Short Answer
Padel has walls because the sport was originally designed to be played in a smaller, enclosed space. The walls keep the ball in play longer, encourage strategy over power, and make padel more accessible and social.
The Origins of Padel’s Walls
Padel was invented in 1969 by Enrique Corcuera in Acapulco, Mexico. Due to limited space at his home, Corcuera built a smaller court surrounded by walls.
Instead of treating the walls as barriers, they became an integral part of the game — transforming how rallies unfolded.
How Walls Change the Way Padel Is Played
Unlike tennis, padel allows the ball to rebound off the walls after it has bounced. This extends rallies and introduces a new layer of tactical thinking.
- Longer rallies and fewer interruptions
- Greater emphasis on placement and control
- More opportunities to recover difficult shots
Why Walls Make Padel Easier for Beginners
For beginners, the walls reduce pressure. Miss-hit shots often stay in play, allowing rallies to continue and confidence to build.
This forgiving design is one of the reasons padel is considered one of the most beginner-friendly racket sports.
Walls Encourage Strategy Over Power
In padel, hitting harder is rarely the best option. The walls reward patience, positioning, and teamwork rather than raw strength.
This strategic emphasis makes padel accessible across ages and skill levels.
The Social Impact of an Enclosed Court
The walls keep players physically closer together, increasing interaction and communication. This contributes to padel’s reputation as a highly social sport.
Why Padel Walls Are Made of Glass
Modern padel courts use glass walls to allow spectators to watch the game clearly while maintaining safety and durability. Glass also reflects padel’s modern, club-centric culture.
How Walls Define Padel’s Identity
The walls are not just a feature — they are central to padel’s identity. They distinguish the sport from tennis and squash and explain why padel feels unique to play.
To understand padel’s origins more deeply, read: Who Invented Padel and Why? or explore how the sport began in Padel Origins: Acapulco, 1969 .