Padel is fast-paced, tactical, and incredibly fun—but it’s also easy to pick up bad habits that hold you back. Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate player, correcting common padel mistakes can instantly level up your game.
Let’s break down some of the most frequent errors and how to fix them—with insights from pro players who’ve mastered the sport.
1. Standing Too Close to the Back Wall
The Mistake: Many players tend to crowd the glass, thinking it gives them more control and more time. In reality, it limits your reaction time and really reduces the angles you can play with.
The Fix: Position yourself about one to two meters from the back wall. This gives you enough space to play the ball after it bounces, especially when using the wall to your advantage.
Pro Inspiration: Alejandro Galán always maintains the perfect distance when defending, giving himself more time to return tough shots with control and accuracy.
2. Overhitting the Ball
The Mistake: Trying to win points with sheer power can backfire. Overhitting often sends the ball into the glass, the net, or right back to your opponents. Also over hitting the ball makes you lose control and lose points very easily.
The Fix: Focus on placement, not power. Use smart angles, target your opponents’ weaker side, and keep the ball in play.
Pro Inspiration: Paquito Navarro is a master of control. He uses touch and timing to outsmart opponents rather than overpower them.
3. Neglecting the Net Game
The Mistake: Hanging back and avoiding the net often feels safe, especially for new players. The problem with this is that it constantly puts you on defense and you don’t get an opportunity to strike at your opponents. In Padel a common mind set is that most points are won at the net.
The Fix: Approach the net as soon as you hit a deep or effective shot. Communicate with your partner and close the gap quickly.
Pro Inspiration: Martín Di Nenno dominates at the net with lightning-fast volleys and sharp reflexes, constantly applying pressure.
4. Poor Communication With Your Partner
The Mistake: Playing as two individuals instead of a team leads to missed balls, confusion, and frustration. Padel is just as much a team sport as any other. Communication with your partner and trusting your partner can lead to many victories.
The Fix: Talk constantly—call shots, alert your partner about lobs, and support each other. Decide before the match who takes the middle balls.
Pro Inspiration: Watch Bea González and Delfi Brea. Their chemistry on court is built on communication, movement, and trust.
5. Not Using the Glass Properly
The Mistake: Beginners often panic when the ball hits the glass, so they either avoid it entirely or misjudge the bounce. The glass is meant to help you and once you become friends with the glass your padel game will improve tremendously. Read more about playing off the glass here.
The Fix: Embrace the wall. Let the ball bounce and come off the glass before you hit it. Practice reading the rebound to improve your timing.
Pro Inspiration: Juan Lebrón uses the glass as an asset, turning defense into offense with calm, well-timed shots.
6. Serving Without Strategy
The Mistake: Treating the serve as just a formality rather than an opportunity to win a point is a mistake. A weak serve sets your opponents up for an easy return. Try and practice different serves and add spin to them to get your opponent out of position or better yet win a point off your opponent right from the get-go.
The Fix: Use your serve to set up your next move. Aim for depth and variation. Mix up the speed and spin to keep your opponents guessing.
Pro Inspiration: Ariana Sánchez often uses clever, low serves that force weak returns, setting herself up for net dominance.
Final Thoughts
Padel is a game of skill, strategy, and teamwork. By correcting these common mistakes, you’ll not only avoid giving away easy points—you’ll start playing smarter and winning more rallies.
Study the pros, practice with intention, and stay consistent. The difference between casual play and high-level padel is in the small details—and now you know where to start.
