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Padel is exploding in popularity across the globe and it is easy to see why. It is social, accessible to most people, and just technical enough to keep you hooked from your very first rally.
But, as with any sport, beginners tend to fall into a few common traps that can slow down progress and lead to frustration on court.
The good news is that most of these mistakes are easy to fix once you know what to look for. Here are some thoughts from the coaching team at Padel39 on issues that we often see with new players.
One of the most common mistakes beginners make is trying to hit every ball as hard as possible. Power feels natural, especially for players coming from tennis or other racket sports.
However, padel rewards control and placement far more than raw force. Smashing every ball usually leads to unforced errors or easy returns off the glass.
A better approach is to focus on consistency, aiming to keep the ball in play and build points patiently.
Think of padel as a game of chess rather than a sprint. Slowing down your swing and prioritizing accuracy will immediately improve your results.
Another frequent issue is poor positioning, particularly staying too far back in the court. Many beginners feel more comfortable near the baseline.
Unfortunately, this actually puts you at a disadvantage. The team that controls the net usually controls the point. Hanging back gives your opponents more angles and time to attack.
To fix this, make a conscious effort to move forward as soon as you hit a solid return or defensive shot. Closing the gap to the net puts pressure on your opponents and opens up opportunities to finish points more easily.
A third mistake is avoiding the walls. For new padel players, the glass can feel unpredictable or even intimidating.
As a result, they try to play every ball before it reaches the back or side walls. This often leads to rushed shots and poor timing.
In reality, the walls are one of your biggest allies in padel. Letting the ball come off the glass can give you more time to prepare and return it with control.
Spend time practicing how the ball rebounds, and you will start to feel more comfortable using the walls to your advantage rather than fearing them.
Another area where beginners struggle is shot selection, especially going for winners too early in the rally. It is very tempting to try to end the point quickly for new players.
But padel is built around constructing points and waiting for the right opportunity. Forcing aggressive shots from difficult positions usually results in errors.
Instead, focus on keeping the ball deep, targeting your opponents’ weaker side, and creating openings.
When you finally get a short ball or an easy setup, that is the time to attack with confidence.
Finally, many beginners overlook communication and teamwork. Since padel is almost always played as doubles, coordination with your partner is essential.
New players often chase the same ball, leave gaps in the court, or fail to call shots. This leads to confusion and missed opportunities.
Developing simple communication habits, such as calling “mine” or “yours” and moving together as a unit, can make a huge difference.
Try to maintain a consistent formation with your partner, shifting side to side and advancing or retreating together.
Improving at padel does not require a complete overhaul of your game. By addressing these five common mistakes, you can quickly become more confident, more consistent, and far more effective on the court.
Focus on control over power, take control of the net, embrace the walls, be patient in your shot selection and communicate clearly with your partner.
With these adjustments, you will not only win more points but also enjoy the game at a whole new level.
We hope that this post helps but, as always, come and chat to us if you want any support in developing your game as we are here to help. We look forward to seeing you on court.
