Pista
The padel court, a 10m x 20m enclosed playing area surrounded by glass and mesh walls.
If you've ever walked past a padel club and seen those glass-walled boxes lit up like aquariums, you were looking at a pista. It's the Spanish word for the padel court, and once you step inside one, you'll understand why the sport is wildly addictive.
Dimensions and Layout
A regulation pista measures exactly 10 meters wide by 20 meters long — about one-third the size of a tennis court. A net divides it at the center, standing 88 cm high at the midpoint (slightly lower than tennis). Each half is split into two service boxes by a center service line.
The court surface is typically artificial turf with sand infill, though some facilities use concrete or synthetic materials. The FIP (International Padel Federation) has strict regulations on surface types and the amount of sand used, because grip and ball bounce consistency are everything.
The Enclosure
Here's what makes a pista a pista and not just a small tennis court: it's completely enclosed. The back wall (fondo) and the lower portions of the side walls are glass — typically tempered glass panels standing 3 meters tall at the back and 4 meters along the sides. Above and around the glass, metal mesh (malla) extends up to a total wall height of 4 meters at the back and sides.
The walls aren't just boundaries. They're part of the playing field. Unlike tennis, where hitting the fence ends the point, in padel the ball can bounce off any wall and remain in play. This single rule transforms the entire sport.
Why It Matters
The enclosed pista creates padel's signature playing style. Lobs off the back glass, volleys driven into the side wall, crazy recovery shots — none of that exists without the enclosure. The smaller court size means you're always close to your partner, which is why communication and positioning matter more than a monster forehand.
Indoor vs. Outdoor
Pistas can be indoor or outdoor. Outdoor courts are more common in Spain and Latin America, while colder climates tend to favor indoor facilities. Some clubs install retractable roofs for the best of both worlds. Either way, the dimensions don't change — 10 by 20, glass and mesh, always doubles. That's the beauty of the pista: simple box, infinite possibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Never miss an edition
Join 500+ padel players getting weekly news.
Related Terms
Cristal
The glass walls of the padel court that allow the ball to bounce back into play.
Malla
The metal mesh or fence sections of the padel court enclosure, found above and alongside the glass walls.
Net (Red)
The net dividing the padel court, standing 88cm at the center and 92cm at the posts — slightly lower than a tennis net.
Learn More on the Blog
Pádel Grip Guide: Continental vs Eastern — Which One Should You Use?
The continental grip is pádel's default — but the eastern adds power on forehands. Here's how to find each grip and when to switch.
Padel vs Tennis: 9 Key Differences Every Player Should Know
Padel and tennis look similar but play completely differently — from court size and walls to scoring and rackets. Here are the 9 key differences.