One of the most common mistakes padel players make is poor court positioning. Sandy, founder of The Padel School, explains that many recreational players get stuck in the zone just in front of the service line, often referred to as “no man’s land.” From this area, players are too far forward to defend effectively and too far back to dominate at the net. Sandy advises players to commit either to the back court, a step behind the service line, or to the front court near the net post. This ensures volleys and smashes can be played with greater control and impact.
Being ready for every ball
The second mistake is late preparation. Sandy emphasizes the importance of being alert and in an athletic stance, with the racket positioned correctly depending on whether you are at the back or front of the court. “The most important thing is that you are alert and expecting the ball to come to you,” he explains. Too often, players become ball watchers when the shot goes to their partner, leaving them unprepared for the next play. Staying on your toes and anticipating every ball is key to maintaining consistency.
Choosing the right shot
Shot selection is the third major issue holding players back. Sandy and his coaching team often see players attempting aggressive smashes from deep positions or forcing volleys when the ball is low over the net. These choices open gaps on the court and make defending harder for their partners. A smarter approach is to adapt the shot to the situation, using softer options like the bandeja when deep in the court and directing overheads to safer areas rather than down the line.
Training smarter to improve
Sandy recommends breaking down practice sessions to focus on each of these areas individually. One set can be dedicated to maintaining proper court position, another to staying alert and ready, and a third to making better shot choices. By isolating these skills, players can gradually combine them into a more complete game.
Learning from the professionals
Watching professional padel players is another way to understand how these fundamentals are applied at the highest level. Sandy points to Delfi Brea and Gemma Triay as examples of players who consistently demonstrate strong positioning, readiness, and intelligent shot selection. Bea González is highlighted for her energy and constant movement, showing the difference between professional and club-level play.
Raising your level
After analyzing thousands of players, Sandy concludes that fixing these three mistakes is the fastest way to improve. By mastering court position, preparation, and shot selection, recreational players can elevate their game and break through plateaus in performance.
I can also create a step-by-step training plan based on these three areas if you’d like to see how to structure practice sessions effectively.
