Court Enclosure
Also known as: enclosure, vallado, cage
The Court Enclosure is the full perimeter structure of a padel court — glass walls at the back and sides, metal fencing above and at certain sections — which defines the unique enclosed environment that makes wall play possible.
A regulation padel court is fully enclosed by a combination of glass panels (typically 3–4 m tall at the back, 3 m on the sides) and metal fencing above them. Balls can be played off the glass portions legally; balls that strike the metal fencing above the glass are generally out. The enclosure also creates the consistent micro-climate (less wind, predictable bounce) that enables the controlled, high-tactical play padel is known for. Some outdoor courts have openings or lower fencing on portions of the side wall, which local rules address.
Example
A mis-hit smash caroms off the top of the back glass and strikes the fencing — the point is replayed if it struck the fencing directly without touching the glass panel below.
Why it matters
Understanding where glass ends and fencing begins prevents disputes and helps you identify which balls are legally playable off the wall.
Related terms
- Back GlassThe Back Glass is the tall transparent wall at each end of a padel court, which players use intentionally to extend rallies by letting shots rebound back into play.
- Side GlassThe Side Glass is the lateral transparent wall running alongside each half of a padel court, which redirects angled shots back into play and creates unique rebound trajectories not seen in any other racket sport.
- Wall PlayWall play is using the glass walls that enclose a padel court — letting a ball rebound off the back or side glass and playing it on the bounce, which keeps points alive far longer than in tennis.
- Court ZonesCourt Zones in padel refer to the three main areas of each half-court — the net zone, the midcourt, and the back zone — each demanding different shot selections and positioning rules.
Related guides & benchmarks
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