Common Padel Mistakes

5 Padel Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes (and How to Fix Them)

Even the friendliest padel courts are full of beginners making the same mistakes. The good news? Fixing them is easier than you think.

1. Trying to hit every ball as hard as possible

Power looks cool, but control wins points.

Fix: Focus on smooth, relaxed swings and aim for good depth and placement.

2. Forgetting the walls exist

New players often freeze when the ball rebounds.

Fix: Practise letting the ball come off the back wall before hitting it. Start slow and build confidence.

3. Standing in the wrong spot

Being too close to the net or stuck at the baseline creates big gaps.

Fix: Stay roughly halfway between the service line and net when defending, and move forward together with your partner.

4. Using the wrong grip

Holding it like a tennis racquet limits your shots.

Fix: Use a continental grip (like holding a hammer) for almost all shots.

5. Serving too gently or too wildly

Weak serves get attacked; wild ones go out.

Fix: Practise a consistent, medium-pace serve that lands deep in the box.

Pick just one mistake this week and focus on the fix. You’ll feel the difference quickly!