Padel court dimensions: what the markings mean

The lines help you start a point; the enclosure changes how you finish it. Learn those two jobs separately and the court becomes much less confusing.

Start at the net

Facing the net gives you a useful reference point for the rest of the markings. The service line is further back on your half. The two boxes closer to the net are the receiving areas for a serve, not separate courts.

The court’s dimensions describe the internal playing area. They are not the total footprint a venue needs for construction, circulation or access. If you are planning a facility, use the technical guidance and professional advice rather than a player’s diagram.

Why the service boxes matter

Before a point begins, identify the diagonal box your serve must reach. During the rest of a rally, do not treat the service line as an out-of-bounds line. Its purpose is connected to starting the point.

On a first visit, stand behind a service line and ask the organiser to point out your target box. Then swap ends and repeat. The court looks different when you change sides, even though the layout is symmetrical.

Notice the enclosure

Look at the glass or solid rebound surfaces, the metal mesh and the court entrances. They do not all behave the same way in the rules. Learn the simple calls first, then ask about a specific rebound when it occurs.

Read illustrations with care

Our homepage court artwork is an original decorative illustration. It is there to introduce the layout, not specify glazing, foundations, clearances or competition requirements.

For playing, move on to the service rules. For facility planning, consult the construction code linked below and confirm its current requirements with a qualified specialist.

For the basics of play, see what padel is. Then use the serve guide to put the service boxes in context.

For a bounce-by-bounce explanation, read our padel wall rules guide.