Playing padel in summer: the real impact of heat on performance and how to manage it

Summer is, for many clubs and players, the busiest season on the padel courts. Longer daylight hours, holidays, a more active social life and flexible sporting schedules mean courts are full… but it is also the time of year when heat has the greatest impact on performance, safety and the overall playing experience.

Playing in high temperatures is not just about “putting up with the heat”. It directly affects player physiology, court behaviour and even the ball itself. Understanding these factors helps you play better, reduce fatigue risk and enjoy the match more.

 

What heat does to the body during a padel match

Padel is a sport based on intermittent high-intensity effort. This means the body alternates between accelerations, stops and very short recovery periods.

When temperatures exceed 28–30°C, the body begins to operate under thermal stress:

• Sweating increases to regulate core temperature
• More fluids and electrolytes are lost
• Reaction time and coordination decrease
• Perceived effort increases

In extreme heat conditions, performance in racket sports can drop by between 10% and 20%, according to various sports physiology studies.

This means you fatigue sooner, make more errors and recover less effectively between points.

 

The effect of heat on the court (and why it changes the game)

One of the least understood aspects for players is that heat does not only affect the body — it also changes how the court behaves.

The ball bounce becomes livelier

With high temperatures:

• Artificial turf becomes more flexible
• Sand loses compaction
• The ball bounces slightly higher and faster

This leads to a quicker game with less reaction time.

The glass also plays a role

Tempered glass can retain high surface temperatures. While it does not drastically change bounce, it does influence:

• Thermal sensation inside enclosed courts
• More physically demanding playing conditions
• Greater mental fatigue

A lesser-known fact

The surface temperature of artificial turf can be 20 to 30°C higher than ambient temperature under direct sunlight.

In other words:

• Air: 32°C
• Court: up to 55–60°C

This explains why playing at midday in summer can be so demanding.

 

Hydration: the most important (and most underestimated) performance factor

During summer matches, a player can lose between 1 and 2 litres of fluid per hour depending on intensity and humidity.

The issue is not just water loss, but the loss of:

• Sodium
• Potassium
• Magnesium

When electrolyte levels drop:

• Muscle cramps may occur
• Coordination declines
• Shot accuracy decreases

Common mistake: drinking only water without replenishing minerals.

 

Tactical adjustments for summer play

Heat does not only demand more physically — it also changes tactics.

Recommended adjustments:

• Shorter points (avoid unnecessary long rallies)
• Greater use of direct play
• Fewer extra movements
• More control, less power

More experienced players consciously reduce the pace of the game to manage energy.

 

Warning signs: when to stop playing

It is important to recognise symptoms of overheating:

• Dizziness or blurred vision
• Severe headache
• Nausea
• Excessive sweating or lack of sweating
• Sudden extreme fatigue

In these cases, it is advisable to stop playing immediately.

 

How clubs prepare courts for summer (what you don’t see)

Although players may not always notice, clubs carry out important adjustments:

• Sand management in artificial turf to reduce overheating
• Inspection of metal structures for tension and expansion
• Lighting adjustments for evening schedules
• More frequent cleaning of artificial turf to improve thermal performance

Proper maintenance not only extends court lifespan but also improves summer playing conditions.

Playing padel in summer is perfectly compatible with performance and enjoyment, but it requires understanding three key factors:

• The body operates under thermal stress
• The court behaves differently in heat
• Game strategy must be adapted

The players who perform best in summer are not necessarily the strongest, but those who adapt best.