What Are the Standard Measurements for a Paddle Court?
Official Sizes Set by Global Rules
A padel court follows specific measurements so that gameplay remains consistent for both leisure and professional games. The accepted measure of the playing area is 20 meters long by 10 meters wide. This oblong region is bordered by walls or glass dividers, which are foundational elements in the way the game is played. To fit this court, you need a total area of at least 11 meters by 21 meters, including area along the sides.
How Singles and Doubles Courts Differ
The big difference between singles and doubles padel courts is their width. Both share a 20-meter length, but doubles courts are 10 meters wide, while singles courts are only 6 meters wide. This changes how the game feels. The wider doubles court pushes players to work as a team and move side to side. The narrower singles court demands sharp accuracy and fast reactions.
Why These Sizes Matter for Play
Standard sizes ensure fair games and consistent ball bounces on every court. The enclosed walls let players bounce the ball off them during rallies, setting padel apart from regular tennis. The side walls and back glass panels aren’t just borders—they’re part of the game. Players must use angles and control the ball strategically.
How Is a Padel Tennis Court Built?
Main Parts of a Paddle Court Layout
Playing Area
The court’s main area splits into two halves with a net in the middle. Each half has service boxes marked by lines running parallel and perpendicular to the net.
Net and Center Line
The net runs across the court’s width at its center. It stands about 88 cm tall in the middle and up to 92 cm at the posts. It divides the court into two service zones, making serves and returns organized.
Service Boxes and Side Walls
Each half has two service boxes, marked by a central line running from the net to the back wall. Side walls, made of tempered glass or mesh fencing, allow legal ball rebounds. These rebounds are key for longer rallies.
Materials Used in Building Courts
At Legend Sports, we use top-quality materials to ensure that courts last and perform well. Our steel structure uses SPHC steel, with columns made from 100x100x3mm tubes. The tempered glass is 12mm thick, meeting the European standard EN12150-1 for safety and strength. If the glass breaks, it forms small, blunt fragments to reduce injury risk. Our artificial turf has textured filament fibers filled with sand, cutting down on wear and tear.
What Are the Rules for Walls and Fences in Paddle Courts?
Height and Material Needs for Glass Walls
Global rules set the end wall height at 4 meters, combining glass and mesh frames. Side walls are usually 3 meters tall. The tempered glass must be strong enough to handle fast ball impacts without breaking dangerously. Even if it shatters, it breaks into small, safe pieces.
Metal Mesh Fencing: Its Role and Placement
Metal mesh fencing pairs with glass walls where full visibility isn’t needed or when extra airflow is useful, like in outdoor courts. These fences are placed above or beside glass panels to meet height rules. They keep players safe and keep the ball in play.
How Wall Design Affects Ball Bounce and Strategy
The materials used for walls change how the ball bounces. Glass gives a steady, predictable bounce, perfect for competitive play. Mesh absorbs some impact, slightly changing the ball’s path. This affects where players stand, when they hit, and what shots they choose. Wall design shapes game strategy.
How Much Space Do You Need Around a Paddle Court?
Suggested Space for Safety and Spectators
The playing area is 20 meters by 10 meters for doubles or 20 meters by 6 meters for singles. Extra space around it is vital for safety and spectator areas. You need at least 11 meters by 21 meters total. This gives players room to move past the court lines and space for benches or barriers.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Space Needs
Indoor courts need high ceilings—at least 8 meters, with 9 to 12 meters for competition courts—to allow lob shots without hitting the roof. Outdoor courts have more flexibility but must account for weather like wind or rain, unless they’re covered.
What Are the Surface Choices for Paddle Courts?
Common Surface Types for Padel Courts
Artificial Grass
Artificial grass is a top pick for its soft feel and good looks. At Legend Sports, our turf is 12mm high with dense, textured fibers filled with silica sand. This setup reduces wear and provides great grip.
Synthetic Turf
Synthetic turf drains water well and comes in colors like green, blue, red, black, or even pink, based on what customers want.
Concrete or Cement Base
Underneath, a concrete or cement base keeps the court stable over time. A level base ensures the ball bounces evenly across the court.
How Surfaces Affect Movement and Ball Behavior
The surface impacts how fast the game feels and how safe it is. Sand-filled artificial turf slows the ball slightly compared to hard surfaces. It also cushions players during lunges or slides, making it great for pros and casual players who want joint-friendly courts.
Why Choose Legend Sports for Paddle Court Design?
Expertise in Padel Court Standards
Legend Sports has built courts in over 60 countries across six continents. Our senior engineers calculate, design, and build projects to meet domestic and international standards, like EN12150-1 for glass safety.
Customization Options from Legend Sports
We know every project is unique. We offer turf colors like pink, green, blue, red, or black. Steel structures come in blue, green, gray, and more. You can even add your logo to make the court reflect your style.
Support, Maintenance, and Aftercare
We go beyond building. Our services include lighting checks, sand refilling tips, and screw inspections. We’re here to keep your court in top shape year after year.
FAQ
Q: What are the standard dimensions of a padel court?
A: The competition area is 20 meters by 10 meters in length, as is the internationally used standard.
Q: What is the difference between a padel court and a tennis court?
A: A tennis singles court is about 23.77 meters long and 8.23 meters wide. Padel courts are shorter but include walls, and therefore they are more complex despite their short length.
Q: What are the differences between doubles and singles padel court sizes?
A: A padel court is 20 x 6 meters, ideal for singles. Double courts are the full 20 x 10 meters.
