Last updated: 24 June 2026. Source check: FIP Rules of Padel and LTA padel guidance.
Quick answer: do not play padel by smashing every ball, ignoring the walls, standing too deep, charging the net alone or treating it like tennis on a smaller court. Good beginner padel is built on control, patience, positioning, communication and learning when the glass helps you.
Padel is easy to start, which is exactly why many beginners feel confident quickly. Then the court quietly reminds them that confidence and competence are not always the same thing.
The good news is that most beginner mistakes are fixable. You do not need to become a tactical genius overnight. You just need to stop giving points away for free.
1. Do not smash every ball
The classic beginner mistake is trying to hit every attacking ball as hard as possible.
It feels good. It looks good. Occasionally, it even works. But most of the time, wild power sends the ball out, gives opponents an easy rebound off the glass or leaves you badly out of position.
Do this instead: use depth, placement and patience. Hit with purpose, not panic. A controlled shot that keeps opponents under pressure is usually better than a dramatic shot that gives them the point.
2. Do not play padel like tennis
Padel and tennis share some DNA, but the walls and doubles format change the tactics.
Tennis players often arrive with useful skills: volleys, reactions, footwork and racket control. They may also bring habits that cause problems, especially big swings and a love of hitting straight through opponents.
In padel, a hard shot that would trouble someone in tennis may come back nicely off the glass. Annoying, but educational.
Do this instead: shorten your swing, use less power and think about where the ball will go after it bounces and hits the glass.
If you are crossing over from tennis, read whether tennis players can play padel.
3. Do not ignore the walls
The walls are not decoration. They are part of the game.
FIP rules allow the ball to be played after it rebounds off walls on your own side, as long as the point is still live and the ball has followed the correct sequence. That is one of the big reasons padel feels different from tennis.
Beginners often panic when the ball goes past them and try to hit everything before it reaches the glass. Sometimes that is right. Often, it makes the shot harder than it needs to be.
Do this instead: practise letting the ball come off the back glass. Start slowly and learn how different speeds and angles rebound.
4. Do not stand too deep all the time
Many beginners spend too much time glued to the back of the court.
It feels safer there because you have more time to react. But if you stay deep all the time, you give your opponents control of the net.
In padel, the pair at the net can volley, apply pressure and force defenders into awkward shots. If you never move forward, you are playing the game on hard mode.
Do this instead: look for chances to move forward with your partner, especially after a good lob or deep ball.
5. Do not charge the net alone
The opposite mistake is also common: one player races forward while their partner stays at the back.
This creates gaps and confusion. It also creates arguments, usually starting with “I thought you were covering that”.
Padel is a doubles-first sport. You need to move as a pair. If one player attacks and the other hangs back, the court opens up for your opponents.
Do this instead: attack together, defend together and keep your court shape connected.
6. Do not play silently
Silent padel is difficult padel.
You need to call balls, warn your partner when opponents move, say when you are switching and make it clear who is taking the shot. This matters even more when balls come off the glass and both players are unsure.
Do this instead: use simple calls like “mine”, “yours”, “leave”, “switch” and “back”. You do not need a tactical seminar between every shot.
7. Do not forget the lob
The lob is one of the most important shots in beginner padel, but many players ignore it because it does not feel exciting.
A good lob pushes opponents away from the net, buys time and gives you a chance to move forward. If your opponents are controlling the net, the lob is often your reset button.
Do this instead: use the lob to recover position. Practise height and depth before trying to make it perfect.
8. Do not rush every point
Padel rewards patience. Beginners often want to finish the point too early, especially after a rally lasts more than four shots and someone decides the time has come for greatness.
The time has usually not come for greatness.
Many points are won by applying steady pressure and waiting for the mistake. You do not always need to hit a winner.
Do this instead: build the point. Stay calm, keep your position and wait for a genuinely attackable ball.
9. Do not ignore footwear and warm-ups
You do not need expensive gear to start padel. Hiring a racket and using basic kit is fine for your first few sessions.
But regular padel involves sharp side-to-side movement, lunges, stops and turns. Running shoes or casual trainers are not ideal for frequent play because they are not designed for lateral court movement.
Do this instead: warm up properly and use court shoes once you know you will play regularly. If anything hurts beyond normal effort, stop and get appropriate advice.
Our padel gear guide covers what beginners actually need.
Quick beginner guide
| Do not | Do this instead |
|---|---|
| Smash every ball | Use control, depth and placement |
| Play like tennis | Shorten the swing and use the walls |
| Ignore the glass | Learn when to let the ball rebound |
| Stay deep all the time | Move forward with your partner |
| Charge the net alone | Attack and defend as a pair |
| Play silently | Use simple calls early |
| Forget the lob | Use lobs to reset and regain position |
| Rush the point | Build pressure and wait |
What should beginners focus on first?
- Keep the ball in play: consistency beats flashy mistakes.
- Use shorter swings: especially near the net and glass.
- Stand in useful areas: position matters more than panic running.
- Communicate: simple calls save easy points.
- Use the lob: it is your best friend when defending.
- Learn the walls: they make padel different and much more interesting.
If you are still learning the basics, start with is padel easy to learn?.
Final thoughts
The best way not to play padel is to make it all about power, panic and individual hero shots.
The better way is calmer and smarter. Use the walls, move with your partner, communicate clearly and choose shots that help you win the next ball, not just the current one.
New to the sport? Read what padel is and why it is so popular, or compare the game with tennis in how padel is different from tennis.
FAQs
What is the biggest mistake beginners make in padel?
The biggest mistake is trying to hit too hard too often. Padel rewards control, patience and positioning more than raw power.
Should you smash a lot in padel?
No. Smashing can be useful, but beginners often overuse it. A controlled shot, lob or deep ball is often the better choice.
Can you use the walls in padel?
Yes. The walls are part of the game, and learning when to let the ball rebound is one of the biggest steps for new players.
Is padel played like tennis?
No. Padel shares some similarities with tennis, but the walls, smaller enclosed court and doubles format make the tactics different.
Where should beginners stand in padel?
Beginners should learn to move as a pair, defending from the back when needed and moving forward together when there is a chance to take the net.
How do you improve quickly at padel?
Improve quickly by keeping the ball in play, using shorter swings, communicating with your partner, practising lobs and learning how the ball rebounds off the walls.
