Padel Mistakes Beginners Make and How to Fix Them
Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports globally. It’s fun, social, and easier to pick up than tennis. But just because you can get into rallies quickly doesn’t mean you’re playing it right. Most beginners make the same mistakes when they step on the court. The good news? With a few adjustments, you can avoid frustration and enjoy faster progress.
Let’s examine the most common beginner mistakes in padel and how to correct them.
Playing Too Hard and Too Fast
New players love hitting the ball hard. It feels powerful. It feels like tennis. But padel is not about blasting every shot. Padel is about control, patience, and setting up the right moment to finish the point.
When you swing too hard, two things happen:
You lose accuracy and hit unforced errors.
Opponents use your pace against you, redirecting balls with ease.
How to fix it:
Aim for 50–60% power most of the time. Save the big shots for when you have a clear opening.
Focus on placement. A slow, well-placed lob can be more dangerous than a booming smash.
Practice medium-paced rallies where consistency is the goal.
If you’re still learning, booking a padel coaching session can help you build the discipline to hit with control instead of force.
Ignoring the Net Game
In padel, points are won at the net. Yet beginners often stay back, glued to the baseline. This limits your chances of attacking and gives opponents the advantage.
When you control the net, you cut off angles and force opponents into defensive lobs. Staying back keeps you reactive instead of proactive.
How to fix it:
Move forward after hitting a deep shot. A lob or a drive that pushes your opponent back is the perfect chance to close in.
Once at the net, stay aggressive. Don’t retreat unless necessary.
Work on volleys and overheads. Two shots that will help you dominate in this position.
A simple rule: if your ball lands past the service line, take the net. You’ll be surprised how quickly your win percentage climbs.
Poor Racket Preparation
Another beginner error is keeping the racket low or unready. When the ball comes fast, there’s no time to prepare, and the shot ends up weak or mistimed.
How to fix it:
Keep your racket up and in front at all times.
For volleys and overheads, start with the racket higher than the ball. Preparation makes execution easier.
Use a relaxed, two-handed grip on the handle while waiting. This keeps you stable and ready for quick adjustments.
There are Want a guide to the selecting the right padel racket? Check out our blog on How to Choose the Right Padel Racket: A Complete Guide for Every Player
Forgetting to Use the Walls
This is the classic “tennis player mistake.” Beginners treat the walls as obstacles instead of opportunities. But in padel, the walls are your best friend. They give you extra time, create angles, and open up unique shot options.
How to fix it:
Practice letting the ball bounce off the wall before hitting. Stay calm and resist the urge to swing early.
Use defensive lobs from wall rebounds to reset the rally.
Experiment with attacking shots that use the side walls. Angled volleys can completely throw opponents off balance.
The more comfortable you get with the walls, the more your game transforms from beginner to intermediate.
Weak Coordination and Footwork
Padel looks simple until you realize how much footwork matters. Beginners often lunge awkwardly or arrive late to the ball. This leads to poor contact, unforced errors, and wasted energy.
How to fix it:
Always stay on your toes, ready to shuffle. Avoid being flat-footed.
Practice side shuffles, quick lunges, and split steps before playing.
Focus on positioning. Instead of reaching for the ball, move your feet so you can hit it in your strike zone.
Good footwork means cleaner shots and faster recovery. Over time, you’ll feel lighter and more confident on court. To know more about the importance of footwork, Read: Why Footwork Matters More Than You Think in Padel
Not Learning “Proper Padel”
Padel isn’t just about hitting balls over the net. It’s about strategy. Beginners often play on instinct without understanding the tactics of the sport. They avoid coaching, skip practice drills, and fall into bad habits.
How to fix it:
Learn the basics of padel strategy. For example, lobs aren’t just defensive, they can be your ticket to the net.
Master key shots like the bandeja and the chiquita. These aren’t power shots but control shots that keep opponents under pressure.
Watch professional matches. Notice how rallies build patiently until the right chance appears.
Most importantly, consider taking lessons. A coach can correct bad habits early and set you on the right track.
Selecting the Right Padel Courts for Practice
When it comes to padel, the quality of the court you practice on can make a significant difference to your game. A well-maintained surface ensures true ball bounce and smooth movement, while proper lighting allows players to continue their sessions into the evening without interruptions. Spacious courts with safe fencing and durable glass walls also create a professional playing environment, helping you enjoy the sport to its fullest.
At Athletic Kings, we provide premium padel courts in Dubai designed with player comfort and performance in mind. Our facilities are equipped with high-quality turf, modern lighting systems, and ample space that allows you to train and play confidently. Whether you’re practicing with friends or gearing up for competitive matches, our courts offer the right setting to elevate your padel experience.
Why These Fixes Matter
Mistakes are part of learning. But if you keep repeating them, you’ll stall your progress. Correcting these habits early makes the game smoother, less frustrating, and more enjoyable.
Padel rewards patience, teamwork, and smart decision-making. Once you slow down, use the walls, step into the net, and prepare correctly, you’ll start winning more rallies and enjoying the flow of the sport.
Ready to Padel?
Padel is supposed to be fun. Don’t get discouraged if you make these mistakes that everyone does at the start. The important thing is to notice them, work on them, and keep improving.
At Athletic Kings, we’ve built our courts and coaching programs to help players of all levels get better and enjoy the game. With the right environment and guidance, you can avoid these common pitfalls and raise your game.
Ready to sharpen your skills and fix these mistakes? Contact us today and let’s get you on court.
