Padel is becoming increasingly popular in Indonesia and around the world due to its fun, social nature, and appeal to a wide range of players. One important aspect often overlooked by beginners is the type of padel court, as the surface and location of the court can affect ball speed, game strategy, and even comfort. Understanding the different types of padel courts will help beginners determine the best option before starting training or competing.
The Difference Between a Padel Court and a Tennis Court
Many people new to padel often mistake a padel court for a tennis court, as both are racket sports . In reality, there are fundamental differences that need to be understood from the outset. A padel court is smaller, measuring approximately 20 x 10 meters, or one-third the size of a tennis court. The net is lower, approximately 88 cm in the center, and is surrounded by a 3–4 meter high glass or metal wall, which is an active part of the game, allowing the ball to bounce.
Another common characteristic of padel courts is that the game is always played in doubles (2 vs. 2), with simpler service lines and playing areas than tennis. Court surfaces can vary, from synthetic turf to concrete, which affects the speed and style of play. The smaller, enclosed court design makes padel more dynamic, with long rallies and different strategies than tennis.
Meanwhile, tennis courts are larger, open, without walls, and can be played in both singles and doubles formats. This makes tennis a more powerful style of play, while padel emphasizes coordination, quick reflexes, and utilizing the walls to return the ball. Understanding the differences and characteristics of padel courts will help beginners adjust their expectations and strategies, thus being better prepared to enjoy the uniqueness of this modern racket sport.
Also read: Padel: History, Techniques, Rules, Benefits, and Prospects!
Types of Padel Courts Based on Location
1. Indoor Padel Court
Indoor courts are enclosed, so they're not affected by rain, heat, or wind. Their advantages include stable lighting, more consistent play, and they're ideal for beginners who want to focus on honing their technique. The downsides are that rental fees are typically higher and air circulation can be limited, leading to players becoming overheated quickly.
A practical tip for beginners is to wear breathable clothing for comfortable movement, and take advantage of stable conditions to practice ball control and game strategy.
Outdoor Padel Court
Unlike indoor courts, outdoor courts are located in open spaces, so weather factors can affect play. The advantages include a more natural setting, fresh air, and more affordable rental fees. However, play can be affected by sunlight, wind, and rain.
Tips for beginners: Choose a morning or afternoon playing time for greater comfort, wear sports sunglasses or a hat during the day, and practice adapting your swing so you're not easily affected by the wind.
Also read: Complete Padel Racket Facts for Maximizing Your Play
Types of Padel Courts Based on Surface Material
1. Synthetic Grass Padel Court
This type is the most popular and frequently used in official tournaments. Its advantages include a softer surface, reduced risk of injury, and slower ball bounce, which supports long rallies. The downsides include requiring regular maintenance to prevent rapid deterioration of the grass fibers and the potential for slippery conditions when exposed to water.
Tip: wear shoes with strong grip and take advantage of the slow character of this course to practice control and long rally strategy.
2. Concrete or Cement Padel Court
Typically found in older facilities or new communities constructing simple courts. The advantages include durability, low maintenance costs, and a faster ball bounce, which promotes an aggressive game. The disadvantages include a hard surface that increases the risk of joint injuries and tends to shorten rallies.
Tips: beginners should not play too long on concrete fields, wear shoes with thick padding, and practice quick reactions because the ball moves more agilely.
3. Hybrid Padel Court (Combination of Materials)
The hybrid type is a modern innovation that combines concrete with a special synthetic turf layer. The advantages are the durability of concrete combined with the comfort of synthetic turf, making it suitable for long-term play. The disadvantages are relatively high construction costs, and quality is highly dependent on construction standards.
Tip: Hybrid courts are ideal for clubs or communities looking for a long-term investment, and are suitable for players who want a balance between speed and comfort.
Also read: Benefits of Padel Sports You Must Know: From a Healthy Heart to a Happy Mood
Padel Court Type Summary Table
|
Field Type |
Excess |
Lack |
Suitable for |
|
Indoor |
Stable, weather-free, consistent |
Rent is more expensive, hot |
Technique training, beginner focus |
|
Outdoor |
Natural, fresh air, cheap |
Affected by the weather |
Recreation, relaxed atmosphere |
|
Synthetic Grass |
Soft, long rally, safe |
Needs care, slippery when wet |
Beginner & official tournaments |
|
Concrete/Cement |
Durable, fast bounce, low cost |
Hard, high risk of injury |
Aggressive player |
|
Hybrid (Modern) |
Comfortable, durable, balanced |
Expensive costs, high standards required |
Long term club/community |
Tips for Choosing a Padel Court for Beginners
For beginners, choosing a padel court isn't just about location or cost, but also about comfort and skill development. Synthetic turf surfaces are usually more comfortable for beginners because they're soft and safe. If you want consistent practice without the weather, choose an indoor court. Meanwhile, outdoor courts are more suitable for a relaxing atmosphere with friends.
Other factors to consider include rental costs, location accessibility, and playing goals. If you're serious about practicing technique, indoor courts might be the right choice. However, if you're more interested in camaraderie, outdoor courts with fresh air are more enjoyable. Most importantly, beginners should try different court types to find the one that best suits their playing style.
Support Your Padel Activities With SVRG Equipment!
Understanding the different types of padel courts, both based on location (indoor vs. outdoor) and material (synthetic turf, concrete, hybrid), is a crucial step for beginners to enhance their playing experience. Each court has unique characteristics that affect ball speed, playing strategy, and comfort. With this knowledge, beginners are better prepared to adapt and enjoy padel as a fun and challenging sport.
Besides choosing the right court, prepare the best padel equipment to make the game even more exciting. SVRG offers a collection of quality padel equipment , from lightweight padel rackets , padel bags , lightweight balls , to supporting accessories. Visit the SVRG collection now and find the equipment that will give you more confidence on any court. With the combination of the ideal court and the right equipment, your padel experience will be more fun, healthy, and energetic.
