Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and for good reason. It’s fun, social, and easy to pick up—even if you’ve never played tennis or squash before. But like any new sport, beginners often fall into common traps that make the game harder than it should be.
The good news? Most of these mistakes are easy to fix once you know about them. In this guide, we’ll cover the top 10 beginner mistakes in padel—and more importantly, how to avoid them so you can improve quickly and enjoy the game from day one.
1. Standing in the Wrong Position
Many beginners stand too close to the net or too deep at the back, leaving themselves exposed.
- The Mistake: Hugging the baseline like in tennis or rushing to the net without control.
- The Fix: Stand about halfway between the service line and the baseline when rallying. Move forward to control the net, but only after a strong lob or push.
👉 Positioning is everything in padel. A good position gives you time, balance, and control.
2. Avoiding the Walls
The glass walls are unique to padel, but beginners often avoid them out of fear or confusion.
- The Mistake: Trying to hit every ball before it touches the wall, often leading to errors.
- The Fix: Use the wall to your advantage. Let the ball bounce off your back wall when it’s too fast to control. Practice calmly returning rebounds—it’s a skill that transforms your defense.
👉 The wall isn’t your enemy—it’s your best friend in defense.
3. Overhitting the Ball
Beginners often think more power equals better shots. In padel, that’s rarely true.
- The Mistake: Smashing every ball with maximum force, sending it out of bounds.
- The Fix: Focus on control and placement over power. Aim for consistency. Remember, padel points are usually won through patience and precision, not brute strength.
👉 Padel is about making the ball difficult for your opponent, not difficult for yourself.
4. Poor Communication with Partner
Since padel is almost always played in doubles, teamwork matters.
- The Mistake: Not calling “mine” or “yours,” leading to confusion and missed balls.
- The Fix: Talk constantly with your partner. Even a simple “sí” or “no” keeps coordination smooth. Decide who covers lobs, smashes, and middle balls before the game.
👉 Good communication turns two average players into a strong team.
5. Ignoring the Lob
The lob is one of the most important shots in padel—but beginners rarely use it.
- The Mistake: Trying only smashes or groundstrokes, never lifting the ball.
- The Fix: Learn to lob high and deep. It pushes opponents off the net and gives you time to regain control.
👉 A smart lob is worth more than a rushed smash.
6. Forgetting the Ready Position
Padel is fast, and standing flat-footed is a recipe for disaster.
- The Mistake: Holding the racket low, standing stiff, and reacting too late.
- The Fix: Always stay on the balls of your feet, racket up in front of you, ready to block or volley.
👉 Your best defense is being ready before the ball comes your way.
7. Using the Wrong Racket Grip
A bad grip can ruin your control and cause wrist pain.
- The Mistake: Holding the racket too tightly or with a tennis-style forehand grip.
- The Fix: Use the continental grip (like holding a hammer). Keep your hold firm but relaxed. This grip works for volleys, smashes, and defensive shots alike.
👉 The right grip makes your shots smoother and reduces injuries.
8. Chasing Every Ball Alone
Beginners often forget padel is a doubles game and try to cover too much ground.
- The Mistake: Running across the court, leaving your partner stranded.
- The Fix: Trust your partner. Cover your half, move together, and avoid crossing unnecessarily.
👉 Think of padel doubles as a dance—move in sync, not solo.
9. Not Controlling the Net
The net is where games are won and lost in padel.
- The Mistake: Staying at the back too long, giving opponents control of the net.
- The Fix: Look for chances to approach the net after a lob or deep shot. Once there, stay aggressive with volleys and smashes.
👉 The team that dominates the net usually dominates the match.
10. Getting Frustrated Too Quickly
Perhaps the biggest beginner mistake isn’t technical—it’s mental.
- The Mistake: Expecting instant success, getting frustrated at mistakes, and losing confidence.
- The Fix: Remember, padel is meant to be fun. Every pro player made errors when they started. Laugh off mistakes, learn from them, and keep enjoying the game.
👉 Progress in padel is measured in enjoyment as much as in points.
Bonus Tip – Invest in the Right Gear
Beginners often grab any racket or ball they find, but using proper gear makes a big difference.
- Rackets: Start with a round-shaped control racket—lightweight and forgiving.
- Balls: Use padel balls (slightly less pressurized than tennis balls).
- Shoes: Court shoes with good grip to prevent slipping.
👉 Where to Buy: Trusted sports retailers like GodOfSports offer beginner-friendly rackets from HEAD, Bullpadel, and Babolat.
Final Thoughts
Padel is an addictive mix of strategy, teamwork, and fun—but small mistakes can hold you back. By avoiding these 10 beginner errors—poor positioning, ignoring the walls, overhitting, bad communication, neglecting lobs, wrong grip, or frustration—you’ll improve much faster and enjoy the game even more.
Remember, padel isn’t about perfection—it’s about playing smarter, working with your partner, and learning as you go. Fix these mistakes early, and you’ll be rallying like a pro in no time.
So grab your racket, step on the court, and play with confidence—because now you know what not to do.
