You’ve had your first few padel lessons. You love the social vibe, the exciting rallies, and the unique sound of the ball popping off the glass. But you also keep losing points in the same, frustrating ways. Sound familiar?
Every single padel player starts here. The journey from enthusiastic beginner to a competent partner is paved with overcoming a few key errors. The good news? These common padel mistakes are incredibly easy to fix once you’re aware of them.
Let’s break down the four biggest beginner padel errors and the simple padel tips to solve them!
Mistake #1: The Power Addiction (Over-hitting the Ball)
This is the number one trap for new players. Coming from tennis or just feeling the adrenaline, the instinct is to smash every ball as hard as you can.
The Fix: Embrace control over power. Focus on padel shot placement and consistency. Use the glass walls to your advantage by playing softer, angled shots that make the ball bounce twice. A controlled, deep ball is far more effective than a wild, powerful one.
Why it’s a problem: Padel is a game of positioning and strategy, not brute force. Over-hitting usually sends the ball sailing out of the court or directly into your opponents’ strike zone, giving them an easy counter-attack.
Mistake #2: The “No-Man’s Land” Stance
Many beginners stand in the middle of the court, unsure of whether to attack or defend. This area, between the net and the baseline, is notoriously called “No-Man’s Land.”
The Fix: Master the “V” formation. In doubles, you and your partner should move together. When attacking, move to the net together to put pressure on your opponents. When defending against a lob, move back to the baseline together to use the back glass. Moving as a unit is fundamental Padel doubles strategy.
Why it’s a problem: From this position, you are vulnerable to both lobs over your head and low, fast shots at your feet. You have no time to react, and you’re blocking your partner’s view and movement.
Mistake #3: Forgetting Your Extra Partner: The Wall
It’s the most unique feature of the game, yet beginners often treat the walls as an enemy instead of their best ally.
The Fix: Trust the walls. Let the ball come to you. Practice reading the rebound off the glass and use that extra time to set up for a proper shot, like a powerful paddle shot or a tactical bajada. The wall is your best defensive and offensive tool.
Why it’s a problem: Panicking when the ball hits the back glass leads to rushed, poor shots. You’re missing out on the chance to reset the point and create offensive opportunities.
Mistake #4: Playing as an Individual, Not a Team
Padel is a conversation, not a monologue. Many beginners focus solely on their own ball, forgetting they have a partner on the court with them.
Fixing these four common beginner mistakes will transform your game faster than any advanced trick shot. So next time you step on court, focus on control, move with your partner, befriend the walls, and communicate. You’ll be dominating the net in no time. Now, get out there and play!