1. Padel Court
A padel court is a specially designed area for playing padel, a racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. Padel courts are typically 20 meters long and 10 meters wide for doubles play. Courts are either indoor or outdoor and can be built using various surface materials like synthetic turf, artificial grass, or acrylic.
2. Synthetic Turf
Synthetic turf is a popular surface used in padel courts, mimicking the appearance and feel of grass while offering durability and ease of maintenance. It’s often made from materials like polyethylene, polypropylene, or nylon fibers.
3. Acrylic Surface
An acrylic surface is a smooth, hard court surface typically used for indoor and outdoor padel courts. It provides a consistent, fast playing surface and is popular for its durability and low maintenance requirements.
4. Glass Walls
Glass walls are a defining feature of many modern padel courts. Typically used as part of the enclosure, tempered glass is used to create transparent walls that allow for better visibility of the game for spectators, while also providing bounce for the ball.
5. Fence or Mesh Fencing
Fencing, often made of galvanized steel mesh, surrounds padel courts to keep the ball within the playing area. It is also used for safety purposes. The fence may be partially or entirely made of glass, especially for the lower part of the wall.
6. Court Surface Infill
Infill refers to the material (usually made from sand, rubber, or a mix of both) that is placed on top of synthetic turf to ensure the grass fibers stand upright. The infill also provides additional cushioning and improves the playing surface's stability.
7. Shock Absorption Layer
The shock absorption layer is a layer of material placed beneath the surface layer of the court. This layer is designed to reduce the impact on players' joints during movement, particularly in fast-paced games, by absorbing shocks and vibrations.
8. Padel Court Foundation
The foundation of a padel court is the base layer that supports the surface material. It is usually made of concrete or asphalt, and must be carefully constructed to ensure a level playing area and proper drainage.
The standard dimensions of a padel court are 20 meters long by 10 meters wide. These dimensions are for doubles play; singles padel courts are slightly smaller. The height of the walls can vary, but the typical height of the glass walls is 4 meters at the back and 3 meters at the sides.
10. Net
A net divides the two halves of the padel court and is placed at the center of the court. The net height is typically 88 centimeters at the center and 92 centimeters at the posts. The net is often made from durable polyethylene mesh.
11. Padel Court Lighting
Padel court lighting refers to the system of lights installed above or around the court to ensure visibility during evening or night-time matches. LED floodlights are the most common lighting choice due to their energy efficiency and ability to provide uniform lighting across the court.
12. Cushioning Layer
The cushioning layer is a sub-layer of material often placed beneath the artificial turf or acrylic surface to enhance shock absorption. This layer helps reduce the stress on players' bodies during intense matches.
13. Padel Court Enclosure
The enclosure refers to the walls and fencing that surround the padel court. It keeps the ball in play and provides a safe boundary for players. The enclosure can consist of glass walls and mesh fencing.
14. Bounce
Bounce is the manner in which the ball rebounds off the court surface and the walls. The quality of bounce is significantly affected by the type of surface (e.g., synthetic turf vs. acrylic) and weather conditions.
15. Padel Court Maintenance
Padel court maintenance refers to the tasks and activities performed to keep the court surface in good condition. This includes cleaning, brushing, replacing infill, and ensuring that the surface remains level and free from debris.
16. Padel Court Subsurface
The subsurface is the layer beneath the playing surface (such as synthetic turf or acrylic). This base layer ensures the court's stability, levelness, and proper drainage. Materials used for the subsurface may include concrete, asphalt, or specialized shock-absorbing materials.
17. Weatherproofing
Weatherproofing is an important consideration for outdoor padel courts. It refers to the processes or materials used to protect the padel court from the effects of weather, such as rain, UV radiation, and temperature fluctuations. This can include the use of UV-resistant coatings and waterproof surfaces.
18. Perimeter Runway
The perimeter runway is the space surrounding the padel court that allows players to move freely and safely around the court. It should be clear of obstacles and large enough to ensure smooth movement.
19. Padel Court Flooring Infill
Padel court flooring infill is a material that is spread over synthetic turf or similar surfaces to stabilize and add support. Common types of infill include sand, rubber, or a combination, which improves the playing surface's resilience and longevity.
20. Padel Court Drainage System
A padel court drainage system ensures that water does not pool on the court, especially for outdoor courts. A proper drainage system, often built into the foundation or sub-layer, allows water to flow away quickly, ensuring that the court remains playable during and after rain.
21. Surface Layer
The surface layer is the uppermost part of a padel court, made from materials like synthetic turf, acrylic, or artificial grass. This layer directly impacts how the ball bounces, how players move, and how the court feels during play.
22. Speed of Play
The speed of play refers to how quickly the ball moves during a game, which is determined by the court surface and bounce. Acrylic courts are generally faster, while synthetic turf or artificial grass provides slower play, offering more time for players to react.
23. Shock Absorption
Shock absorption refers to the ability of the padel court surface to reduce the impact on a player’s body. A well-designed shock absorption system helps minimize the risk of injuries like joint strain or impact-related injuries during fast movements on the court.
24. Construction Permits
Construction permits refer to the legal permissions required to build or renovate a padel court. These permits are typically required by local authorities and may involve adherence to specific safety, zoning, and building regulations.
25. Court Enclosure Height
Court enclosure height is the height of the walls or fencing surrounding the padel court. For professional courts, the back walls are usually 4 meters tall, and the side walls are around 3 meters. The right height ensures proper ball bounce and player safety.
