Padel is easy to start, fun to play & incredibly addictive — but beginners often repeat the same mistakes that hold them back. Fixing these early will make your game smoother, smarter & far more enjoyable.
Here are the most common beginner mistakes in Padel & how to avoid them.
1. Standing Too Close to the Back Wall
Most beginners panic when the ball comes fast & move too close to the wall.
This makes defensive shots much harder.
Fix it:
Stand 1–2 meters in front of the back glass so you have space to react.
2. Not Using the Glass Walls
New players often avoid the walls entirely, trying to hit every ball directly.
But the walls are your best defensive weapon.
Fix it:
Let the ball bounce off the glass when needed — it gives you time & control.
3. Hitting Too Hard
Padel is not tennis.
Beginners often swing too hard & lose control.
Fix it:
Focus on placement, control & smart angles, not power.
4. Trying to Smash Every Lob
A classic beginner mistake.
Not every lob is smashable — forcing a smash usually causes errors.
Fix it:
If the lob pushes you back, play a bandeja or víbora instead of smashing.
5. Retreating Too Much
Beginners love backing up, especially during fast rallies.
When you retreat, you lose the net — and the point.
Fix it:
Move forward whenever possible & protect the net with volleys.
6. Poor Communication With Your Partner
Padel is doubles-only, so communication is everything.
Fix it:
Use simple calls like:
- “Mine!”
- “Yours!”
- “Leave!”
- “Switch!”
A silent team is a losing team.
7. Playing Down the Middle Without a Plan
Beginners hit down the middle by accident, not strategy.
Good opponents punish this easily.
Fix it:
Aim to:
- Create angles
- Target the weaker player
- Hit to the feet
- Use the walls
Play with intention, not luck.
8. Standing Too Far Back at the Net
Some beginners stand at the net but drift backward, leaving huge gaps.
Fix it:
Stay close to the net (about an arm’s length away) to finish volleys.
9. Forgetting to Recover Position
After hitting a shot, beginners often admire it instead of moving back into place.
Fix it:
Hit → recover → be ready.
Always return to your best position.
10. Not Using Lobs to Escape Pressure
Beginners try to hit low balls under pressure & make mistakes.
Fix it:
Use the lob to slow the game, recover space & reset the point.
11. Sloppy Footwork
Reaching for the ball instead of moving your feet is a common problem.
Fix it:
Take small steps, stay balanced & adjust your body to every shot.
12. Ignoring the Opponents’ Position
Beginners often watch only the ball, not the players.
Fix it:
Glance at opponent placement & hit where they aren’t.
It’s simple but extremely effective.
13. Playing Like It’s Tennis
Big swings, heavy topspin & power shots don’t work the same in Padel.
Fix it:
Shorten your swing, stay compact & play controlled shots.
🎯 Quick Summary
Beginners often struggle with:
- Standing too close to the back wall
- Avoiding the glass instead of using it
- Hitting too hard
- Smashing every lob
- Retreating instead of owning the net
- Poor communication
- Forgetting recovery
- Playing tennis-style shots
Fix these basics & your game will instantly feel smoother, more intelligent & much more fun.
