Top 10 Common Padel Mistakes Beginners Should Avoid (2025 Guide)

Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world—and for good reason. It’s social, fun, and relatively easy to pick up. But like any sport, padel has its learning curve. If you’re just starting out, avoiding these common mistakes can help you improve quickly and enjoy the game even more.

Here are the top 10 padel mistakes beginners make—and how to avoid them.

❌ 1. Standing Too Close to the Net

The Mistake: Many beginners rush to the net and stand too close, leaving huge gaps behind them.

The Fix: Maintain a smart position about 1–2 meters behind the net. This allows time to react to lobs and volley effectively.

❌ 2. Ignoring the Walls

The Mistake: New players often treat the back glass walls like boundaries instead of using them to their advantage.

The Fix: Learn to use the back wall for defense and rebounds. It gives you more time and better angles to return the ball.

❌ 3. Hitting Too Hard

The Mistake: Coming from tennis or squash, beginners tend to overhit, losing control and accuracy.

The Fix: In padel, placement beats power. Use controlled, well-placed shots instead of trying to blast winners.

❌ 4. Poor Communication with Your Partner

The Mistake: Silence during points leads to confusion and missed opportunities.

The Fix: Always talk. Call your shots, claim lobs, and support each other. Padel is a doubles sport—good teamwork wins matches.

❌ 5. Forgetting to Lob

The Mistake: Beginners often stick to low shots and forget the power of the lob.

The Fix: A well-placed lob can reset the point and push opponents off the net—giving you time to regain control.

❌ 6. Rushing the Net at the Wrong Time

The Mistake: Charging forward after a weak shot or under pressure can leave you exposed.

The Fix: Only approach the net after a solid deep shot or lob, when your opponents are on the back foot.

❌ 7. Overusing the Forehand

The Mistake: Players tend to favor their forehand and move across the court too much to hit it.

The Fix: Trust your backhand and cover your side of the court. Avoid crossing into your partner’s zone.

❌ 8. Not Bending the Knees

The Mistake: Staying upright limits your reach and reaction time.

The Fix: Always keep your knees slightly bent in a ready stance—it improves balance, mobility, and shot accuracy.

❌ 9. Weak Serve Technique

The Mistake: Serving too softly or with poor placement gives opponents the upper hand.

The Fix: Master a consistent, low-bouncing underhand serve with good direction—especially to the corners.

❌ 10. Not Practicing the Bandeja

The Mistake: Beginners often try to smash every high ball, leaving themselves vulnerable to counter-attacks.

The Fix: Learn the bandeja—a controlled overhead shot that keeps opponents at the back and lets you maintain net control.

🧠 Bonus Tip: Learn From Every Match

Every mistake is a chance to learn. Watch how experienced players move, talk, and use the walls. Even 15 minutes of targeted practice on one weakness can make a big difference.

🏁 Final Thoughts

Padel is easy to start—but hard to master. By avoiding these common beginner mistakes, you’ll enjoy the game more, improve faster, and become a better teammate on court. Remember, smart padel beats strong padel every time.