who learn early on to use the glass as an active part of their game develop a much stronger tactical understanding much more quickly.” 

Padel coach Thomas Lönegren shares the same view: “The glass walls are what make padel unique and open up countless tactical possibilities.” Players who learn to read and actively use the walls move more confidently around the court and are better able to anticipate and manage different game situations.

The flooring: Artificial turf is the standard, but not the only option

While the walls define the tactical side of the game, the court surface influences playing speed, traction, ball bounce, and the strain placed on players' joints. The FIP approves several different surface types: 

Sand-filled artificial turf (the most common): An artificial grass surface filled with silica sand or rubber granules. It provides a consistent ball bounce without making the game excessively fast. This is the surface used in professional padel and can be found on around 90% of newly built outdoor courts in Germany. 

Carpet (velour/carpet surface): Common in converted indoor facilities or older venues. It plays faster than artificial turf and requires less maintenance because no sand is involved. However, it wears out considerably more quickly under heavy use. 

Concrete / hard court: Found mainly on very old courts or converted facilities. Although still permitted by the FIP, it places significantly greater stress on the knees and ankles. As a result, newly built padel courts are no longer constructed with this type of surface.

Indoor vs. Outdoor: What really makes the difference

The choice of court surface also depends on where the court is installed. Indoor and outdoor facilities have different requirements in terms of materials, technical specifications, and day-to-day operation. The glass walls and court dimensions are identical in both cases. The differences lie in the surrounding conditions—and those have a significant impact on both the playing experience and operating costs. 

Outdoor courts are exposed to the weather. Wind can have a major influence on how the game is played. Materials must be UV-resistant, and adequate lighting is essential for evening play and the winter season.

Indoor courts offer consistent playing conditions with no wind and no UV exposure. In most cases, the biggest cost factor is the building itself rather than the court. Lighting should provide at least 400 lux for training and 500+ lux for competitive play. Ceiling height is another important consideration: the minimum is 6 meters, while 7 to 8 meters is recommended to ensure that high lobs do not hit the ceiling. 

For clubs and facility operators, indoor courts require the greater investment and operational effort. However, in Germany they are the only option for year-round play without weather-related interruptions.

The court is set – now all that’s missing is the right outfit

A padel team that looks recognisable on the court doesn’t play better. But it definitely feels a lot better.  At spized, you can design padel outfits for your team. Fully customised and with no minimum order quantity. All printing costs are included. From the jersey to the headband – everything from a single source. Design your padel outfit for your team.