Some padel clubs make the choice, still quite rare, to install one or more “single” or “solo” courts, in order to diversify their offer or due to lack of space for a classic court. These courts are generally the same length as the others, namely 20 meters. On the other hand, they are only 6 meters wide instead of 10, which allows a single player to cover the entire court.
These lands are very rare in France, so we wanted to test the one that has just been opened in Mulhouse, in the private complex Squash . In the space of an hour of play, there is already enough to form an opinion on the advantages and disadvantages of playing on a small court.
■ A lower price.- Renting a single pitch for an hour costs €24 in full hours in this Mulhouse club, or €12 less than a 20 x 10 m track. For two players wishing to train and do scales or for students taking an individual lesson, this lowers the bill.
■ A good way to master the windows.- Because a right angle remains a right angle, a single pitch makes it possible to work on double panes as well as on a large pitch. An advantage: the narrowness of the track makes it possible to defend both the balls on the forehand side and those on the backhand side. It is therefore a good way to progress by learning to manage the bottom pane/side pane trajectories and the side pane/bottom pane trajectories. What changes compared to a large pitch is that the balls to be defended necessarily have less of an angle, because they come from a more central area.
■ Tennis between walls? We have read or heard that padel on a small court is like tennis between walls. Personally, I would not say that. While it is true that you can – like in tennis – play (and win) points from the baseline, it is also essential to let the ball pass to play it after the glass. And slice effects remain much more effective than topspin effects, unlike tennis.
■ To step up or not to step up to the net? This is the question facing players. Following your serve systematically at the net leads to an increased risk of suffering a winning passing shot. The volleyball player must indeed cover a width of 6 m (instead of 5 m in doubles) and he cannot count on his partner to close the angles. If you go to the net on a single court, you will therefore have to rely on a good serve, be quick, ready to spring from one side or the other and do not forget to make a recovery of support. The latter is essential to be in balance when hitting your first volley: this is true with 4 players and even more so with 2!
Conversely, on this single court, the server may very well choose not to go to the net immediately and wait for a more favorable ball to do so. But it's taking the risk of letting the receiver conquer the net before you. The bonus to the server being less, the two-player game therefore favors a large number of breaks...
■ Does the risk pay off? It's tempting to think that hitting hard on a small pitch pays off. This is a misconception. With the sidewalls being much closer than on a large pitch, any off-center ball and rough placement could lead to a foul. Clearly, the attacker has a much lower margin of error than on a large pitch. Conversely, the more likely a ball is to hit one or more walls, the more the defender will be able to catch it.
A single court therefore encourages a more cautious game and encourages limiting risks. With all due respect to powerful tennis players practicing a “percentage padel”, solo play encourages playing the Spanish way and therefore tending towards “zero faults”. A good habit to get into before returning to a court for four…
■ Question of scales.- If a 20 x 10 m padel court seems tiny when you come from a tennis court, it seems gigantic after having tested a 20 x 6 m court. Adapting to the latter means taking the risk of being completely lost – at least temporarily – by returning to the game of four. In addition to this loss of bearings, there is a different management of angles depending on whether you play on a width of 6 or 10 m.
■ A higher pleasure? The answer to this question is obviously subjective. In just one hour of play, it is difficult to have as much fun as on a classic court whose geometry you master much better. But once you have acquired your bearings, padel for two has something to seduce you. The strategy is different, you don't risk bickering with your partner and the physical effort is greater than with four.
But it's also the case when playing on a large field diagonally, an excellent exercise which has the advantage of not causing any loss of bearings. It's up to you to test and let us know your opinion on the matter by commenting on this article.
Padel, rings many bells, right? It’s another racket-based game that’s rapidly gaining popularity across the globe. Like tennis and squash, this game is also a court game, fostering some major court differences from the games mentioned earlier. Padel courts are smaller than those of tennis and larger than squash’s. The tempered glass walls in Padel are an essential part of the game, completing the game’s court. However, just like tennis and squash, Padel courts are constructed both indoors and outdoors.
Now, the important question to ask is, “Indoor or outdoor, what court construction suits you best?” To best answer this question, let’s have a walkthrough of the pros and cons of each court location.
The following are the key benefits of indoor padel courts:
Consistent weather conditions are one of the greatest advantages of building the courts inside. Secure from the harsh outside environmental conditions, the indoor padel shields the players from adverse weather, such as extreme heat, cold, wind, light, etc. No inclement weather or any such sudden climatic emergency can put a stop to an ongoing padel game played indoors.
In continuation with the above point, an interior game of padel maintains consistency in playing conditions. The turf remains protected from weather harshes, and proper lighting and lack of wind keep the courts all-ready for an electrifying padel game at any time of the day. One can say that indoor courts are more resistant to wear and tear.
A winning match is all about skill, strategy, and focus, and a game played in an enclosed space ensures just the same. With less background noise of cars, passers-by, and other interruptions, players enjoy a focused game and properly savor the thrill of every shot. It is particularly helpful in practice sessions when maximum concentration is required to master the game’s rules and skills.
The lighting system in an enclosed space offers better visibility than the exterior. High-quality lights ensure enhanced lighting and proper visibility. No matter the type of light intensity outside, players can continue to play without compromising the quality of their gameplay.
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Let’s move on to exploring the advantages of playing Padel in an open space:
Fresh air and natural light instill an unmatched energy in players. Ample air to breathe, natural light, and a pleasant breeze all open the players’ minds. The scenic views and cityscapes all add to the padel-playing experience. The players feel naturally reenergized, with a strengthened connection with nature.
Although fun, indoor padel is like being confined in one space, which is not the case in outdoor gameplay. The blue sky above and the surrounding greenery make everything look increasingly spacious. Moreover, one can even design courts that blend well with the surrounding landscapes, creating an aesthetic appeal for the place.
The openness of the outdoors and lack of confinement offers enhanced ventilation. One does not feel stuffed or suffocated after a match, as might happen in a game played inside. Moreover, ample air to breathe and occasional breezes keep the place ventilated at all times.
Outdoor padel courts are social hubs, promoting socialization and bridging communities. These are often situated in places such as clubs, sports complexes, and parks, which are buzzing with an interactive and welcoming atmosphere. So, after a match, the players can foster new connections, building the padel community.
Where there are pros, there are cons. Let’s have a look at some of these:
Not uncommon in indoor spaces, padel playing in enclosed spaces is often associated with poor ventilation. The windows are there, but heat and unpleasant odors accumulate more quickly. Moreover, in hot weather, the interiors can become increasingly hot. This leads to a depletion of the fresh air inside, leaving the players suffocated and out of breath.
The interiors are often constructed based on fixed measurements. Although the game’s courts are built in compliance with international standards, the space’s closed construction induces a feeling of confinement in players. Moreover, it limits the possibility of playing high shots. It’s as if one enters a cage for a scheduled time.
True, the lighting inside a given space is proper, and every corner is bright and lit up. But there’s a catch! All of these are artificial lights, and their intensity can significantly impact sight. The lights are necessary in an indoor setting, and so their continuous intense rays and improper distribution can cause visual fatigue for the players.
Although an enclosed space lacks distractions, it does have some disturbances, such as an echo. As stated earlier, the walls are part of this game. So, as different balls in different courts hit the wall, a consistent echo sounds in the court. This can sometimes cause the players to lose their focus and lose a winning match.
Now, let’s move on to exploring the cons of playing padel outdoors:
One of the greatest disadvantages of playing outdoor padel is the game’s dependency on weather conditions. Inclement weather conditions, such as wind, rain, lightning, humidity, cold, etc., often halt an ongoing game.
Depending on the time of year, the sun’s glare can bother players. Although it offers good visibility, the harmful glare can also affect players’ vision, focus, and overall performance.
Due to harsh weather, outdoor Padel courts require proper maintenance. Rain, humidity, wind, and other elements can negatively affect the court’s overall appearance. Thus, regular maintenance efforts are required to ensure optimal functionality and safety.
Cost remains a significant factor to consider in the construction of padel courts. Here’s a brief cost analysis for both indoor and outdoor courts:
Indoor court construction is understandably more costly than outdoor construction. Adequate roofing, flooring, and temperature control system installation require huge sums of money, adding to the overall construction budget. On the other hand, outdoor courts require fewer capital investments due to their simpler design and fewer requirements.
When it comes to scheduling and booking court time, there is a price difference between courts constructed inside and outside. The former charges more to cover the higher operational and maintenance costs. The latter type, specifically in public parks, charges less and offers greater accessibility.
Though less subjected to weather harshness, indoor courts still lead the race when it comes to maintenance costs. Ensuring optimal lighting, keeping the controlled environment the same at all times, and maintaining proper lighting all add to the overall capital needed. Outdoor courts do demand upkeep, but the issues to manage in this case are fewer, making their construction comparatively cost-effective.
An understanding of the courts’ pros and cons helps a great deal in deciding on its construction, indoor or outdoor. Additionally, some other factors also play a role in this decision-making. These include:
Padel is a unique game that offers a thrilling experience and socialization. The game’s courts are not restricted to exterior spaces. Even indoor court construction offers exciting perks and benefits, increasing the game’s appeal for players and visitors. The above article lists the pros and cons of each type of padel court construction. It will help you decide on which location to go to and offer a vibrant and interactive atmosphere to your visitors.
For more information, please visit club padel.