Starting padel is exciting, but it's easy to fall into common traps that hinder progress. Recognizing and correcting these early mistakes is key to building a solid foundation and enjoying the game more. This guide highlights 10 frequent errors beginners make and provides simple fixes.
1. Using the Wrong Grip
Mistake: Holding the racket with a tennis forehand/backhand grip (like frying pan) for all shots, especially volleys.
Why it's bad: Limits wrist flexibility for volleys and makes playing shots off the back wall awkward.
Fix: Learn and predominantly use the **Continental grip** (like holding a hammer). This versatile grip is ideal for serves, volleys, smashes, and defensive shots. Practice switching quickly if you use other grips for groundstrokes. Check our padel techniques guide for grip details.
2. Incorrect Ready Position
Mistake: Standing upright, feet flat, or racket down by the side when waiting for the ball.
Why it's bad: Slows reaction time and makes it harder to move efficiently to the ball.
Fix: Adopt an athletic ready position: knees slightly bent, weight on the balls of your feet, racket held up in front of you (around chest height), ready to react to either side.
3. Ignoring the Walls
Mistake: Trying to hit every ball before it reaches the back or side walls, often resulting in awkward, rushed shots.
Why it's bad: Neglects a fundamental and advantageous part of padel. The walls give you more time and different angles.
Fix: Practice letting the ball hit the back wall! Learn to judge the rebound angle and speed. Step aside, let it bounce off the glass, and hit it comfortably on its way back towards the net. Understand the basic padel wall play rules.
4. Poor Court Positioning (Especially in Doubles)
Mistake: Both partners staying glued to the baseline, or both rushing the net randomly, leaving large parts of the court open.
Why it's bad: Creates easy targets for opponents and leads to confusion and missed opportunities.
Fix: Understand basic doubles positioning: attack together at the net, defend together near the baseline. Move as a unit, covering your respective zones. Communicate constantly with your partner.
5. Trying to Hit Every Shot Hard
Mistake: Attempting to smash every ball or hit powerful winners constantly, leading to many unforced errors.
Why it's bad: Padel is often about patience, placement, and consistency more than raw power. Hitting hard often leads to hitting the fence or net.
Fix: Focus on control and placement first. Learn to use varying pace. Soft shots (like lobs and chiquitas) are crucial in padel strategy. Choose the right moments for power, typically when you have a clear opportunity near the net.
6. Incorrect Serve Technique
Mistake: Serving overhand like in tennis, or bouncing the ball and hitting it above waist height.
Why it's bad: It's a fault according to the padel rules.
Fix: Remember the padel serve MUST be **underhand**, and contact with the ball must be made at or below waist level *after* bouncing it once behind the service line.
7. Fear of the Net
Mistake: Consistently staying back at the baseline, even when opportunities arise to move forward.
Why it's bad: The net is the primary attacking position in padel. Staying back concedes court position and makes it harder to finish points.
Fix: Learn when and how to approach the net. Follow good approach shots forward. Practice your volleys (see techniques here) so you feel comfortable in the forecourt. Coordinate net approaches with your partner.
8. Not Using the Lob Effectively
Mistake: Rarely hitting lobs, or hitting them too short or without purpose.
Why it's bad: The lob is a vital defensive and offensive tool in padel. Defensively, it pushes opponents back from the net, giving you time to recover. Offensively, a well-placed lob can win the point.
Fix: Practice hitting high, deep lobs consistently. Learn to use the lob defensively when under pressure and offensively to catch opponents off guard or regain net position.
9. Poor Communication with Partner
Mistake: Playing in silence, leading to both players going for the same ball or leaving gaps.
Why it's bad: Communication is crucial in doubles. Lack of it leads to confusion, frustration, and errors.
Fix: Talk constantly! Use simple calls like "Mine!", "Yours!", "Out!", "Switch!". Encourage your partner. Discuss strategy briefly between points.
10. Using Inappropriate Equipment
Mistake: Playing with running shoes, a very advanced/heavy racket, or old tennis balls.
Why it's bad: Wrong padel shoes increase injury risk and hinder movement. An unsuitable padel racket makes learning harder. Old balls have poor bounce.
Fix: Invest in basic, beginner-friendly padel gear. Get proper padel shoes with the right sole. Choose a round, lighter racket for control. Use proper padel balls.
Conclusion: Learn and Improve
Every padel player makes mistakes, especially when starting out. The key is to recognize them, understand the fix, and practice correcting them. Focus on these common areas, be patient with yourself, and enjoy your padel journey!
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