Court & equipment

Court: dimensions and layout

A standard padel court is a rectangle measuring 20 metres long and 10 metres wide, divided in half by a net. The net is 0.88 metres high at the centre and 0.92 metres high at the posts.

The court is enclosed by walls and mesh fencing. At each end of the court, the enclosure is usually around 4 metres high: the lower 3 metres are a solid wall made of concrete, brick or glass, while the upper 1 metre is metal mesh.

Along the side walls, there are two standard configurations. Stepped walls: 3 × 2 metre and 2 × 2 metre sections, with mesh above. A straight wall: 3 × 4 metres, with mesh above it up to a total height of 4 metres.

The court is marked with sidelines and baselines. A service line divides each half into the service area and the back court. The service box is the rectangle nearest the net, extending 3 metres in from each sideline and up to the service line.

For outdoor courts, a north–south orientation is recommended, with a permitted variation towards north-east or north-west. This helps reduce the effect of direct sunlight during play.

Note: all lines count as in. If the ball lands on a line, it remains in play.

Padel racket

A padel racket is solid and has no strings. It has a foam core, usually EVA or foam, and an outer face made from carbon fibre or fibreglass.

The hitting surface must have holes; their number and placement are regulated by FIP rules.

Maximum racket dimensions are: length — 45.5 cm, width — 26 cm, thickness — 38 mm.

A wrist cord is primarily a safety feature: it prevents the racket from leaving your hand and injuring someone on court. It is also mandatory under the rules.

If a player drops a racket without using the wrist cord, it may be treated as a violation and can result in a warning or loss of point.

Note: racket shape, weight and balance affect how a racket plays far more than the brand or how advanced the model is. Beginners usually benefit from a lighter, round-shaped racket with low balance because it offers more control and is more forgiving.

Padel ball

A padel ball is slightly slower and has a lower bounce than a tennis ball. This suits the smaller court and enclosed playing area, making the game more controlled and allowing for longer rallies.

For official tournaments, balls must be approved by the FIP or ITF. The packaging will usually show the relevant certification. Tournament organisers announce the brand, quantity, type and ball-change policy in advance.

When balls are changed:

• after a set odd number of games. The warm-up counts as two games and a tiebreak counts as one

• at the start of a set

• in the second game of the next set if a scheduled ball change would otherwise fall during a tiebreak

• when a ball is lost or damaged. It may be replaced with a new ball or one with similar wear, depending on how many games have been played since the last ball change

Ball specifications: diameter: approximately 6.35–6.77 cm, weight: approximately 56–59.5 g, pressure: approximately 22–24 lbs.

Note: old or worn-out balls lose pressure, become slower and bounce less predictably. This affects the quality of play and can lead to more mistakes. Replace a ball if it is visibly deformed or has lost its shape.

Exception: recreational players often use standard tennis balls. This is fine for casual practice, but for tournaments and more serious matches, use balls made specifically for padel.

Footwear and clothing

A herringbone outsole is usually the best choice for padel. It provides a balance of grip and controlled sliding on sand-filled artificial turf.

Good lateral support is also important because padel involves quick side-to-side movements and frequent stops near the walls. Forefoot cushioning can help with repeated lunges towards the net.

A lower sole profile than running shoes can improve stability during sharp changes of direction.

When choosing clothing, focus on comfort and freedom of movement. Avoid large metal components that could damage the court surface or cause injury in a fall.

Note: running shoes are a poor choice for padel. They are not designed for lateral loads and may increase the risk of ankle or knee injuries. Tennis shoes and shoes designed for other sports may also be unsuitable for artificial padel surfaces. Look for footwear labelled "padel" or "multi-court".

Exception: some indoor venues allow general-purpose sports shoes. However, if you play regularly, dedicated padel shoes can noticeably improve traction and reduce injury risk.