10 padel beginner mistakes (and how to fix them)

Almost every padel beginner makes the same mistakes. The good news is that they are easy to identify and correct. Here are the 10 most common errors holding back your progress, along with practical solutions for each one.

Why padel beginners all make the same mistakes

Padel attracts many players coming from tennis, squash, or similar racket sports. The problem is that reflexes developed in those sports do not work on a padel court. The glass walls, the permanent doubles format, and the smaller court size radically change the way you play. The result is that the same bad habits appear in the vast majority of new players.

The key to improving quickly is to identify these mistakes early and correct them before they become ingrained.

Mistake 1: hitting too hard on every shot

Why this is a problem

This is the number one mistake every coach sees in beginners. The natural instinct is to hit hard to “win the point.” But in padel, power works against you: the ball bounces off the glass walls and comes back into the opponents’ court in a favorable position for them. An overly long swing also leads to loss of control and unforced errors.

What to do instead

Shorten your swing. In padel, shots are shorter and more compact than in tennis. Focus on placement and consistency rather than raw power. A well-placed shot at your opponent’s feet is far more effective than a smash that flies into the glass. Think “precision” before “power.”

Mistake 2: staying glued to the back of the court

The tennis reflex that hurts you

In tennis, staying at the baseline is a viable strategy. In padel, it is a major strategic error. If you stay back, you let your opponents dominate the net, from where they can play short volleys, drop shots, and angled winners that you have no chance of reaching.

The right positioning strategy

The goal in padel is to move up to the net as soon as possible. It is from this position (about 1 meter from the net, racket up) that you control the rally. Move forward with your partner after every favorable ball: a deep lob, a low shot at the opponent’s feet, or a solid return of serve. And when you are forced to retreat, do it together and look for the first opportunity to move back up.

Mistake 3: not communicating with your partner

Padel is a team sport, 100%. Yet most beginners play as if they were alone on the court. The result is balls left in the middle, collisions, uncovered zones, and frustration on both sides.

The solution is simple: talk. Say “mine” or “yours” on every ambiguous ball. Decide who covers the center. Encourage each other, especially after a mistake. The best padel pairs are not necessarily the most skilled technically. They are the ones who communicate best.

✓ Communication tip

Before the match, agree on simple rules: who takes the middle balls at the net, who covers the lob on the backhand side. These micro-decisions eliminate 80% of hesitations during play.

Mistake 4: being afraid of the glass walls

The glass walls are what make padel unique. Yet most beginners avoid them or panic when the ball bounces off them. This fear costs dozens of points per match, because perfectly playable balls are abandoned.

Get comfortable with the glass walls gradually. Start by watching the bounce: the ball that hits the back wall comes back toward the center of the court on a predictable trajectory. Practice letting the ball pass, letting it bounce off the glass, then hitting it in better conditions. The more you play with the walls, the more they become a tactical ally rather than an obstacle.

Organize your sessions with Americano Padel Manager

To improve and correct these mistakes, nothing beats playing regularly with different partners. This is exactly what the Americano format offers: each round, pairs change, which forces you to adapt, communicate with a new teammate, and vary your game.

With Americano Padel Manager, you organize a complete tournament in under 2 minutes. The app automatically generates matches with optimal player rotation, manages the live leaderboard, and works even without an internet connection. Whether you are a group of 4 friends or a club of 40 players, the app adapts and lets you focus on what matters: playing and improving.

It is the ideal tool for beginners who want to accumulate playing time in varied conditions, the best way to correct mistakes naturally.

Mistake 5: neglecting your racket grip

Many beginners hold their racket like a frying pan (closed grip) or like a tennis racket (semi-western grip). These grips limit versatility and make certain shots impossible to execute correctly.

Adopt the continental grip (also called the “hammer grip”). Hold the racket as if you were hammering a nail with the edge. This grip is the most versatile in padel: it allows you to play volleys, flat shots, slice shots, and lobs without changing your grip. It is the foundation on which to build your entire technique.

Mistake 6: preparing your shots too late

You see the ball coming, but your racket is still down by your side. You bring it up at the last moment, the swing is rushed, the timing is off. This is one of the most frequent and easiest mistakes to correct.

Prepare early. As soon as you identify the ball’s trajectory, turn your shoulders and position your racket. Your preparation should be finished before the ball reaches your height. A simple trick: keep your racket in front of you, at chest height, between every shot. This “ready position” gives you a precious half-second advantage.

For more on the technical fundamentals, check out our complete guide to padel shots.

Mistake 7: underestimating the serve

In padel, the serve is underhand (hit below the waist). Many beginners treat it as a simple way to start the point and send the ball without thinking. This is a mistake, because a good serve gives you a tactical advantage from the very first exchange.

Aim smart. Serve into the opponent’s body to limit their return angle. Vary between deep serves toward the glass and short serves that die in the service box. Add a slice so the ball stays low after the bounce. And above all, move up to the net immediately after your serve to take the dominant position.

To understand the scoring system and serve rules, check out our padel scoring complete guide.

Mistake 8: forgetting the lob

The lob is probably the most underrated shot by beginners. They prefer to hit hard or attempt risky passing shots rather than lifting the ball over the opponents at the net. Yet the lob is the most effective defensive weapon in padel.

Use the lob to regain control of the point. When your opponents are well established at the net and you are in trouble, a high, deep lob forces them to retreat. While they move back, you advance and take the net yourself. The lob reverses the balance of power in a single shot. Work on it: it should become a reflex, not a last resort.

Mistake 9: not moving as a pair

In padel, you and your partner must move as one unit. When one moves to the net, the other follows. When one retreats, the other retreats. Imagine an invisible thread connecting you: the distance between you should stay constant, about 3 to 4 meters.

Beginners forget this rule and often end up out of sync: one at the net, the other at the back. This configuration creates a huge gap in the middle of the court that opponents exploit mercilessly.

Move together, always. Slide laterally as a mirror image. If your partner is pulled to one side, shift over to cover the center. This synchronized movement is what transforms two individual players into a real team.

Mistake 10: choosing a racket unsuited to your level

Last but not least: many beginners buy an advanced-level racket because it is “used by the pros” or because it was on sale. A racket that is too heavy, too stiff, or with a sweet spot that is too small forgives few errors and amplifies bad technique.

Choose a racket suited to your level. As a beginner, look for:

• Round shape: larger sweet spot, more forgiveness
• Lightweight (340-360 g): better maneuverability, less fatigue
• Soft foam (EVA soft or FOAM): more control and comfort
• Low or neutral balance: easier to handle

You will have time to switch to a more offensive racket when your technique is solid. A control racket that helps you improve is better than a power racket that reinforces your bad habits.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to stop making these mistakes?

With regular practice (2-3 sessions per week), most players correct the most obvious mistakes within 1 to 2 months. Positioning and pair movement errors usually take longer because they require automatism. The key is to work on one or two mistakes at a time, not all of them at once.

Do I need lessons to start playing padel?

It is not mandatory, but 2-3 lessons with a coach significantly accelerate your progress. A coach identifies your mistakes in real time and gives you personalized corrections. It is the fastest way to prevent bad habits from taking hold.

What is the best way to improve quickly at padel?

Play as often as possible with partners of varying levels. The Americano format is ideal for this: each round pairs you with a new partner, which forces you to adapt. Supplement with free play and, if possible, film yourself to analyze your mistakes afterward.

How do I use the glass walls in padel as a beginner?

Start with balls that hit the back wall: let them bounce and hit them when they come back toward the center of the court. Do not try to hit the ball right after it contacts the glass. With practice, you will also learn to play lateral rebounds and use angles to surprise your opponents.

Can I play padel without experience in another racket sport?

Absolutely. Padel is one of the most accessible racket sports. Complete beginners sometimes even have an advantage: they do not have bad reflexes to unlearn (unlike tennis players who need to adjust their swing and positioning).

Improve faster by playing more

The best way to correct these 10 mistakes is to play. And to play more often in ideal conditions, organize Americano tournaments with your friends or your club. Download Americano Padel Manager for free and launch your first tournament in under 2 minutes. Automatic rotation, live rankings, multi-court management: everything is taken care of so you can focus on your game.

Also remember to warm up properly before each session to avoid injuries and play at your best from the very first point.