Mistakes to avoid when starting out in padel

Padel is attracting more and more players in France and beyond. However, taking up a new sport can sometimes feel intimidating, especially knowing that you will almost certainly make a few common mistakes.

Fortunately, this article guides you through the most frequent pitfalls beginners face — some made before even stepping onto the court! — and offers tips to help you avoid them.

If you'd like to learn more about the sport itself before diving into this article, we invite you to read our guide on the definition of padel.

Choosing the wrong equipment

Common mistakes when choosing a padel racket

One of the first steps in playing padel is choosing your racket. Beginners often opt for high-performance carbon rackets, enticed by prestigious brands like Head, Wilson, Nox, Adidas, or Babolat.

However, a racket suited to your level should prioritise control over power, with a weight and balance that offer optimal manoeuvrability. Check out our guide to choosing your padel racket, finding beginner-friendly models, and avoiding costly mistakes.

Choosing your padel shoes

Padel shoes are just as important as the racket. They must provide support, comfort, and grip to prevent slips and injuries. Don't make the mistake of using standard running or tennis shoes. The wrong shoes will reduce your performance and can also lead to injuries.

For more tips, we have dedicated a comprehensive guide to help you choose your padel shoes.

Theoretical mistakes

Playing without knowing the rules

Ignoring the rules of padel can not only affect your ability to play effectively, but also frustrate your partners and opponents. Take the time to learn the basics and nuances of the game, such as serving, scoring, and using the glass walls. Check out our section on the rules of padel to get off to a good start.

Neglecting tactics

Padel is a game of teamwork and strategy. Hitting every ball hard without thinking about tactics is a common mistake. Work on positioning, anticipation, and tactical shots like lobs or balls placed near the glass, both on your own and with your partner, to become a more well-rounded player. To improve your tactics, watch this video to learn the basics and progress as quickly as possible. 

The importance of technique

Neglecting basic shot practice

Basic padel shots, such as the serve, the volée, the forehand, and the backhand, are essential. Don't make the mistake of neglecting these fundamentals in favour of more spectacular shots. A solid technique will help you progress faster.

Prioritising power over control

Many beginners think hitting hard is the key to success in padel. However, as mentioned above regarding racket choice, control is far more important, especially when starting out. Focus on precision and point construction rather than raw power.

Playing without warming up

Warming up in padel is crucial! Skipping the warm-up is a common mistake that can lead to injuries. Take a few minutes to prepare your body for the game, focusing on cardio, dynamic stretching, and a few racket swings.

Poor racket grip

How you hold your padel racket is fundamental to executing every type of shot correctly. An incorrect grip can limit your ability to play certain shots effectively. For beginners, it is recommended to start with the continental grip, also known as the hammer grip, which is versatile for all padel shots.

Facing forward

Many padel newcomers tend to face forward, a position that is less effective for most shots. It is better to turn sideways, a stance that allows better shot execution and improves power and control.

Coordination issues

Coordination, which is vital in padel, improves with practice. Finding the right distance to the ball is a challenge for many, yet essential to striking the ball effectively. It is crucial to work on your footwork and timing so you don't find yourself too close to or too far from the ball.

Forgetting to bend your knees

Shots played with straight legs or a hunched back lack accuracy. Bending your knees when striking the ball increases your precision and enables more dynamic forward movement.

Poor court positioning

For beginners, understanding and mastering court positioning can be complex, especially with the addition of the glass walls if you have a tennis background. With experience, you will learn to read the ball's trajectory better and position yourself more effectively, saving wasted effort.

Practical mistakes: Focus on specific shots

The serve

A poor ball toss during the serve preparation can significantly affect its quality. A ball toss that is neither too far forward nor too far back is crucial for an effective serve.

The slice shot

Attempting to hit slice shots without proper preparation is a common mistake. This type of shot requires a high preparation, above waist height, to be executed correctly. Preparing too low increases the risk of hitting the ball straight into the back glass

Front-facing smash

Hitting the smash facing forward is a typical beginner mistake. For a more effective and natural execution, it is best to play side-on, which helps shoulder rotation and boosts shot power.

Technical mistakes are common among padel beginners, but with practice and patience, they can be corrected. Take the time to learn the fundamentals and work on your technique to progress through the padel levels. Don't hesitate to seek help from a coach who can correct you!