7 Common Padel Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Improvement in padel is as much about eliminating bad habits as it is about developing new skills. Here are the seven most common mistakes and practical solutions.

1. Standing Too Far from the Net

Many players position themselves midway between the service line and the net, leaving a gap that opponents exploit. Solution: get your toes as close to the net as possible when volleying. This cuts off angles and gives opponents less court to aim for.

2. Hitting Too Hard

Power is seductive but counterproductive in padel. The walls return powerful shots back into play, often giving your opponents easy put-aways. Solution: prioritise placement over power. A well-directed shot at 60% pace is more effective than a full-blooded drive into the glass.

3. Neglecting the Lob

Beginners and intermediates chronically underuse the lob. It is the single most effective shot for neutralising a dominant net pair. Solution: if your opponents are at the net and you are under pressure, lob. Every single time.

4. Poor Split Step Timing

The split step — a small hop that puts you in a balanced, ready position — should happen as your opponent strikes the ball. Many players split too early or not at all. Solution: watch the ball and split at the moment of contact.

5. Not Moving with Your Partner

Drifting apart from your partner creates gaps in your court coverage. Solution: imagine a four-metre rope connecting you. Move laterally as a unit, always.

6. Rushing to the Net

Charging the net after a weak approach shot is a recipe for disaster. Solution: only advance to the net behind a strong shot that puts your opponents on the defensive — a deep return, a well-placed chiquita or an aggressive drive.

7. Ignoring the Back Wall

Many beginners panic when the ball heads for the back wall and try to intercept it too early. Solution: let the ball hit the wall, read the bounce, set your feet and play a controlled shot. The wall is your friend, not your enemy.