Paddle tennis commonly refers to several racket sports, but the internationally standardized form is padel. The International Padel Federation Technical Committee, International Padel Federation establishes the official playing area used in competitive and club settings. The standard court is rectangular, enclosed by walls or glass that are part of play, and sized to produce a fast, reflex-based game that balances serving, volleying, and wall play.
Standard dimensions and net height
The standard court dimensions for padel are 20 m × 10 m. The playing surface is divided in half by a central net and includes service boxes similar in function to tennis but adapted to the smaller footprint. The net height is specified as 0.88 m at the center, rising slightly toward the posts to 0.92 m at the ends, which affects bounce and volley dynamics. Court perimeter walls and back panels are integral to the rules; their heights and materials are also governed by the federation because they directly influence shot selection and player positioning.
Relevance, causes, and consequences
These measurements are set to create a distinct tactical game: the reduced length and width compared with tennis compress rally patterns and reward quick reflexes, teamwork, and use of the enclosure. The prescribed 20 m × 10 m size and 0.88 m center net height cause faster point construction and more opportunities to use walls as strategic elements. For clubs and urban planners, the compact footprint makes padel accessible in dense cities, encouraging social play and leading to rapid growth in Spain, Argentina, and increasingly across Europe and Latin America. That cultural popularity has consequences for land use, with rooftop and converted urban spaces often adapted to padel courts, raising considerations about noise, lighting, and community impact.
Other paddle variants exist and use different specifications; local traditions and governing bodies set those standards to suit climate, available space, and player preferences. For accurate construction or competitive compliance, consult the International Padel Federation Technical Committee, International Padel Federation for official drawings, tolerances, and material standards before building or certifying a court.