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The best head protection for padel is designed to reduce the transmission of rotational forces associated with brain injury during head impacts. Although padel is a non-contact sport, its enclosed courts, rigid glass walls, metal fencing, falls and accidental player collisions create potential risks of concussion and other brain injuries [1, 2].

Rezon Halos® is a lightweight, independently tested protective headband designed to reduce rotational force transmission during head impacts, providing an option for padel players who want to protect their brain on the court [3].

Rezon Halos® padel head protection

Why Padel Players Need to Think About Head Protection

Padel is a rapidly growing racket sport, combining elements of tennis and squash. Played predominantly in doubles, it involves quick reactions, sudden changes of direction and frequent movement towards the court’s surrounding walls.

But non-contact does not mean there is no risk of head and brain injury.

A systematic review published in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine examined eight studies involving 2,022 padel players. It found approximately three injuries per 1,000 hours of training and eight injuries per 1,000 matches [2].

The physical characteristics of the sport create several potential head impact hazards.

What Causes Head Injuries in Padel?

There is a wide range of potential causes of head and brain injury in padel:

  • Glass walls and rigid enclosures.

    Padel is played inside a fully enclosed court. The International Padel Federation specifies a playing area of 20 × 10 metres, surrounded by walls and metal fencing [1].

    These enclosures are an integral part of the game, allowing the ball to rebound and remain in play. However, they also introduce fixed structures close to players moving at speed.

    When chasing a ball, particularly while backpedalling or moving sideways, players may misjudge their proximity to a wall. A head-first collision with a rigid glass enclosure or metal structure could transmit substantial impact forces to the head and brain. The risk is particularly concerning when a player is concentrating on retrieving a ball and has insufficient time or space to stop before reaching the enclosure.

  • Hard court surfaces.

    Padel courts can use synthetic surfaces, artificial grass or cement. Although surface characteristics vary, a fall can result in a significant head impact, particularly where a player is unable to break their fall.

    When moving backwards to retrieve a high ball, a player may lose balance and fall towards the back of the court, potentially striking the occipital region of the head.

  • Player collisions.

    Padel is predominantly played in doubles, with two players sharing each half of a relatively confined court. Sudden changes of direction, crossing movements and attempts to retrieve the same ball can result in accidental head-to-head or head-to-body collisions.

  • Rackets and balls.

    Players swing solid rackets in close proximity to teammates and opponents, creating opportunities for accidental strikes to the head or face.

    A published medical case series documented 16 patients who sustained facial injuries during padel matches when rackets rebounded off glass court walls. Reported injuries included wounds and fractures affecting the face and teeth [4].

  • Rapid movement and loss of balance.

    Lunging, twisting, backpedalling and sudden changes of direction can cause players to lose their footing. The enclosed nature of the court means that a fall or loss of control may also bring a player into contact with a rigid surrounding structure.

These risks are not limited to competitive padel. Recreational players of all ages can also experience an unexpected fall or collision.

Are Youth Padel Players at Greater Risk?

Children and young players face increased vulnerability to brain injury because their brains are still developing.

Younger players also have a longer potential lifetime exposure to concussion and sub-concussive impacts. Brain injury risk begins with the first exposure, not when an athlete reaches adulthood. The Rezon Brain Protection Survey, conducted in partnership with the UK’s National Innovation Centre for Ageing, revealed a concerning misconception: respondents incorrectly perceived children as being at lower risk of brain injury in sport than adults [5].

Protecting the developing brain should be a consideration from the earliest stages of participation in sport.

Why Rotational Forces Matter in Padel Head Injuries

When a padel player strikes their head against a glass wall, rigid enclosure, court surface or another player, the impact can cause the head to accelerate, decelerate or rotate suddenly.

Rotational acceleration is especially important because it is associated with tearing of tiny blood vessels and brain cells resulting, over time, in the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier and the creation of damaging neuro-inflammation [6].

A sideways fall, angled collision or impact against a rigid court barrier can all produce rotational head movement. For this reason, effective brain protection should be assessed not simply by how much padding it contains, but by its ability to reduce the forces transmitted during a head impact.

Learn more about rotational forces and brain injury.

What Should Players Look for in Padel Head Protection?

The best head protection for padel needs to address brain injury risk without interfering with the fast movements, visibility and enjoyment of the sport.

Players should consider:

  • Rotational force reduction.
    Protection specifically designed and tested to reduce the rotational acceleration associated with brain injury.

  • Independent performance testing.
    Credible evidence of protective performance rather than unsupported marketing claims.

  • Safety certification.
    In the UK and Europe, meaningful brain protection should be CE/UKCA Category II PPE-certified.

  • Lightweight, low-profile design.
    Head protection should not restrict movement, obscure vision, reduce hearing, or create unnecessary discomfort during play.

The right head protection for padel should be designed to protect the brain, with clear independent evidence of its protective performance.

Rezon Halos Hexo black band
Halos Hexo Navy close-up logo
Halos Hexo Blue close-up logo
Halos Hexo Purple close-up logo
Halos Hexo Red close-up logo
Halos Hexo Light Pink close-up logo
Halos Hexo Tangerine close-up logo

Rezon Halos®: Padel Headguard

Halos® is a groundbreaking padel headguard that protects the brain. It’s the only head protection of its kind that is designed to reduce your risk of concussion and the accumulated damage of sub-concussions.

Why Halos®?

  • Reduces concussion risk by 74%*
  • Reduces rotational force to the brain by up to 61%, and linear force by up to 64%*
  • Internationally recognised Virginia Tech 5 star safety rating
  • CE/UKCA Category II PPE-certified
  • Sleek, lightweight, flexible and hypoallergenic
  • Available in a range of colours
  • Water and tear-resistant
  • Machine washable

*based on independent testing

Best Head Protection for Padel: Summary

Padel offers substantial physical, social and competitive benefits, but head and brain injury should not be overlooked simply because the sport is non-contact. The combination of enclosed glass courts, rigid barriers, player collisions, racket strikes and falls creates potential head injury risks.

The best head protection for padel should address the rotational forces associated with brain injury while remaining lightweight, comfortable and practical for everyday play.

Rezon Halos® provides independently tested rotational force reduction in a discreet protective headband, giving padel players the option to protect their brain in sport.

Frequently Asked Questions About Padel Head Protection

Yes. Concussion can occur following a head impact against a glass wall, rigid court enclosure, another player or the playing surface. Although padel is a non-contact sport, its enclosed courts and fast movements create opportunities for accidental head impacts [1].

Glass walls are an essential part of padel and are subject to court construction standards. However, they are rigid surfaces, and an accidental head-first collision at speed could result in a serious head injury.

Medical research has also documented head and facial injuries caused by rackets rebounding off glass court walls [4].

A protective headband for padel should be comfortable, secure and independently tested for protective performance, including rotational acceleration reduction.

Rezon Halos® has achieved a Virginia Tech 5-Star safety rating and demonstrated a 74% reduction in calculated concussion risk using the laboratory’s Soccer STAR methodology [7].

👉 Learn more about Rezon Halos® and evidence-based brain protection here.

  1. Official Rules of Padel. International Padel Federation (FIP). 2026.
  2. Incidence, prevalence and nature of injuries in padel: a systematic review. Dahmen, J., et al. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, 9:e001607. 2023.
  3. How Rezon’s Brain Protection Technology Works. Rezon.
  4. Maxillofacial Injuries in Padel Game. 2023.
  5. Rezon Survey: What Does the Rezon Survey Reveal About Brain Injury Risk in Sport?. Rezon, in partnership with the UK National Innovation Centre for Ageing (NICA) and Voice®. 2025 survey, published 2026.
  6. Concussion biomechanics, head acceleration exposure and brain injury criteria in sport: a review. Tierney, G. Sports Biomechanics, 23(11), 1888–1916. 2024.
  7. Soccer Headgear Ratings. Virginia Tech Helmet Lab. Soccer STAR independent headgear evaluation, Rezon Halos®, 5-Star rating and STAR score 0.26.

Author: Alex Reily

Alex Reily, Rezon Director.
Alex Reily is Director of Revenue Operations at Rezon, where he focuses on reducing brain injury risk in sport. He is committed to increasing awareness of brain protection options, giving every athlete the choice of brain protection in sport and ensuring equitable access to safer sporting environments.

Read more articles by Alex Reily

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