In short
- Whoever makes fewer mistakes wins: prioritise consistency over power.
- The lob and the net are the two pillars of padel.
- Communicate with your partner and move together.
- A racket suited to your level speeds up your progress.
Improving at padel doesn't just depend on playing more matches. It depends on playing better: with more thought, better technique and the right gear. These are the keys that make the most difference on court.
Technical
- Prepare the shot earlier. Racket back as soon as you know where the ball is coming.
- Hit in front of your body. You gain control and precision.
- Master the lob. It is the shot that wins you back the net. Practise it until it comes naturally.
- Learn to play off the wall. Let the ball bounce and wait; don't rush.
- Bandeja before the smash. The bandeja keeps you at the net; smash only when the point is clearly yours.
Tactics
- Play down the middle. It creates doubt between your opponents and reduces your errors.
- Move in parallel with your partner. Go up and back together.
- Communicate. «Mine», «yours», «going»: avoid collisions and balls nobody takes.
- Target the weaker opponent at the important moments.
Fitness and gear
- Work your legs and core. Padel is played with your legs: bend and move.
- Warm up and stretch. Shoulder, elbow and calves are the areas that suffer most.
- Use a racket suited to your level. A racket that is too demanding slows your progress; one that is too basic does too. Check our guide to choosing a racket.
Versatile rackets to help you progress
Learn from the best
Watching the pros play is one of the best ways to learn. Notice the patience of Fede Chingotto, the creativity of Agustín Tapia or the power of Arturo Coello, and check out their gear on their pages.
The racket to step up
Rackets balanced between control and power for players who want to progress.
FAQs
What is the most important shot in padel?
The lob. It lets you go from defending to attacking and win back the net, which is where most points are won.
How many times a week should you play to improve?
With 2–3 sessions a week, one of them a lesson or training session, improvement is fast and steady.
