Why the noise of padel is more bothersome than that of tennis

The success of paddle is accompanied by an increasingly visible phenomenon: the noise pollution generated by the grounds , particularly when they are located near homes. While the subject remains relatively under-researched in the public debate, several scientific studies and acoustic research are beginning to shed light on an often underestimated reality: The noise from padel tennis has characteristics that are particularly bothersome for local residents. .

Between the impact of the ball, the resonance off the glass, the vibrations of the fencing, and the shouts of the players, the soundscape of a padel court differs significantly from that of other racket sports. And in certain urban contexts, this acoustic signature can become a real source of conflict between clubs and residents.

With the help of by EchoPadel et ScienceDirect .

A characteristic impulsive noise

Padel generates a impulsive noise That is to say, a succession of short, sharp, and repeated sounds. This type of noise is particularly noticeable and often considered more irritating than continuous sounds.

Several sound sources overlap during a game:

impact ball / racket
impact ball / glass
impact ball / wire mesh
vibrations of the metal mesh
player movements
voice communication between partners

These impacts create a rapid succession of sharp sounds that can be repeated several hundred times per hour , particularly during prolonged exchanges.

Acoustic studies indicate that the The average sound level of a padel court is around 89 to 91 dB(A). , with some peaks that can exceed 100 dB(A) during the most violent impacts against windows or metal structures.

For comparison, this level corresponds to that of a heavy road traffic or an Lawn mower nearby.

A noise more annoying than that of tennis

Tennis is often used as a point of comparison because it is a widely practiced racket sport. However, acoustic research shows that Padel can be perceived as more disruptive than tennis , even at comparable noise levels.

This difference can be explained by several factors:

1. The repetition of impacts

Padel produces a large number of rapid impacts in a relatively small space.
The ball often bounces off the windows or the grates, which multiplies the sounds.

2. The metal structure of the terrain

The padel courts are surrounded by wire mesh structures which amplify certain vibrations.

Unlike tennis, where the ball quickly goes out of bounds, in padel rebounds off the walls are an integral part of the strategy .

3. Sound propagation

Glass and metal partitions can act as acoustic reflectors , reflecting the sounds away from the field.

In certain urban settings, these sounds can be channeled towards neighboring buildings .

4. Psychoacoustic characteristics

Research in psychoacoustics shows that the impulsive and unpredictable sounds are often perceived as more disturbing than regular noises.

The human brain is particularly sensitive to these short, repeated signals, which attract attention and can cause a feeling of irritation.

Why the noise of padel is more bothersome than that of tennis

The inconvenience is amplified by the proximity of the houses.

The impact of noise depends heavily on the distance between the land and the dwellings .

In several European countries, urban planning recommendations suggest locating land in at least 100 meters from dwellings in order to reduce the nuisance.

When this distance is shorter, the noise disturbance can become significant.

A national study conducted in France identified more than 17,000 inhabitants living less than 100 meters from a padel court , in configurations potentially exposed to noise.

In some cases, the accommodations are located at less than 50 meters from the slopes which greatly increases sound perception.

These disturbances are often felt in the evening.

Another aggravating factor is practice schedule .

Padel is often played:

at the end of the day
in the evening
sometimes until late in the evening

However, the ambient noise level generally decreases during these hours, making the impacts even more noticeable.

night-vision spotlights allow clubs to operate the fields for long periods of time, but this prolonged use can increase tensions with the neighborhood.

The effects of noise on quality of life

Environmental noise is now recognized as a important public health factor .

According to environmental health research, repeated exposure to noise may be associated with:

stress.
sleeping disorders
anxiety
cardiovascular disorders
mental fatigue

impulsive sounds , such as those generated by racquet sports, are particularly likely to cause stress reactions and psychological discomfort.

In several countries, legal disputes have already arisen over padel courts installed too close to homes.

A question of land development and design

The noise issue does not mean that padel is incompatible with the urban environment. On the contrary, it highlights the importance of design the layout of the facilities .

Several solutions can reduce the nuisance:

distance from dwellings

respecting a minimum distance

covered structures

Indoor courts greatly limit sound propagation

acoustic screens

noise walls or barriers

absorbent materials

use of less resonant structures

schedule management

limitation of nighttime practice

These measures often allow for significantly reduce nuisances .

A challenge for the development of padel

Padel remains one of the most dynamic sports at the moment. But its rapid expansion requires us to think about its integration into urban spaces .

For local authorities, clubs and promoters, the stakes are now clear:
to allow padel to continue to develop while preserving the quality of life of the inhabitants .

Understanding the acoustic specificities of this sport is an essential step to prevent its success from turning into a source of conflict.

Sources

Dufour JC., Bonnet C. (2026).
Managing padel-court siting near housing: guideline adherence shortfalls and populations at risk – national evidence from France.
City and Environment Interactions.

Clarke E., MacArthur I., Whiffin B. (2023).
Differences in sound characteristics of padel and tennis.

Wadman F., Ahlgren V. (2021).
Comparison between padel and tennis noise.

WHO (2018).
Environmental Noise Guidelines for the European Region.

Basner M. et al. (2014).
Auditory and non-auditory effects of noise on health – The Lancet.

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovered padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since then, padel has been part of his life. You often see him touring France to cover major French padel events.