Padel is easy to start but difficult to master. Beginners often repeat the same mistakes that limit progress, shorten rallies, and make them lose the net too often. Correcting these errors instantly improves consistency, confidence, and tactical awareness.
This guide breaks down the most common beginner mistakes, why they happen, and how to fix them quickly.
🟦 1. Standing Too Close to the Walls
Beginners often camp near the back wall for comfort.
Why it’s a problem:
- No space for the ball to pass
- No time for wall rebounds
- Causes rushed, panicked swings
Fix:
- Stand 1–2 metres away from the back glass
- Move backward only when needed
Positioning = control.
🟩 2. Swinging Too Hard
Padel is a control-based sport.
Why it’s a problem:
- Leads to unforced errors
- Hard shots bounce too high, giving opponents easy volleys
Fix:
- Short, compact swings
- Prioritise placement over power
Consistency beats speed.
🟨 3. Trying to Hit Winners from the Backcourt
Beginners often attempt impossible down-the-line winners.
Why it’s a problem:
- Low margin for error
- Gives opponents easy smashes
- Breaks rally structure
Fix:
- Use lobs, chiquitas, and deep cross-court shots
- Build the point slowly
The backcourt is for defense, not winners.
🟧 4. Poor Lob Technique
Lobs are essential — but beginners struggle with them.
Common issues:
- Too low → smashed
- Too short → smashed harder
- Too flat → punished indoors
Fix:
- Lift the ball using legs, not arms
- Aim within 1 metre of the back glass
- Use higher lobs outdoors
Mastering the lob = mastering padel.
🟫 5. Avoiding Wall Play
New players fear the wall because they don’t understand the bounce.
Why it’s a problem:
- Makes defense much harder
- Forces low-percentage shots
- Removes key tactical options
Fix:
- Practice slow rebotes
- Use the back wall to gain time
- Trust the glass — it’s predictable
Avoiding the wall is the biggest beginner limitation.
🟥 6. Poor Net Movement
Beginners either rush the net or never go at all.
Problems:
- Running blindly into volleys
- Staying back even after a strong shot
- Arriving late and unbalanced
Fix:
- Move forward after a good lob or deep shot
- Move together with your partner
- Stop early before hitting your first volley
Timing > speed.
🟦 7. Overusing Down-the-Line Shots
Down-the-line looks tempting but is low-margin.
Why it’s a problem:
- Short distance to target
- Easy for net player to intercept
- Leads to rushed errors
Fix:
- Play cross-court by default
- Use down-the-line only when creating space
Cross-court = safer, longer, more control.
🟩 8. Not Communicating With Partner
Padel is a teamwork sport.
Problems caused:
- Both players going for the same ball
- Empty space left between positions
- Confusion on lobs and smashes
Fix:
- Say “Mine!” or “Yours!” early
- Decide who takes high balls
- Plan movement patterns before matches
Communication prevents chaos.
🟨 9. Incorrect Shot Selection
Beginners choose shots emotionally instead of tactically.
Common examples:
- Attacking balls below net height
- Smashing from bad positions
- Defending with aggressive drives
Fix:
- Use lobs under pressure
- Use volleys only when well-positioned
- Build points patiently
Smart shot choices win more points than power.
🟧 10. Poor Footwork
Many errors come from slow or incorrect movement.
Issues:
- Reaching instead of moving feet
- Getting caught in transition zone
- Poor positioning at the net
Fix:
- Split step before opponent hits
- Recover to neutral positions fast
- Stay light on your toes
Movement = mastery.
🟫 11. Weak Overhead Technique
Beginners often smash every ball.
Problems:
- Overhitting
- Losing the net
- Giving opponents free counterattacks
Fix:
- Use bandejas 80% of the time
- Smash only when perfectly positioned
- Focus on control, not power
Overheads are tactical, not just powerful.
🟥 12. Standing Too Close Together
Crowded positioning limits coverage.
Fix:
- Maintain diagonal spacing
- Cover your half of the court
- Adjust distances when transitioning
Team spacing creates higher winning percentages.
🟦 13. Ignoring Opponent Weaknesses
Beginners focus only on the ball.
Fix:
- Observe weaker overhead player
- Target weaker volleyer when at net
- Lob to the side with poor wall play
Padel is as much about observation as execution.
🟩 14. Not Using the Chiquita
The chiquita is an elite, low-risk shot.
Beginners avoid it because they think it’s “advanced.”
Fix:
- Practice soft, low shots to the net player’s feet
- Use it to regain the net
It’s one of the highest-value beginner tools.
🟨 15. Losing Patience
Padel rewards patience, not rushing.
Fix:
- Accept long rallies
- Build points slowly
- Make opponents beat you — don’t beat yourself
Patience wins matches.
🟧 Summary
Beginners improve dramatically when they fix these errors:
- Stand correctly
- Use walls confidently
- Prioritise lobs over risky attacks
- Communicate with partner
- Focus on placement, not power
Correcting these mistakes builds a strong foundation for long-term success.
Next: Page 15 — Complete Padel Glossary: Every Term Defined.
