The padel court, measurements and materials

According to official FIP regulations, the dimensions of the padel court are 20 m in length by 10 m wide, with a tolerance of 0.5% in excess or defect. The rectangle is divided into two by a net, with a service line placed 6.95 m from the net. The area between the net and the service line is divided equally by a perpendicular line - the central service line - which divides the area into equal parts. The central service line extends for 20 cm beyond the service line.

The two halves of the court must be identical in area and horizontal markings. All lines must be 5 cm wide. In covered courts, there must be a space of 6 m free above the entire surface of the court. There should be no element invading or encroaching on this space. For new constructions, the recommended free height above the court is 8 m over the entire surface of the court, and again free from any objects. All lines should be either white or black to create the greatest contrast with the colour of the court surface.

The net is 10 m long and is 88 cm high at the centre, and can reach a maximum of 92 cm at the lateral anchor points. (A maximum tolerance of 5 mm is permitted). The external surfaces of the two net poles correspond with the lateral limits of the court (opening, door, or metallic structure). These poles can be either circular or rectangular, but must have rounded edges. Returning to the court, this must be an entirely enclosed rectangle. The perimeter is surrounded by walls of various materials which give a regular rebound to the ball (glass or solid surfaces) and wire netting where the rebound is irregular.

The back wall is 4 m high and is solid up to the first 3 m with any transparent or opaque material (glass, bricks, cement), as long as these meet the same requirements indicated for the lateral wall sections; the last meter is closed by wire netting. The lateral walls are of different heights; the first section is 3 m high by 2 m long and the second section is 2 m high and 2 m long. These solid walls are then completed with metallic netting up to a height of 3 m in the central part for a total length of 16 m, and up to 4 m high at the two extremities.

The walls can be made of any transparent or opaque material , (glass, brick, plexiglas). It is important that these walls give a regular rebound to the ball. Whatever material is used must be finished with a uniform surface sufficiently solid to optimize contact with the ball and also the player’s bodies and hands (to avoid any injury). The walls must be of a uniform and single colour, preferably green, blue, or brown, but a colour distinct from that of the court. For glass walled courts – most commonly used for international competitions – all materials must respect the norms for tempered glass. The metallic netting must be diamond- or square-shaped. Often simply wound netting or electro-welded netting is used. In any case, the dimension of the aperture must not be less than 5 cm nor greater than 7.08 cm.

The court surface can be in concrete, cement, wood, synthetic material or artificial turf. Any other materials can be used as long as they give a regular rebound to the ball. One colour must be used and applied uniformly and should be distinct from the colour used for the walls.The preferred colour is green, blue, or brown in any tone. The colour black can be used only for internal installations. The entrances to the court are situated on both or one side and must be symmetrical. There can be either one or two openings on each side, either with or without doors. In the case of one opening, the minimum dimension is: 1.05 m wide x 2 m high and the maximum is 2 m x 2.2 m. In the case of two openings: 0.72 m wide x 2 m high and the maximum is 1 m x 2.2 m.