Last Saturday at my local club in Guildford, I watched a group of new players take to the padel court for the first time. Within minutes, balls ricocheted off the glass in all directions, serves thudded into the net, and more than one player tried to smash a tennis-style winner only to see it rebound awkwardly. It was a classic display of padel beginner mistakes—a scene repeated at clubs across the UK every weekend. If you’re just starting out, understanding these pitfalls will help you avoid frustration, enjoy longer rallies, and fit right in with the British padel community.
In This Article
- Common Padel Positioning Mistakes
- Misusing the Glass: A Unique Padel Challenge
- Overhitting and Power Problems
- Serving Errors and Rule Misunderstandings
- Silent Partner Play: Communication Breakdown
- Wrong Footwear and Grip Choices
- Bringing Tennis Habits to the Padel Court
- Smart Kit Choices for Beginners
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Bottom Line
Common Padel Positioning Mistakes
Padel is a game where anticipation and movement trump brute force. Yet, many newcomers treat it like tennis or squash, positioning themselves in ways that leave them exposed. Let’s break down the most frequent padel beginner mistakes around court positioning, with practical fixes you can use in your next match.
Clinging to the Baseline
A typical error is staying glued to the baseline after returning serve. In padel, this is a defensive trap: you’ll spend most of your time lunging for lobs or awkwardly playing balls off the back glass. This mistake is especially common among players used to tennis, where baseline rallies are the norm.
UK Example: At venues like Stratford Padel Club in London, coaches often see new players hugging the back line, missing out on chances to take control at the net.
Fix: After returning serve, move forward as a pair to take up a position just behind the service line. This allows you to intercept volleys and apply pressure, while still being able to retreat for lobs.
Rushing the Net Prematurely
On the flip side, some beginners bolt straight to the net after every shot, leaving huge gaps behind. Experienced opponents will exploit this with simple lobs, forcing you into a scramble.
Edge Case: If you charge forward on a slow return, you’ll often get caught out by a well-placed lob, especially on windy outdoor courts common in the UK.
Fix: Only approach the net when you’ve hit a deep, controlled shot or when your partner is in position to cover. Move up together, not independently.
Disjointed Doubles Movement
Padel is always played in pairs. Many beginners move independently, leaving gaps down the middle or both covering the same side. This is a frequent issue in club social sessions where players swap partners regularly.
Practical Check: After each point, ask yourself—did we move as a unit, or did we leave space in the centre?
Fix: Communicate before each point about who covers which balls. Shadow the movement of your partner, keeping the gap between you small (ideally no more than two racket lengths).
Tip: Watch experienced pairs at your local club. Notice how they glide side-to-side together, rarely leaving open space.
For more on mastering net play, see How to Improve Your Padel Volley: Technique & Drills.
Misusing the Glass: A Unique Padel Challenge
The glass walls are what set padel apart, but they’re also the source of endless confusion for new players. Many padel beginner mistakes stem from misunderstanding how to use the glass to your advantage.
Avoiding the Glass Out of Fear
Many beginners panic when a ball heads towards the back glass, either trying to volley it before it bounces or simply giving up on the point. This is especially common in the early weeks, and it’s a habit that can be hard to break.
UK Example: At Manchester Padel Club, coaches run beginner clinics where players are encouraged to “let it hit the glass”—yet half the group instinctively lunges for the ball.
Fix: Trust the bounce. Let the ball hit the glass, then play your shot. This gives you more time to react and often puts you in a better position.
Standing Too Close to the Wall
Some players, in an effort to use the glass, end up pressed right against it. This leaves no space to swing and makes you vulnerable to awkward bounces.
Practical Check: If you find yourself bumping into the wall or with your racket jammed behind you, you’re too close.
Fix: Stand about one to two metres from the back glass. Be ready to shuffle back as the ball comes, then move forward to play your shot after the rebound.
Ignoring the Side Glass
Beginners often forget that the side glass can be used for defensive shots, especially on wide balls. This is a missed opportunity to extend rallies and frustrate opponents.
Edge Case: On outdoor courts exposed to wind (like those in Brighton or Bristol), the side glass can be your friend when balls drift wide.
Fix: Practise letting the ball hit the side glass, then play your return. This is especially useful when you’re stretched wide and can’t reach the ball before the bounce.
Drills for Glass Confidence
- Rally with a partner, intentionally letting every ball bounce off the back glass before playing your shot.
- Practise defensive lobs and wide balls, using both the back and side glass to keep the rally alive.
For the official rules on glass usage, see the LTA’s padel rules.
Overhitting and Power Problems
Padel rewards control and tactical placement far more than raw power. Yet, many beginners—especially those with a tennis or squash background—fall into the trap of overhitting.
Smashing Everything
The temptation to smash every high ball is strong, but this is rarely effective in padel. The court is smaller, and the glass means your smash often rebounds straight to your opponent.
UK Example: At Edinburgh Sports Club, coaches see tennis converts trying to “put away” smashes from behind the service line, only to watch the ball bounce back off the glass for an easy winner by the opposition.
Fix: Only attempt smashes when you’re close to the net and the ball is high. Otherwise, use a controlled overhead (like a bandeja) to keep your opponents pinned back.
Blasting from the Baseline
Another common mistake is hitting groundstrokes as hard as possible from the baseline. With the padel racket’s smaller sweet spot and less power, this leads to errors and lost points.
Practical Check: If more than half your baseline shots are hitting the fence or flying long, you’re overhitting.
Fix: Focus on consistency and placement. Aim to keep the ball low and deep, making it hard for opponents to attack.
Underestimating the Value of Soft Shots
Padel is as much about touch as it is about power. Beginners often neglect soft volleys, drop shots, and lobs, missing out on easy points.
Edge Case: On cold, damp UK mornings, balls travel slower—making soft shots even more effective.
Fix: Practise soft volleys and gentle lobs. Watch experienced players and count how often they use drop shots to disrupt rhythm.
Tip: Try the “three-ball rule” in practice—aim to keep every rally going for at least three shots before attacking.
Serving Errors and Rule Misunderstandings
Serving in padel is less intimidating than in tennis, but there are still key rules and techniques to master. Many padel beginner mistakes stem from serving errors that cost easy points.
Illegal Serve Technique
Padel serves must be underhand, with the ball struck below waist height. Overarm or sidearm serves are not allowed and will be called as faults in any UK club match.
UK Example: At Nottingham Padel Centre, club nights often see new players default to a tennis-style serve, leading to confusion and lost points.
Fix: Practise a relaxed, underhand serve. Drop the ball, let it bounce, and strike it with a smooth, low-to-high motion.
Foot Faults
Stepping on or over the service line before hitting the ball is a common beginner error. Both feet must remain behind the line until you make contact.
Practical Check: If you’re unsure, ask a partner to watch your feet during practice serves.
Forgetting the Bounce
The ball must be bounced behind the service line before you hit it. Skipping this step is a frequent mistake among those new to the game.
Fix: Build a pre-serve routine: position, bounce, strike.
Serving Too Hard or Soft
Beginners often try to “win” the point with a powerful serve, only to see it hit the glass or fly long. Conversely, some serve too softly, giving opponents an easy attack.
Edge Case: On fast indoor courts (like those at Padel4All Swindon), hard serves can rebound quickly off the back glass, making placement even more important.
Fix: Focus on accuracy. Aim for the “T” or wide angles, and adjust your power to the court conditions.
For a full breakdown of serving rules and tips, consult the LTA beginner padel guide.
Silent Partner Play: Communication Breakdown
Padel is a team sport, and good communication is essential. Yet, many beginners play in near silence, leading to confusion and lost points.
Not Calling Shots
It’s common for both players to go for the same ball, or worse, both leave it thinking the other will take it. This is especially true on lobs and balls down the middle.
UK Example: At club socials in Leeds, you’ll often hear frustrated shouts of “Yours!” after the ball has already bounced between two silent partners.
Fix: Call “mine” or “yours” on every shot, even if it feels awkward at first. The more you communicate, the smoother your teamwork will become.
No Pre-Point Planning
Beginners rarely discuss tactics before a point, leading to confusion about who covers lobs, the middle, or the net.
Practical Check: Before each serve or return, quickly agree who will cover what. This takes seconds but prevents chaos.
Failing to Encourage Each Other
Silence after mistakes can sap morale. Encouragement boosts confidence and helps you reset after errors.
Fix: Offer positive feedback after good points and supportive words after mistakes. Phrases like “Nice try” or “Let’s get the next one” go a long way.
Building Effective Teamwork
- Play regularly with the same partner to develop chemistry.
- Watch doubles matches (many are streamed free by UK clubs) to study how top pairs communicate.
Wrong Footwear and Grip Choices
Turning up in the wrong shoes or with an unsuitable racket can set you back before you even hit a ball. Many padel beginner mistakes are rooted in kit choices.
Footwear: Safety and Performance
Padel is played on synthetic turf with sand infill, which is slippery compared to a tennis or gym court. Running shoes or trainers lack the grip and lateral support needed, increasing the risk of slips and twisted ankles.
UK Example: Injuries at clubs like Rocks Lane Padel in London often occur when new players wear standard trainers.
Fix: Invest in padel-specific shoes, which start at around £50 at UK retailers like Padel Shack or Decathlon. Look for herringbone (zig-zag) soles for optimal grip.
Practical Check: If your shoes leave you sliding or your ankles feel unsupported, it’s time to upgrade.
For more on kit essentials, see How to Choose Padel Socks.
Racket Grip Errors
New players often grip the racket too tightly, leading to stiff shots, wrist pain, and poor control. Others use a tennis-style grip, which doesn’t suit padel’s unique demands.
Fix: Use a continental grip—hold the racket as if shaking hands. Keep your grip relaxed, not tense, and adjust as needed for different shots.
Edge Case: On humid UK days, overgrips can help prevent slipping. Replace grips regularly for comfort and control.
Racket Choices for Starters
Borrowing a friend’s advanced racket may be tempting, but rackets with small sweet spots or heavy weight make life harder for beginners.
UK Retailers: Decathlon, Padel Corner, and Pro Direct Padel offer a range of beginner rackets (£50–£80) with larger sweet spots and forgiving materials.
Fix: Choose a round or teardrop-shaped racket with a medium-soft feel.
Bringing Tennis Habits to the Padel Court
Many British padel beginners arrive with a tennis background. While some skills transfer, others can lead to persistent padel beginner mistakes.
Relying on Topspin Forehands
Padel rackets and balls don’t reward heavy topspin. Tennis-style forehands often result in mishits or balls flying long.
Fix: Focus on flat or slightly sliced shots. Practise keeping your racket face open and brushing under the ball for control, not spin.
Overhead Smashes as a Default
Tennis players love the overhead smash, but in padel, a flat or sliced smash is more effective. The smaller court and presence of the glass mean flat smashes often bounce back to your opponents.
UK Example: At club tournaments in Birmingham, tennis converts are often surprised when their “winning” smash rebounds off the glass for an easy counter.
Fix: Learn the bandeja—a controlled overhead shot that keeps opponents back and gives you time to recover your position.
Double-Handed Backhands
While legal, double-handed backhands are less common in padel due to the need for quick reactions and the shorter handle.
Fix: Practise single-handed backhands for greater reach and flexibility at the net.
Tennis-Style Serves
Trying to serve with a tennis motion is both illegal and ineffective in padel. Underhand serves are the norm.
Fix: Watch padel-specific serve tutorials and practise the correct motion until it feels natural.
Court Movement Differences
Tennis players often move in straight lines; padel requires more lateral movement and quick pivots, especially when using the glass.
Practical Check: If you find yourself out of position after every point, focus on shuffling sideways and staying balanced.
Smart Kit Choices for Beginners
While padel doesn’t require a huge investment in kit, avoiding certain equipment mistakes will help you play safely and comfortably from the start.
Avoiding Kit-Related Beginner Mistakes
- Footwear: Always wear padel-specific shoes with herringbone soles for grip and ankle support. Standard trainers or running shoes increase your risk of slipping and injury.
- Grip: Use a relaxed, continental grip and replace overgrips regularly to prevent slipping, especially in humid or wet conditions.
- Racket: Choose a beginner-friendly racket with a large sweet spot and medium-soft feel. Avoid advanced or heavy rackets that are harder to control.
For more on choosing a suitable bag, see How to Choose a Padel Bag. For sock advice, visit How to Choose Padel Socks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common padel beginner mistakes to avoid? The main errors include poor court positioning (staying at the baseline), not using the glass, overhitting, serving incorrectly, and failing to communicate with your partner. Kit mistakes—such as wearing the wrong shoes or gripping the racket too tightly—are also widespread.
Can I use my tennis racket and shoes for padel? No. Tennis rackets are not permitted, and tennis shoes may not provide the right grip for sanded padel courts. Use a padel-specific racket and shoes with herringbone soles for both safety and better control.
How does the glass work in padel? The ball can rebound off the glass walls after hitting the ground, and you can play the ball after it bounces. Learning to use the glass gives you more time and can turn defence into attack. For full details, consult the LTA’s padel rules.
What is the correct serve technique in padel? Padel serves must be underhand, struck below waist height, and the ball must bounce before you hit it. Both feet must stay behind the service line until contact. See the LTA beginner padel guide for a full breakdown.
How do I improve my volley in padel? Practise soft, controlled volleys near the net, focusing on placement rather than power. For detailed tips and drills, visit How to Improve Your Padel Volley: Technique & Drills.
Bottom Line
Padel is a social, fast-paced sport that rewards smart play, teamwork, and adaptability. By recognising and correcting common padel beginner mistakes—from poor positioning and misusing the glass to kit blunders and silent play—you’ll accelerate your progress and enjoyment on court. Focus on the unique aspects of padel: use the glass to your advantage, move as a unit with your partner, and communicate clearly. Don’t hesitate to ask club regulars for advice or join a beginner clinic—most UK clubs are welcoming and eager to help newcomers. Equip yourself with the right shoes, socks, and racket, and you’ll reduce your risk of injury and boost your confidence. With patience, practice, and a willingness to learn, you’ll soon be rallying confidently and making the most of every session. Play at your local leisure centre, join a beginner clinic, or enter a first club tournament with the same aim: avoid the obvious beginner mistakes and you’ll fit in, have fun, and improve faster.