Padel Court Basics
A padel court is not just a small tennis court with walls. The glass, fence, service boxes, net, and exits all change how points are built and how beginners should position themselves.
Court parts at a glance
These are the court elements that most affect real play.
| Part | What it does | Beginner mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Playing area | The official doubles court is 20 m x 10 m. | Standing too far back because the court looks crowded. |
| Glass walls | Keep the ball alive after it bounces on the court. | Turning too early or trying to volley every ball. |
| Metal fence | Can create irregular rebounds after a legal court bounce. | Treating every fence touch as automatically out. |
| Service lines | Define where the serve must land. | Forgetting that lines count as good. |
| Net | Splits the court and controls attack/defense. | Rushing forward without a controlled approach shot. |
| Doors/exits | Matter only when out-of-court play is allowed and safe. | Assuming every club allows outside play. |
How the walls change the game
After the ball bounces on your side, it can rebound from your glass and still be playable. This is why padel defense is often about waiting, reading the rebound, and giving yourself space.
The important rule idea is simple: the ball must normally land in the opponent's court before it uses their wall or fence. If it hits the opponent's wall or fence directly without a court bounce, it is not a good return.
Use the court to understand positioning
The compact court rewards pairs that move together. When your team attacks, both players usually want net position. When you defend, you often need enough space behind you to let the ball rebound from the glass.
If you are new, learn the court in this order: service boxes, net position, back glass, side glass, fence, then exits. That sequence explains most beginner rule questions.
FAQ
The standard doubles court is 20 metres long and 10 metres wide.
Yes, after it has bounced on the court. The glass is a normal part of padel.
No. The glass gives a more predictable rebound; the metal fence can create irregular bounces.
Yes. Lines are part of the court area they mark.
Only when the court is built and authorized for out-of-court play.