Discovered padel and already hooked? Welcome to the club. 🎾
At first, you think a racket, a ball and a little enthusiasm are all you need to become the next star of the court. Then comes your first match: you hit too hard, misjudge rebounds off the glass and run everywhere.
The good news? We've all been there! Here are 10 common beginner mistakes and how to avoid them so you can enjoy the game even more.
1. Hitting every ball as if your life depended on it
The right approach: Control your shots before chasing power. In padel, placement is often more effective than brute force.
2. Forgetting that the glass is your ally
The right approach: Watch the trajectory after the bounce and get into position before hitting. The glass isn't your enemy… unless you hit the ball straight into it.
3. Chasing absolutely every ball
The right approach: Padel takes anticipation and positioning, not just fast legs. Recover your position after every shot and communicate with your partner.
4. Playing alone instead of as a team
The right approach: Simple calls like “mine”, “yours” and “leave it” prevent collisions and abandoned balls. Avoid blaming your partner for every mistake: you might not have one next match!
5. Rushing to the net without thinking
The right approach: Move forward together when the situation allows, and learn to recognise the balls that give you a chance to take the net.
6. Neglecting your serve
The right approach: A consistent, accurate serve can put your opponent under pressure. Work on consistency first, rather than trying to surprise them every time.
7. Trying to win every point immediately
The right approach: Build the point, move your opponents around and wait for the right opportunity instead of attempting an impossible winner.
8. Forgetting to watch your opponents
The right approach: Watch their positioning to spot open spaces. A well-placed ball can be much harder to defend than a powerful shot.
9. Changing rackets and expecting everything to fix itself
The right approach: The right racket matters, but it can't replace technique or practice. Focus on your game. You can always justify another purchase later. 😏
10. Taking padel far too seriously
The right approach: Padel is also about spontaneous matches, unlikely points and laughing with friends. Improve, give it your all and, above all, enjoy the game.
So, beginner… or already completely hooked?
Thinking about your next match in the shower and planning your schedule around court bookings? You probably know this phrase: “You wouldn't understand.”
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