The fastest way to improve at padel is to stop playing it like tennis with walls. Beginners usually lose points through the same patterns: hitting too hard, ignoring the glass, standing in poor positions, staying silent with a partner and trying advanced shots before the basics are stable.
Last checked: 25 June 2026. This guide was reviewed against FIP padel rules and LTA beginner guidance. It is written for recreational beginners and improvers, not elite players.
Quick answer
Do not play padel by smashing every high ball, rushing every rebound, standing halfway between attack and defence, or playing as if your partner is just another spectator. Good beginner padel is controlled, patient and organised. Keep the ball in play, use the lob, learn the glass and move as a pair.
1. Do not hit every ball hard
Power feels useful because it gives immediate feedback. The ball goes fast, everyone notices, and occasionally it wins a point. The problem is that padel courts are enclosed. Hard shots often rebound back into play or give opponents pace to use against you.
Symptom: you hit impressive shots but still lose long rallies.
Fix: choose safer targets. Aim low through the middle, at opponents' feet or deep enough to make them defend after the glass. Make them play another ball.
2. Do not ignore the lob
The lob is not a panic shot in padel. It is one of the main ways to recover position. When opponents control the net, a good lob pushes them back and gives your pair time to move forward.
Symptom: opponents stay at the net and keep volleying down at you.
Fix: practise a high, deep lob that gives you time to recover. It does not need to be spectacular. It needs height, depth and control.
3. Do not fight the back glass
Beginners often rush to hit every deep ball before it reaches the wall. Sometimes that is correct. Often it creates a cramped, off-balance shot. The glass can give you time if you read it early.
Symptom: you swing late near the back of the court and feel trapped.
Fix: let selected deep balls bounce, hit the glass and come back to you. Start with slower balls. Watch the angle and prepare early.
4. Do not stand in no-man's land
The middle area between the service line and net can be dangerous. You are not close enough to volley aggressively and not deep enough to defend comfortably from the glass.
Symptom: balls land at your feet or pass behind you awkwardly.
Fix: decide as a pair. Either defend deeper or move up together to attack. Floating in the middle usually helps opponents.
5. Do not play as 2 singles players
Padel is doubles. Your positioning only works if it connects with your partner's positioning. If one player attacks while the other stays back, gaps appear. If both players chase the same ball, confusion follows.
Symptom: balls keep landing between you and your partner.
Fix: use simple calls: mine, yours, switch, up, stay. Move forward and back together whenever possible.
6. Do not smash just because the ball is high
A high ball is not always a smash. Many beginner smashes hit the back glass and come back perfectly for the opponent. Others go long or into the net.
Symptom: you attack high balls but do not finish points.
Fix: use a controlled overhead, bandeja-style shot or deep placement when the ball is not clearly there to finish. Learn when to reset rather than force.
7. Do not copy professional padel too early
Professional padel is full of viboras, kick smashes, quick angles and advanced recoveries. Beginners see the shot but not the setup. Trying the finish without the foundation usually creates errors.
Symptom: you attempt advanced shots but miss basic rally balls.
Fix: build the base first: serve, return, lob, volley, back-glass defence and partner movement.
8. Do not neglect the return
The return of serve decides whether you start the point under control or under pressure. Beginners often swing too hard or aim too close to lines.
Symptom: you give away returns before the rally starts.
Fix: return cross-court or through the middle with margin. If the serve is deep, consider using the glass. Get the point started.
9. Do not buy kit instead of learning habits
A better racket can help once you know what you need. It will not fix poor positioning, rushed swings or bad shot choice. Beginners often buy power when they actually need control.
Symptom: you keep changing rackets but making the same mistakes.
Fix: get one stable, forgiving setup and spend more time on court. Use the padel gear guide before buying.
10. Do not skip the warm-up
Padel looks casual until the first quick lunge, twist or overhead. Calves, shoulders, elbows and lower back all work. A short warm-up is not optional if you want to play regularly.
Symptom: the first few games feel stiff or you pick up avoidable niggles.
Fix: raise your heart rate, mobilise ankles and shoulders, practise small side steps and hit controlled warm-up shots before points.
The better beginner approach
- Serve legally and consistently.
- Return with margin.
- Defend deep when under pressure.
- Use the lob to recover the net.
- Move with your partner.
- Volley with control, not panic.
- Let selected balls rebound from the glass.
- Only attack hard when the ball and position justify it.
What to practise first
If you only have 20 minutes before a match, practise serves, returns and lobs. Those 3 skills give beginners the biggest immediate improvement. If you have a coaching session, ask for help with back-glass judgement and doubles positioning. Those are the areas that usually unlock the next level.
Useful next reads are How to use the walls, Doubles padel tactics and How to win without hitting harder. For kit, browse padel rackets only once you know what problem you are solving.
FAQs
What is the biggest beginner padel mistake?
Trying to hit too hard. Most beginners improve faster by choosing safer targets and keeping the ball in play.
Should beginners use the glass?
Yes, gradually. Start by letting slower deep balls rebound from the back glass so you learn the timing.
Why do I keep losing points at the net?
You may be standing too far back, volleying too hard or attacking without your partner. Net play needs pair movement and control.
Is smashing bad in padel?
No, but smashing at the wrong time is bad. Beginners should learn controlled overheads before chasing winners.
What should I practise first?
Serve, return, lob, basic volleys and back-glass defence are the best early priorities.
