6 most common mistakes made by beginners in padel tennis
Whether you come from a tennis background or simply choose padel as a sport you might enjoy, here are some things we have noticed in our young athletes.
To become a master of padel, you need to learn the right technique and avoid common mistakes – just like in any other sport. This article will introduce you to the six most common mistakes beginners make on the padel court, as well as give you tips on how to avoid them so you can play your best game every time on the court.
Playing too hard and fast
Beginners don’t have the control and technique to consistently hit hard shots within the court, so it’s natural that many try to hit the ball with maximum force at first. While it may seem powerful and exciting, simply hitting the ball is not the main goal. Playing too hard and fast often leads to inconsistency, unnecessary mistakes, and poor technique. Especially against skilled opponents who use measured power in their shots, this strategy can backfire, leaving you running all over the court trying to respond to your opponent’s well-placed shots.
The key is to focus on controlled power. Aim for a comfortable speed of the punch, increasing power only when there is a chance to score a point or when the opponent leaves a clear opening for an attack.
Incorrect play at the net
The net is the main scoring area.
This formula is worth memorizing so that it never slips from your mind. Playing close to the net gives you the advantage of limiting your opponent’s chances of hitting the ball and at the same time can make them feel pressured to make quick decisions.
This may take practice for beginners, but moving away from the baseline will give you an advantage!
When creating your strategy, you should give great importance to the net. Make it your ally! Use deep lobs or volleys to control shots and get into attacking position! Remember – your position on the court will help you avoid this common mistake.
Preparing the racket
Keep your eyes on the ball and train your muscles to quickly adjust your grip depending on the shot you receive! Why? Because quick reactions help you execute the right shot, which gives you an advantage in the game!
A secure two-handed grip on the racket handle provides better leverage when connecting with the ball and reduces the chance of error during play.
Another common mistake is to lower your hands and lower your racket too low. Be active – hands up, always ready! Expect a hit that you can receive in return, play with confidence, and you will significantly reduce your mistakes, improve your reaction speed and soon become a good padel player.
Sienu neizmantošana savā labā
Tenisa spēlētāji, Jūs šo kļūdu pieļaujat biežāk nekā citi!
Jūs aizmirstat izmantot sienas, kas apņem laukumu. Ja tās pareizi izmantos, padels kļūs vēl aizraujošāks! Ar treniņu variet apgūt, kā izmantot leņķveida volejus un viltīgus lobus, lai izmantotu sienas savā labā. Šādi var iegūt priekšrocības un izcīnīt punktus, jo pretiniekiem būs grūtāk atbildēt uz sitieniem.
Develop a plan to make the walls your ally – and victory will be halfway there!
Coordination and footwork
Has the phrase “more energy, more footwork” started ringing in your head yet? We’re not far from making it a saying on the pitch.
Simply reaching out and hitting the ball is not enough – you need precision, and that’s where coordination comes in. This is one of the hardest mistakes to overcome in padel, so you need to work on hand, eye, and foot coordination from the start to develop better reflexes.
The main goal should be to develop agile footwork that allows you to comfortably reach the ball. To achieve this, you should practice side steps and lunges before you even step on the court!
Good foot coordination means accurate shots from anywhere on the field.
Failure to learn the correct padel
Padel is a special sport because it requires both physical and mental strength. Over time, you develop your technique, perfect your strokes and find your unique playing style. You develop instincts and, thanks to experience, play mostly on muscle memory, while always thinking strategically and keeping an eye on the ball.
To reach this level, it is important to receive proper training and guidance from the very beginning. You need someone to analyze and evaluate your technique so that you do not learn incorrect posture or form as you play.
Find a coach, watch instructional videos online, read blogs – the more you delve into it, the better players you will become!
Short summary:
Beginners make mistakes in any sport, and padel is no exception. But it doesn’t have to be a disappointment, it should be a fun experience!
Don’t be too hasty or overconfident – learn calmly and patiently. Strategy, coordination, proper technique and form will take you far! Following these six tips will allow you to enjoy the game longer and become a better player overall.
Consider getting professional help to get advice and train both physically and mentally to shine on the court! Remember – the internet is the best self-learning tool, so use it wisely and avoid typical beginner mistakes on the padel court.
See you in the next article!
