Padel tennis has been growing rapidly worldwide, and one of its unique characteristics is the size of its court. Unlike traditional tennis, padel courts are smaller and enclosed by walls, allowing for exciting gameplay that incorporates rebounds. If you are new to padel or just curious about the official court dimensions, this guide will break it down in detail.
Official Padel Court Dimensions
A standard padel court follows the regulations set by the International Padel Federation (FIP). The official dimensions are:
- Length: 20 meters (65.6 feet)
- Width: 10 meters (32.8 feet)
- Total Playing Area: 200 square meters (2,152 square feet)
Net Height and Placement
- Net Height at Center: 88 cm (34.6 inches)
- Net Height at Posts: 92 cm (36.2 inches)
- Net Placement: The net divides the court into two equal halves of 10 meters by 10 meters.
Court Structure and Enclosure
One of the most distinctive features of a padel court is its enclosure. The court is surrounded by walls made of glass and metal mesh, which allow for continuous play off rebounds. The structure consists of:
- Back Walls: 3 meters high (9.8 feet) made of glass.
- Side Walls: Typically a combination of glass and mesh, with glass extending 3 meters high and mesh reaching 4 meters.
- Metal Mesh Sections: Extend up to 4 meters (13.1 feet) at the ends and sides for added ball containment.
Service Boxes and Markings
The court is divided into two service boxes on each side, just like in traditional tennis. Service lines are marked at 3 meters from the back wall, and a central service line divides each box into two sections. Players must serve underhand from behind the service line and within their designated box.
Comparison to Tennis and Other Sports Courts
Padel courts are smaller than traditional tennis courts but larger than pickleball courts. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Sport | Court Length | Court Width | Net Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Padel | 20m | 10m | 88cm (center) |
| Tennis | 23.77m | 8.23m (singles) / 10.97m (doubles) | 91.4cm (center) |
| Pickleball | 13.41m | 6.1m | 86cm |
Why Padel Court Size Matters
The compact court size allows for more dynamic rallies and fast-paced gameplay. It also makes padel a more accessible sport since the reduced space minimizes the need for excessive running, making it enjoyable for players of all skill levels.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the padel court’s dimensions and structure helps players improve their game and appreciate the unique aspects of the sport. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, knowing the layout of the court will give you a competitive edge and enhance your overall playing experience.
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