Unlike tennis, in padel the glass back and side walls are integral to play. After a ball bounces off the floor in the opposing team’s half, it may be played off the glass walls and remain in play. This creates unique tactical opportunities — balls hit against the back glass at low pace become very difficult to attack, and skilled players can redirect pace with precise angle play. The wire fence (on the longer sides) is also part of the court, though balls that hit the metal frame are generally out.
Key points
- Glass walls are legal after the ball bounces
- Creates unique angle and defensive play
- Wire fence is also playable in some situations
- No equivalent rule exists in tennis
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