New to Padel? Focus on This First

So, you’re new to padel. No clue what a bandeja is. Maybe you’ve played a bit of tennis. Maybe you haven’t.

The good news?

Padel is one of the most beginner-friendly sports that exists. It’s fun from day one. Easy to pick-up and hard to put down. You don’t need to be a pro to enjoy it. But like anything new, there’s a learning curve - and a few smart things to focus on early can make the difference between loving it… and losing every point wondering what went wrong.

Here’s what to dial in on when you’re just starting out.

Positioning beats power

If you only take one thing away from this, let it be this: where you stand matters more than how hard you hit. Most beginners drift too far back, often standing just in front of the back glass like it’s a comfort zone. But that’s actually the hardest place to defend from. The ideal spot? Just behind the T-line—far enough to step into a volley, but close enough to cover a lob. Holding that central ground gives you options, and in padel, options win points.

Let the ball come to you

This one feels wrong until it feels right. You don’t always need to rush forward to hit the ball before it hits the glass. In fact, some of the best shots in padel come after the bounce and rebound. Give the ball a second. Let it come off the wall. Padel is built for people who can slow the moment down and stay relaxed. It’s less about diving at the ball, more about choosing the right moment.

Master the soft game

Everyone wants to hit a winner. But padel rewards the players who can slow it down and place the ball with intention. Learn to reset the point. Learn to hit soft, low balls that land near the glass or pull your opponent out of position. Those are the shots that frustrate and force errors. Smashing every ball should not be the main objective every time. Control the tempo and you control the point.

Own the net

Most points in padel are won at the net. If you and your partner can get up there and hold that position, you’re going to win a lot more rallies. Why? Because from the net, you control the angles, put pressure on your opponents, and cut off their time to react. But the key isn’t just rushing up - it’s knowing when to move forward together, how to defend a lob, and how to keep the volley low. The sooner you get comfortable at the net, the faster you’ll improve.

Bonus tip: Play with better players

It might feel a bit intimidating at first, but this is by far the fastest way to improve. You’ll see what good positioning looks like. You’ll hear how they communicate. You’ll realise how often they play the boring shot instead of going for glory. And they’ll usually be happy to give a tip or two. One match with experienced players is worth ten with beginners (didn't do the math on this one but it makes sense somehow). It’s uncomfortable, but it works.

The long and the short of it

Padel can look chaotic at first. Glass walls. Strange bounces. Doubles tactics. But the more you play, the more it starts to click. You’ll figure out when to come forward, when to wait, and when to just stay out of your partner’s way. It’s a sport that rewards patience, awareness, and time on court.

You don’t need fancy shots or flashy gear to start. Just curiosity and a bit of consistency. The rest comes faster than you think.

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