Once you can hit the ball a little, padel is about smart play. These seven tips are about tactics and positioning — not the strokes themselves. You'll find those in padel technique for beginners; never played? Read your first time playing padel first.
Take the net
At the net you win most points. Get there together when you can and hold the position; from the net you force errors.
Move as a pair
Both up or both back, never one up and one back. Slide together and cover the middle — most balls come through there.
Play safe and deep
Don't go for winners too early. Most points come from the opponents' mistakes; a deep, safe ball puts them under pressure.
Use the lob
The lob is your key tactical weapon: play it over the opponents to push them back and take the net yourself.
Aim for the middle and the feet
A ball through the middle sows doubt about who takes it; a ball at the feet is hard to return.
Use your own walls
Don't panic at a ball toward the glass. Let it bounce and come off your back wall — the wall buys you time to return calmly.
Stay patient
The calmer pair usually wins the long rally. Keep the ball in play and wait for the ball you can really finish.
From the court: the biggest gain isn't hitting harder but position. Pairs that move to the net together and cover the middle beat pairs that hang back almost automatically.
Common tactical mistakes
- Going for the winner too early instead of building patiently.
- Both staying back — then you give away the net.
- Leaving the middle open by drifting apart.
- Forgetting the lob — your best way to take over the net.
Reliable sources
Want to see tactics in action? Watch the free lessons from The Padel School. Prefer to spar against your own level? Via Playtomic you find balanced matches — ideal for putting these tips into practice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest beginner mistake?
Trying to hit too hard. Control, placement and patience win far more points.
How do you win points in padel?
Usually from the opponents' mistakes: play safe and deep, take the net and wait for the ball you can finish.
Should you always go to the net?
The net is the best spot, but get there together and at the right moment — often after a good lob.
How do you play with a stronger or weaker partner?
Keep moving as a pair and communicate. Play safe, cover the middle together, and let the more confident player take the fifty-fifty balls.