10 Common Padel Beginner Mistakes And How To Fix Them Fast
Padel is welcoming in a way that few sports are. New players can step on court quickly, rally almost immediately, and feel part of the game from the first session. That accessibility is part of what makes padel so appealing. At the same time, padel introduces elements that are unfamiliar to most beginners. The glass walls, shared court movement, and doubles rhythm take time to understand.
Padel United Sports Club is based in Bergen County, and we see these same beginner patterns every day, both from local players and from people coming in from the Upper West Side who are just getting started with padel. Regardless of background or athletic experience, beginners tend to struggle with the same things early on. The good news is that these challenges are predictable and very teachable.
1. Overhitting The Ball
Many beginners step onto a padel court believing that power is the safest way to play. When rallies feel fast and unfamiliar, swinging harder feels like a way to take control of the point. This instinct is completely natural, especially for players coming from other racket sports.
In padel, that instinct often creates the opposite effect. Because the court is enclosed, harder shots rebound faster off the glass or leave the court entirely. Beginners then feel rushed, late, and out of position, not realizing that the speed they are struggling with is often self-created.
As beginners begin to slow their swing, rallies last longer and movement becomes more deliberate. At Padel United Sports Club, we see beginners progress faster when they pair controlled play with recovery and conditioning. Our on site gym and fitness center support gradual strength development without overload, helping new players build confidence and consistency while staying comfortable between sessions.
How To Fix It
Focus on smooth, relaxed swings and aim for depth rather than speed. Think about where the ball lands instead of how hard it is hit.
2. Ignoring The Walls
The glass walls are one of the most distinctive parts of padel and one of the biggest sources of confusion for beginners. Many players rush forward when the ball hits the glass because they are unsure what will happen next.
The wall actually creates time. Once beginners trust the rebound, the court feels calmer and more manageable. Movement becomes smoother and less reactive.
At Padel United Sports Club, we often see beginners benefit from combining wall learning with recovery afterward. Our on site sauna helps relax muscles as players adapt to unfamiliar footwork and turning patterns that come with learning to use the glass.
How To Fix It
Allow the ball to hit the glass, watch the rebound, and move into position before hitting.
3. Standing In The Wrong Place
Positioning is rarely intuitive for beginners. Many drift too close to the net or retreat too far back because they are unsure where they belong on the court.
Padel positioning works best when both players move together. When beginners learn where to stand, the game feels easier and far less tiring.
At Padel United Sports Club, beginners often use our pool and recovery areas after play to stretch and cool down. This helps reinforce balanced movement and makes it easier to retain what they learn on court.
How To Fix It
Defend just behind the service line and move forward with your partner when attacking.
4. Forgetting To Use The Lob
Many beginners are unsure what a lob is or why it matters. A lob is a high shot hit over opponents that lands deep in the court, pushing them away from the net.
The lob creates space and resets the rally. Without it, beginners remain under constant pressure.
At Padel United Sports Club, we often encourage beginners to practice lobs during lessons, then recover afterward using our hot plunge and pool, which help muscles relax after longer rallies and repeated overhead movements.
How To Fix It
Aim high and deep when opponents are close to the net. Space matters more than precision.
5. Rushing Points
Rushing points is a common response to feeling overwhelmed. Beginners feel pressure to end rallies quickly, leading to unnecessary errors.
Padel rewards patience. Slowing the game allows players to read the court and choose better shots.
At Padel United Sports Club, beginners often find that pairing patient play with time in our cold plunge and sauna helps reset both body and mind, making it easier to approach the next session calmly and confidently.
How To Fix It
Slow your breathing and focus on building the point instead of finishing it quickly.
6. Poor Communication With A Partner
Many beginners hesitate to communicate because they are unsure what to say or when to speak.
Clear communication builds trust and makes the game feel more social and relaxed.
After play, beginners at Padel United Sports Club often unwind together in our wellness areas, which reinforces the social side of padel and helps players feel more comfortable communicating on court as well.
How To Fix It
Use simple calls early and communicate movement clearly.
7. Forgetting The Ready Position
Standing upright between shots delays reaction time and makes padel feel rushed.
The ready position keeps players alert and prepared.
At Padel United Sports Club, we often see beginners benefit from post play stretching using our on site fitness and recovery spaces, which help reinforce posture and body awareness learned on court.
How To Fix It
Stay low, keep the racket in front, and remain alert.
8. Trying To Cover Too Much Court Alone
Beginners often feel responsible for every ball, which leads to fatigue and poor positioning.
Padel is a shared space. Trusting a partner reduces physical effort and improves balance.
Recovery at Padel United Sports Club, including access to our pool and sauna, helps beginners stay fresh as they learn to move together instead of overreaching.
How To Fix It
Hold your position and move in sync with your partner.
9. Using The Wrong Grip Or Racket
Slippery grips and poorly balanced rackets make learning harder and increase fatigue.
At Padel United Sports Club, beginners often notice immediate improvement once equipment feels comfortable, especially when paired with recovery using our on site wellness facilities, which help hands, arms, and shoulders recover between sessions.
How To Fix It
Use a fresh grip and a control focused racket that feels balanced.
10. Letting Frustration Take Over
Many beginners are surprised by how emotional padel can feel. Missed shots and unexpected rebounds can build frustration quickly.
Padel has a learning curve, and emotional adjustment is part of it. At Padel United Sports Club, beginners often use our cold plunge, sauna, and recovery spaces to reset after play. This physical reset supports a calmer mindset and helps players return to the court with confidence and enjoyment.
How To Fix It
Accept mistakes as part of learning and focus on steady progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to feel comfortable playing padel?
A: Most beginners start to feel more comfortable after a few sessions. Early discomfort usually comes from unfamiliar elements like the glass walls, shared court movement, and doubles positioning. As those fundamentals begin to feel more natural, the game slows down mentally and physically, making rallies easier to manage.
Q: Do I need experience in tennis or another racket sport to play padel?
A: No prior racket sport experience is required to enjoy padel. While some skills may transfer, many padel fundamentals are unique. Beginners without a tennis background often adapt just as quickly because they learn padel specific movement and strategy from the start.
Q: What is a lob, and why is it so important in padel?
A: A lob is a high shot hit over opponents that lands deep in the court. For beginners, it is one of the most valuable shots to learn because it creates space and relieves pressure. The lob allows players to reset a rally, regain positioning, and slow the pace of the game when opponents are close to the net.
Q: Is padel physically demanding for beginners?
A: Padel involves steady movement rather than constant sprinting, which makes it approachable for many fitness levels. Beginners may feel muscles working in new ways due to turning, side steps, and wall play. At Padel United Sports Club, access to our on site wellness facilities helps beginners recover comfortably as their bodies adapt.
Q: Are beginner classes worth taking?
A: Beginner classes help players understand positioning, shot selection, and movement much faster than learning only through match play. Structured instruction reduces confusion and builds confidence early. At Padel United Sports Club, beginner classes are designed to support players both on court and through recovery afterward.
Q: How important is communication in padel doubles?
A: Communication is essential in padel because the court is shared with a partner. Simple calls and movement cues prevent hesitation and make the game feel smoother. Beginners who communicate early often feel more relaxed and connected during play.
Q: How often should beginners play padel each week?
A: Many beginners enjoy playing two to three times per week. This provides enough repetition to improve while still allowing time for recovery. Using the cold plunge, sauna, pool, and fitness areas at Padel United Sports Club helps beginners stay consistent without feeling worn down.
Building Comfort On And Off The Court
Learning padel is not just about technique. Comfort grows when movement feels natural, confidence builds steadily, and recovery supports progress. Beginner classes at Padel United Sports Club combine clear instruction with access to our on site wellness facilities, allowing new players to learn, recover, and enjoy the process fully.
Being based in Bergen County allows us to support a wide range of new players, including those coming from the Upper West Side. No matter where players start, padel becomes more enjoyable when fundamentals are understood and wellness is part of the routine.
When the court feels familiar and the body feels supported, padel becomes something people look forward to returning to again and again.
