Many amateur padel players lose points because they position themselves poorly on the court. One of the most common errors is lingering in “no man’s land,” the area between the baseline and the net. This leaves players exposed to both lobs and fast volleys, making it difficult to defend or attack effectively. The key is to commit to either staying back or moving forward decisively, rather than hesitating in between.
Not talking to your partner
Padel is a team sport, and communication is essential. When players don’t talk during points—especially when deciding who should take a shot or how to respond to a lob—mistakes happen. Misunderstandings lead to collisions, missed balls, and lost momentum. Clear, early calls like “mine” or “yours” can make a huge difference in maintaining rhythm and control.
Trying to win every point too fast
Another frequent mistake is rushing to finish points. Players often go for risky winners instead of building the rally and waiting for the right opportunity. This impatience leads to unforced errors and lost games. Learning to stay calm, construct points, and force errors from opponents is a smarter and more effective approach.
Ignoring tactical awareness
Many players focus heavily on technique but overlook tactics. Knowing when to lob, when to switch sides, and how to exploit an opponent’s weakness can change the course of a match. Watching professional matches and analyzing shot choices and positioning can help players develop a better strategic mindset.
How to improve your game
Recording matches and reviewing them with a coach or partner can reveal patterns and recurring mistakes. Practicing specific scenarios—like defending lobs or approaching the net—can help players become more confident and tactically sound. Small changes in awareness and positioning often lead to big improvements in results.
