piel mit Glas und Gitter: So nutzt du die Wände richtig

What is padel? How to perfect the game using the side panels and walls!

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“Contra Pared” – the strike against your own back or side wall

When playing padel on the padel court, we are surrounded by a back wall and two side walls. The special feature of padel lies in incorporating these walls into your own game. So, instead of a direct return, the ball can first be hit against one of your own walls, to then hit it back to the other side of the court. However, this shot is only an option if it is not easier otherwise. In the ideal case, the ball can be taken after the wall. However, if the ball falls short and thus lands on your backhand side, it is very difficult to play the ball behind the body. It is therefore advisable to play the ball over the wall in such situations. The ball is then played again in the direction of the shot in front of the body, and that is against the wall.

Expert knowledge: The term "Contra Pared" or "Contrapared" for this shot against your own back or side wall comes from Spanish. "Contra" means "against" in this case and the word "pared" stands for the word "wall" in German.

The side wall can also be incorporated into the game. In situations where the ball touches the side wall or back wall, the ball can be played back over the side wall, instead of taking it directly from the wall and playing it.

The equipment: Which racket do I need?

Padel racket for beginners

Padel shots involving the side wall:

1. Ball reception after the back wall.
2. Ball reception after the side wall.
3. After the back wall, the ball is played against the back wall.
4. After the side wall, the ball is played against the side wall.
5. After the double side wall, the ball is played back.
6. After the double side wall, the ball is played back over the side wall.
7. After the side wall, the ball is played back with a body turn.

To help you prepare for playing with the side walls, feel free to watch our video featuring Yannik Mann, an expert and Head Coach at the German Padel Academy. Click here for the video:

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The padel court flooring

Salida de Pared: The ball is prepared low and played from bottom to top after hitting the back wall.

Bajada de Pared: The ball is played from top to bottom after bouncing off the back wall.

Expert knowledge: The word “salida” means “exit” or “way out” in Spanish, whereas “bajada” can be described as “descent” or “downward path.” In combination with the word “pared” for “wall,” the terms “Salida de pared” and “Bajada de pared” are therefore created.

In the following video by the expert and Head Coach of the German Padel Academy, Yannik Mann, you can take a closer look at the ideal execution of the shots.

If these two videos aren't enough, you'll find plenty more information about padel shots and rules on our YouTube channel!

Author: Christian Bonk

Frequently asked questions

According to FIP regulations, a padel court must measure 10 by 20 metres (internal dimensions), with a permitted tolerance of 0.5 per cent. The net divides the playing area in the centre and is 88 centimetres high there, rising to 92 centimetres at the posts. In addition, a clear height of at least six metres must be maintained above the entire court, with no installations such as floodlights protruding into this space.
A combination of metal grating and shatter-resistant glass according to the European standard EN 12150-1 is customary. Alternatively, opaque materials such as stone, concrete, or wood are also permitted, provided they offer a flat surface for a uniform ball bounce. In Europe, however, glass-grating constructions have become the standard, whereby transitions between the elements must be edge-free.
The standard is artificial turf according to the UNE 41958 IN standard, whose fibers must be between 12 and 13 millimeters long. In addition, the surface is sprinkled with quartz sand, with two to three tons of sand usually required for the initial sprinkling. Since the sand spreads and wears away over time, it must be topped up regularly to maintain the playing qualities of the court.
A padel court alone, without any ground preparation, usually costs between 25,000 and 35,000 euros. However, significant costs for professional surface preparation are often added, which can vary greatly depending on the location. In some cases, this preparation even exceeds the cost of the court itself, which is why early and accurate budgeting is important.
Yes, there are various funding programs, especially for clubs, that make the construction of a padel court more financially attractive. Of particular interest are special grants for barrier-free courts, which enable inclusive sports offerings. Anyone wishing to take advantage of these options should coordinate the access dimensions with the respective funding provider at an early stage.