In padel, most points are not lost because an extraordinary shot failed. They are lost because the same small mistakes are repeated: unnecessary power, poor court positioning, rushed decisions, fear of the glass, incorrect distance from the net, or failing to communicate with your partner. Therefore, one of the most effective ways to improve faster is to eliminate recurring errors from your game before adding new and flashy shots.

In this guide, we examine the 10 mistakes that cost the most points at the beginner and club level. In each section, you will find why the mistake causes problems, how to spot it on the court, a quick fix, and a short drill you can practice alone or with your partner.

Short Answer

Quick Summary of the 10 Mistakes

1. Hitting Too Early and Too Hard

New players might see short rallies as success and powerful shots as quality. However, in padel, a hard ball can easily bounce off the back glass and give the opponent a second chance. Generating speed from an unbalanced position also increases net and glass errors.

On-court sign: If your balls often hit the back glass and fall in front of the opponent, your balance breaks during the shot, or you make mistakes before three shots, your power may be exceeding your control.

Quick fix: Set your initial target at 70% speed and 90% control. The opponent's feet, the middle gap, and the corners are more valuable than raw power.

Short drill: Play cross-court rallies. Speeding up before reaching the fifth controlled shot is forbidden. Only add pace to appropriate balls after the fifth shot.

2. Not Reading the Glass and Rushing the Ball

Panicking and hitting a deep ball before it reaches the glass forces the player into a difficult contact while moving backward. Using the glass correctly reduces the ball's speed and gives extra time for decision-making.

On-court sign: If you are constantly taking half-volleys late at the baseline, getting jammed between the ball and the glass, or your weight stays back during the shot, you might be rushing.

Quick fix: Watch the ball hit the floor and the glass. Let it come off the glass, adjust your distance with small steps, and meet the ball in front of your body.

Short drill: Have your partner send 10 deep balls. In the first round, play them all straight after the glass; in the second round, cross-court; and in the third round, play them back with a lob.

3. Getting Too Close to the Net and Forgetting the Lob

Net position is an advantage, but clinging to the net eliminates recovery time. When a good lob comes, players panic and run backward, turn their backs to the ball, or split the team.

On-court sign: If you often cannot reach under the ball, hit overheads while falling back, or stay at the net while your partner retreats, your distance is wrong.

Quick fix: Leave enough space between you and the net to react to lobs. When a lob comes, the first decision is who will play the overhead; the second is for both players to retreat together.

Short drill: One player sends random lobs and low balls to the duo at the net. The duo can only win the point if they remain aligned.

4. Turning the Serve into a Show Shot

The padel serve is not a direct point-scoring weapon like in tennis. Its task is to make the opponent's return difficult and buy time for the serving team to reach the net. Excessive risk lowers the first-serve percentage and invites double faults.

On-court sign: If your first serve frequently misses, you are late reaching the net after the serve, or your direction is lost as speed increases, your target might be wrong.

Quick fix: Prioritize percentage, depth, and low bounce. Alternate between serving towards the glass and the center line; move forward in a controlled manner after the shot.

Short drill: Hit 10 serves to each target. The measure of success is not an ace; it is the correct box, chosen area, and reaching the net position in time after the serve.

5. Remaining Static After a Shot

Many players watch their own ball and delay preparing for the next shot. However, in padel, the ball returns quickly in a small area. Even a good shot may not turn into an advantage if the recovery is poor.

On-court sign: If your feet come together right after a shot, you are still in the old position when the opponent makes contact, or the ball constantly comes to your body, your recovery step is missing.

Quick fix: Pair the end of every shot with a recovery step. Perform a balanced split step as the opponent makes contact and keep the same line as your partner.

Short drill: Do shadow work: Forehand, recovery; backhand, recovery; volley, recovery. Perform four 30-second sets.

6. Poor Management of the Middle Area

Some of the easiest points in doubles are lost because two players go for the same ball or both wait for the other. The "Mine or yours?" decision must be tied to a common rule before the ball arrives.

On-court sign: If rackets collide, balls down the middle frequently pass, or responsibility is debated after every point, there is no communication system.

Quick fix: As a general starting rule, priority can be given to the player with the forehand in the middle; however, discuss exceptions based on lobs, serve returns, and positioning. Use short commands like "Mine," "Yours," "Leave it," or "Go."

Short drill: For 20 balls aimed at the middle corridor, have the player taking the ball call out before every shot. A ball played in silence should be considered a failed point.

7. Playing the Bandeja Like a Full-Power Smash

The main goal of the bandeja is often not to end the point, but to secure the net after a lob. Full-power control can disrupt the slice and balanced recovery; a ball rising off the glass gives the opponent an attacking opportunity.

On-court sign: If your bandeja is hitting the net, rising too high off the back glass, or you cannot return to the net after the shot, you might be playing it with the intention of a smash.

Quick fix: Turn sideways, position yourself slightly to the side of the ball, maintain contact height, and apply a controlled slice into the deep corner. Rejoin the net line after the shot.

Short drill: Set three targets: deep corner, mid-depth, and around the side glass. Play five bandejas to each target at 60-70% speed.

8. Inability to Control the Wrist and Swing on the Volley

A loose wrist and a large backswing change the racket face when facing a fast-moving ball. The result: volleys that float, stay short, or hit the frame.

On-court sign: If your racket drops backward at the moment of contact, the ball is constantly rising, or you are late on fast balls, your preparation is too large.

Quick fix: Keep the racket in front of your body and the head up. Firmly stabilize your wrist; use a short block and a small step forward. Get power from the opponent's ball and your body weight transfer.

Short drill: Have your partner feed 30 balls at medium speed from the service line. Without the racket going behind the shoulder line, play 10 center, 10 feet, and 10 corner targets.

9. Hitting Unplanned and Short Lobs

A lob is not just about getting the ball over the opponent. A short lob gives the opponent an easy bandeja, víbora, or smash. A good lob buys time, pushes the opponent back, and creates an opportunity to take the net.

On-court sign: If your lobs are falling at the service line, the opponent remains balanced under the ball, or you run forward without reading the quality of your shot, there is a lack of planning.

Quick fix: Contact the ball with a smooth, long motion from underneath. Aim for depth as well as height. Decide whether to advance based on the quality of your lob in coordination with your partner.

Short drill: Mark two target areas in the back section. Count how many of your 20 lobs land between the baseline and the back of the service box; aim for 60% accuracy first, then 75%.

10. Starting Without a Warm-up and Increasing Load Too Quickly

Although padel appears social, it involves sudden acceleration, braking, changes of direction, overheads, and repetitive racket motions. Jumping directly into high intensity with cold muscles can limit performance. Cooling down alone is not a guarantee against injury; total load, sleep, strength, and recovery are also important.

On-court sign: If your movement is heavy in the first games, your contact timing is late, or you experience recurring pain due to increased load, review your preparation and load management.

Quick fix: Do 8-10 minutes of progressive dynamic warm-up before the match. Do not suddenly increase the number of matches per week. Prioritize light movement, hydration, nutrition, and sleep after the match.

Short drill: 2 minutes of light running; ankle-hip-shoulder movements; side steps and short accelerations; shadow swings; start the match with mini-tennis and controlled volleys.

Errors Carried Over from Other Racket Sports

8-10 Minute Pre-match Dynamic Warm-up

Research shows that dynamic warm-ups can prepare you for performance and that multi-component neuromuscular programs can reduce the risk of lower extremity injuries in some athlete groups. However, there is no single universal protocol for padel; age, health status, training history, and match intensity must be taken into account.

Important: If you have sharp pain, significant swelling, instability, or ongoing complaints, consult a healthcare professional instead of continuing to play.

Court Etiquette and Common Courtesies

·        Serving before the opponent is ready or not calling out the score

·        Not stopping the game safely when a ball from another court enters yours

·        Criticizing your partner after every mistake

·        Constantly disputing your opponent's calls

·        Delaying court changes and the end of your reservation

·        Making warm-up balls dangerous by hitting full-power smashes

Good padel isn't just about correct technique. A safe, respectful, and fluid match environment allows everyone to play better.

Communication and Mental Mistakes

Moving on to the next point after an error

A new point starts while you are still trying to technically resolve the previous error. Use a short breath, a one-sentence decision, and a clear goal: "Next ball cross-court and deep."

Bombarding your partner with coaching

Constantly giving technical instructions during a match can distract your partner. Decide on two simple tactics in advance; only share short and actionable information between points.

Staying silent

Not communicating in a timely manner about lobs, balls in the middle, and opponent positioning creates uncertainty. Agree on common terms like "Me," "Yours," "Back," "Go," and "Wait."

Four-Week Practical Development Plan

Simple measurement card

·        Number of double faults per match

·        Number of short lobs

·        Points lost in the middle due to miscommunication

·        Unbalanced full-power shot errors

·        Rushing a shot before it hits the glass

·        Number of matches where you completed the warm-up fully

Track only one or two metrics in each match. Trying to correct too much data at once can overwhelm your game with mental load.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the biggest padel mistake beginners make?

It is usually seeking power before establishing control. This error magnifies issues with positioning, decision-making, and recovery.

When should I learn to use the glass?

As early as possible. Back glass defense is as valuable at the beginner level as a basic forehand and backhand.

How close should I stand at the net?

There is no single fixed distance. While applying pressure with volleys, you must leave enough space to retreat for a good lob.

Should the bandeja be hit with power?

The priority is usually maintaining the net position, depth, and a low bounce. Speed can be added when you have the right ball and balance.

Does a warm-up prevent injury entirely?

No. A warm-up helps with preparation; however, load management, strength, technique, sleep, equipment, and health history are also important.

How quickly can I improve?

A player who plays regularly each week and focuses on a single mistake can gain significant control within a few weeks. The speed depends on the individual, the quality of training, and experience.

Conclusion

Rapid improvement in padel often comes not from learning more shots, but from reducing unnecessary errors. Control the ball first, then return to the correct position, talk to your partner, and only speed up when you get an appropriate ball. This way, you can win more points with the same technical skill.

Do not try to fix all ten errors in your next match. Choose a single theme: power control, glass, net distance, recovery, or communication. Small and measurable changes over four weeks can provide more permanent improvement than many randomly played matches.