Players with black clothing on a black track… beards!

Premier padel once again opted for a black track and a very dark environment for its tournaments. While this configuration may seem aesthetic and modern, it also raises several concerns among players and spectators. Should it be banned? Let's look at the negatives associated with this setup.

Visibility issues

One of the main disadvantages of a black runway and dark environment is reduced visibility. For players, a dark track can make it difficult to perceive the ball quickly, especially when it is moving at high speed. This can lead to reduced performance and increase the risk of injury. One study showed that insufficient lighting levels can decrease sports performance by 20-30% and increase the risk of injury by 15%. (sources: Logos Lighting Co., Ltd and Sports Ground Development).

4 players black track finland P2 defense — Credit Premier Padel

Confusion with player outfits

When players wear dark or black clothing, it becomes even more difficult to distinguish them on a black track. This visual confusion can disrupt not only spectators but also referees, making game monitoring and decision-making more complex. For spectators, this means that they have to make a constant effort to follow the movements of the players and the ball, which can quickly become tiring and reduce the enjoyment of watching the match. Research indicates that spectators report a 25% reduction in viewing enjoyment when players' outfits do not contrast sufficiently with the playing surface (Sources: Stadium Lights Pro, Dishine Tech).

Visual fatigue

A dark environment can cause faster visual fatigue for players and spectators. The need to focus intensely on ball movements in a dark setting can lead to eye strain, affecting player performance and spectator experience. A study carried out on basketball courts found that inappropriate lighting can increase eye strain by 35% and reduce players' concentration by 20% (Source: basketball court).

black track finland P2 defense — credit: Premier Padel

Valdes Finland P2 — credit: Premier Padel

Psychological impact

The color black is often associated with feelings of heaviness and seriousness. For some players, playing in a dark environment can have a negative psychological impact, increasing stress and reducing the enjoyment of the game. Sports psychologists suggest that dark playing environments can increase perceived stress by 15% in athletes, affecting their overall performance.

Increased risk of injury

With reduced visibility, the risk of player collisions and false moves increases. Poor perception of the ball and the boundaries of the field can lead to avoidable injuries, which is a serious drawback for player safety. Studies show that inappropriate lighting levels can increase on-field accidents by 25% (Sources: sports ground development, stadium lights pro)

Review

At the time of World Padel Tour, the debate already existed. We even carried out a survey which showed that spectators were not very favorable to this configuration.

The Finland P2 repeats this experience this year, after last year's edition under the banner of World Padel Tour.

As you can see, with tastes and colors, nothing is ever obvious.

WPT Finland Open – The return of the black track

WPT Vienna Open – A controversial black track!

Poll: for or against black runs in padel ?

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovers the padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since padel is part of his life. You often see him touring France going to cover the major events of padel French.