Whatever your level, if you play padel and are looking for some expert tips to help you win more matches, we’ve got you covered.
Our tips are broken down into three main categories: core tactics, technical advice, and common mistakes to avoid.
Core Tactics
Play the Middle
The low-risk, high reward strategy is to simply hit balls down the middle.
This tactic minimises angles for your opponents, reduces the chance of hitting the fence, and causes confusion on who should take the shot.
Given the recent rise of padel, this is a good way for new players to ease into the game without overcomplicating tactics.
Prioritise the Lob
The lob is one of the most important shots in padel.
A good lob will force your opponent away from the net, allowing you to gain more of an advantageous attacking position.
Get to the Net
You win more points at the net as it allows you to execute killer shots like the smash.
It should be your goal to try and close up to the net and then stay there for as long as possible.
Target the Feet
When playing against opponents at the net, aim your shots at their feet.
This will make it difficult for them to return and often result in a weak pop-up for you to punish.
Move as a Team
Think of your team as two players tied together, moving forward and backward in tandem.
This will allow you to cover the court more efficiently and leaves less chance of you being unable to return a shot.
Technical Advice
Use the Glass
You need to be able to trust the glass, if your opponent plays an aggressive shot, let the ball pass you and hit the back glass.
The ball will often come back at a slower pace, giving you more time to prepare your shot in a calm and composed manner.
This can be especially hard for players who are picking up the sport after learning tennis, as it will feel unnatural to let the ball pass you.
Here is everything you need to know about The key differences between Padel and Tennis
Master the Defensive Corner
If the ball is heading towards the corner, make sure to move early and keep an open stance.
If the ball hits the side glass first, move away from it; if it hits the back glass first, move closer to the side glass.
Doing so will position you better to be able to return the ball without being awkwardly stuck in the corner of the court.
Serve Strategically
Focus on placing the ball deep, aiming for the side glass.
After you have served you should move forward to the net immediately while the game is dead.
Doing so will position you strongly for the remainder of the point, putting you on the front foot ready to hit aggressive shots.
Control the Pace
You don't always have to hit the ball as hard as you can (even though it is very tempting at times).
Reduce the speed of the ball when under pressure or in a defensive position, not every shot has to be offensive.
This will allow you to help gauge control and slowly shift the tempo of the game back into your favour.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
No Man's Land
Avoid playing in the middle of the court the best you can.
You should be either at the net or back in defense, not stuck fluctuating between the two as this takes the power away from your team.
Make it your aim to be dictating the momentum instead of simply responding to your opponents shots trying to survive.
Over-using Power
As briefly mentioned before, using power is rarely the best option.
These powerful strikes should be used when you are confident they will finish the point.
If not, it is best to focus on the placement of your shots to keep your opponents moving around the court against their will.
Ignoring the Clock
As simple as it sounds, don't let the ball bounce twice.
It is very easy to switch off during if a game if you are comfortably ahead, however, these little mistakes could add up to costing you the match.
Don't get lazy just because you think you are better than your opponent, a game of padel can change within a few bounces of the ball.
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