Top 5 tips for tennis players moving to padel

1. Master the Continental Grip Early On
You're probably used to the forehand grip to generate topspin, but in padel, the continental grip (similar to holding a hammer) is your best friend. This grip is versatile for all shots, helping you maintain control and precision.

2. Prioritise Flat Shots Over Topspin
In tennis, topspin helps keep the ball in play, but in padel, it can cause the ball to bounce high off the back wall, giving your opponents an easy return. Instead, work on hitting flat shots.

3. Simplify Your Stroke Technique
Tennis players often rely on big, powerful swings with lots of wrist action (you're probably thinking of the Roger Federer aren't you). In padel, it's all about control and precision. Think of "pushing" the ball rather than hitting it with a big swing. A compact motion with minimal wrist action will give you better consistency and control, especially when you're transitioning from the baseline to the net.

4. You win points at the Net
Unlike tennis, where powerful baseline shots can win you points, padel is all about dominating the net. Your strategy should revolve around getting to the net quickly and maintaining pressure on your opponents from there. Practice your lobs and chiquitas (No this is not a type of tequila. It's a soft shot aimed at your opponents' feet) to help you reclaim the net when you're forced to the baseline.

5. Embrace the Walls
One of the biggest adjustments for tennis players is learning to use the walls in padel. Instead of blocking every shot before it reaches the back wall, let the ball bounce off the wall and play it on the rebound. This technique takes practice but will significantly improve your defensive game and open up new strategic possibilities.

If you think we are missing any useful tips or tricks, leave us a suggestion in the comments below.

Cheers,

The NS team