Every padel player, from beginner to advanced, makes mistakes. The key to improving isn’t avoiding errors but recognizing and fixing them quickly.

Here are the most common mistakes in padel and how to correct them with clear tips and drills.

1. Standing Too Close to the Net (or Too Far Back)

Many beginners rush the net too early. Advanced players often fall into the trap of camping too deep.

Why it’s a problem:

• Too close: You get lobbed easily.
• Too far: You give up control and allow volleys.

Fix it:

• Learn the “ideal volley position”—about 1–2 meters behind the net.
• After a lob or smash, reset to this zone.

Drill:

• Play points starting from this ideal position. After each point, check and correct your distance.

Here’s a breakdown of key padel techniques and strategies to help you improve

2. Hitting Too Hard

Padel isn’t tennis. Smashing every ball just doesn’t work.

Why it’s a problem:

• The court is smaller and has walls.
• Overhitting often helps your opponents regain control.

Fix it:

• Prioritize placement over power.
• Use the walls and angles smartly.

Drill:

• Play a game where you’re only allowed to hit at 60% power. Focus on consistency and shot placement.

3. Poor Communication With Your Partner

Even advanced players forget to talk.

Why it’s a problem:

• Leads to confusion, missed balls, and openings for your opponents.

Fix it:

• Always call “mine” or “yours.”
• Plan strategies between points.

Drill:

• In practice games, add a rule: no point counts unless someone communicates before or during the point.

4. Neglecting the Back Glass

Beginners often avoid the glass. Advanced players sometimes rely on it too much without using it strategically.

Why it’s a problem:

• Ignoring the wall gives away points.
• Poor timing leads to weak returns.

Fix it:

• Practice letting the ball bounce off the wall and playing it with control.

Drill:

• Rally with a partner using only shots after the back glass. Alternate roles to train reaction and positioning.

5. Bad Court Positioning

Being out of position kills momentum and makes defending harder.

Why it’s a problem:

• You lose angles and leave gaps.
• You tire yourself out chasing balls.

Fix it:

• Learn when to go forward and when to retreat.
• Move as a unit with your partner.

Drill:

• Shadow drill: Move together across the court without a ball, syncing with your partner’s movements. Record and review.

Essential Padel Tips for Beginners: Mastering the Basics

6. Low-Quality Lobs

The lob is one of the most powerful tools in padel. But a bad lob is worse than no lob.

Why it’s a problem:

• Short lobs = free smashes for your opponent.
• Flat lobs are easy to attack.

Fix it:

• Add height and spin.
• Use the lob when your opponents are close to the net.

Drill:

• Practice hitting lobs over a target area 1 meter from the back wall. Aim for consistency and depth.

7. One-Dimensional Shots

If you always hit the same way, your opponents will read you like a book.

Why it’s a problem:

• No variation = no pressure on your opponents.
• You become predictable.

Fix it:

• Mix up your shots: use volleys, bandejas, viboras, and drop shots.
• Vary your spin and direction.

Drill:

• Every third shot must be a different type. Force yourself to mix it up.

8. Not Using the Walls Offensively

Intermediate and advanced players often fail to exploit walls offensively.

Why it’s a problem:

• You miss easy angles and bounce tricks.

Fix it:

• Practice bouncing balls off the side and back walls into unexpected zones.

Drill:

• Set targets on the court (cones or towels) and try hitting them via the walls.

9. Poor Recovery After Shots

Many players admire their shots instead of resetting quickly.

Why it’s a problem:

• You’re out of position for the next ball.

Fix it:

• Always return to the right zone after hitting.
• Think “recover” the moment your shot leaves your racket.

Drill:

• Add a 1-second pause and a reset movement after every shot in drills. Build the habit.

10. Weak Return of Serve

Serve returns often go overlooked, but they start every point.

Why it’s a problem:

• A weak return gives your opponent control.
• Many players just block instead of aiming.

Fix it:

• Use a controlled slice or topspin.
• Place it low to the server’s feet or deep in the corner.

Drill:

• Practice return drills with a partner serving constantly. Vary placement.

Bonus: Mental Mistakes

Even advanced players lose their cool.

Common mental traps:

• Getting frustrated after mistakes.
• Focusing on winning instead of playing smart.
• Overthinking your shots.

Fix it:

• Accept errors. Focus on the next point.
• Set small goals during games, like keeping calm or improving your lobs.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to fix everything at once.

Pick 1–2 mistakes from this list. Work on them for a week.

Then move to the next.

If you consistently:

• Communicate
• Position well
• Play with control
• And reset after every shot

You’ll beat more players, regardless of their level.