When planning the construction of a new padel court, it is critically important to understand and adhere to established standards. Padel court dimensions are not just the overall size of the playing area, but a set of strict requirements defined by the International Padel Federation (FIP) that guarantee the quality and safety of the game.
Compliance with these FIP padel standards ensures not only fair conditions for competition but also the correct game dynamics and comfort for athletes. This article will help you understand the basic dimensions of the playing field, net parameters, and glass walls, and will also point out key aspects that need to be checked during the design phase to avoid typical discrepancies in various projects.
Playing Field Dimensions and Net According to FIP Standards
The playing field has clearly defined padel court dimensions that are universal and mandatory for all official competitions under the auspices of the International Padel Federation (FIP).
Court Dimensions
A standard padel court has a rectangular shape with the following dimensions:
Length 20 meters.
Width 10 meters.
These padel court dimensions are measured along the inner sides of the walls. The playing surface must be flat, with a slight slope for drainage in the case of outdoor courts.
Court Marking
The court is divided into two equal halves by a net and also includes service lines and receiving areas. Padel court marking includes:
The center line divides the court in half lengthwise.
Service lines are located 6.70 meters from the net, parallel to it.
The central service line divides the space between the net and the service line into two equal zones.
All marking lines must be 5 cm wide and clearly visible, usually white, contrasting with the color of the playing surface.
Net
The net separating the court also has established FIP padel standards:
Height — at the center, the net must be 88 cm high, and at the posts where it attaches, 92 cm.
Length — the net must fully cover the width of the court (10 meters).
Material — made of durable and flexible material that withstands the impact of the ball.
The net is attached to two posts that must not extend beyond the playing area.
FIP Requirements for Glass Walls and Their Thickness
Glass walls are a characteristic feature of padel tennis. They play an active role in the game and provide a good bounce for the ball. Therefore, strict requirements are imposed on their parameters, established by FIP padel standards, concerning safety, strength, and padel glass thickness.
Materials and Glass Thickness
Only tempered (safety) glass is used for the construction of padel courts. This is critically important because, in case of breakage, it shatters into small, non-sharp fragments, minimizing the risk of injury.
The standard padel glass thickness for back and side walls is 10 or 12 mm. The choice of thickness often depends on the overall court design, intensity of use, and potential loads. 12 mm thick glass provides increased strength and durability, which may be a priority for professional facilities.
All glass panels must comply with European safety standards, such as UNE EN 12150-1.
Wall Height and Dimensions
The back walls of the courts consist of panels that create a total padel wall height of 4 meters. Of these, 3 meters are glass, and the top meter is a metal mesh.
Side walls are 4 meters high for the first 2 meters from the back wall (glass or a combination of glass and mesh) and then decrease to 3 meters along the entire subsequent length. Traditionally, the first 4 meters of side walls can be entirely glass, or combined with a metal mesh in the upper part of the second glass panel.
Installation Features
Glass panels are attached to the metal structure of the court using special systems that minimize vibrations and prevent damage. Neoprene gaskets (e.g., 5 mm) are often used to reduce direct contact of glass with metal.
In panoramic courts, such as FIP Official Court / Full Panoramic, the side walls can consist of two large glass panels measuring 2×3 m, providing maximum visibility and the absence of corner posts in the glass area.
Checking Compliance with Standards and Typical Discrepancies
When designing and constructing a padel court, it is extremely important to pay attention to details to avoid deviations from FIP padel standards. Even minor differences can affect game quality, safety, and the ability to host official competitions.
What to Check During the Design Phase
Ensure that the length of 20 m and width of 10 m are maintained with high accuracy, as are all internal marking lines.
Check that the height of the playing net is 0.88 m at the center and 0.92 m at the edges.
Clarify the padel glass thickness (10 or 12 mm tempered), the availability of relevant certificates, and the correctness of installation using damping gaskets.
Check the total height of the back walls (4 m) and side walls (4 m, decreasing to 3 m).
Pay attention to the quality of the metal structure, the absence of sharp corners and protrusions that could threaten player safety.
Ensure that the lighting complies with UNE EN 12193 standards for uniformity and brightness to provide comfortable play without shadows.
Typical Discrepancies and Their Consequences
Discrepancy in court dimensions — even a few centimeters can change the dynamics of the bounce and game tactics, making the court unsuitable for official tournaments.
Incorrect padel glass thickness or its inappropriate type — can lead to rapid glass breakage and create a dangerous situation for players.
Incorrect padel wall height changes the ball’s bounce trajectory, requiring players to adapt to non-standard conditions.
Poor quality marking quickly wears off, becomes invisible, which complicates play and officiating.
Uneven lighting creates shadows that interfere with players tracking the ball, which is potentially dangerous.Compliance with padel court dimensions and other FIP standards is the key to creating a professional, safe, and comfortable playing space.
Thorough planning and cooperation with experienced suppliers, such as Padel Group, who use certified materials and comply with world standards (e.g., FIP Official Court / Full Panoramic), allow avoiding common errors and obtaining a court that meets the highest international requirements.
