7 padel tips for beginners

Picture the scene: you’re a beginner padel player, teamed up with another first-timer. Across the net stand two players with a solid Playtomic score of 4.0 — confident, experienced, and already moving in sync. The game hasn’t even started, and it feels like you’re on the back foot.

This is a situation many new padel players face. The good news is that padel isn’t just about smashing powerful shots. With the right tactics, smart positioning, and a focus on teamwork, beginners can hold their own against more experienced opponents.

That’s why we’ve put together seven beginner-friendly padel tips to help you settle into the game, avoid common mistakes, and build confidence on court. Whether you’re playing your very first match at Powerleague or looking to sharpen your doubles strategy, these tactics will give you a solid foundation to improve quickly and enjoy the game more.

Two people are seen entering a fenced padel court marked

Tip 1: Master your positioning on court

One of the most important padel tactics for beginners is learning where to stand. Good positioning makes rallies easier to control and helps you and your partner cover the court effectively.

As a rule, avoid standing too close to the back wall or too far forward near the net unless you’ve moved up together. The safest starting spot is just behind the service line, with both partners side by side. From here, you can step forward to attack or move back to defend, without leaving big gaps.

Padel is a doubles game, so your movements should mirror your partner’s. Stay connected, the middle of the court should be your priority. A study in an issue of ‘Human Performance and Health in Sports and Exercise’ showed that over 40% of total points are won in the middle of the court. Get your positioning right, and you’ll already feel more in control of every rally.

Tip 2: Focus on consistency over power

It’s tempting to go for the spectacular winner, but in padel, consistency beats power almost every time. Outside of the professional level, rallies are often decided by unforced errors rather than winning shots.

Keep the ball in play, aim for controlled strokes, and wait for your opponents to make the mistake. By avoiding risky smashes early in the rally, you’ll frustrate the opposition team and give yourself more chances to win points. Despite the frantic nature of padel, it’s a sport that relies on control at its core.

woman holding racket during a padel match.

Tip 3: Use the walls to your advantage

One of the features that makes padel unique is the use of walls, yet beginners go one of two ways, they either OVERUSE them, or they don’t use them at all. Instead of panicking when the ball bounces off the glass, use it to your benefit.

Letting the ball rebound off the wall buys you valuable extra time to prepare your shot and often creates new attacking angles your opponents won’t expect. Once you become comfortable with the walls, you’ll notice how much calmer and more controlled your rallies feel.

Tip 4: Clear communication with your partner

Padel is a doubles game, and the best pairs don’t just play side by side. Watch the professionals – they’re constantly moving, talking, and directing each other around the court. The proclaimed ‘greatest padel point of all time’ is a perfect example of this

Call your shots with simple words like “mine” or “yours”, and make sure you move in sync to cover the court without leaving open spaces. The more connected you are with your partner, the harder it is for opponents to break you down. In padel, good teamwork often beats individual skill.

This communication also brings out the social side of padel, not just the competitive side!

Tip 5: Play smart lobs to reset rallies

The lob is one of the most valuable shots in padel, especially for beginners. When you’re under pressure at the baseline, a well-timed lob pushes your opponents back and gives you the chance to take control of the net.

The key is height, a flat lob is an easy smash for your rivals, but a high, looping one forces them to retreat and often makes them play defensively. Use lobs not just as a defensive escape but as a tactical reset, the perfect way to counter attack.

Three men on a blue-court padel court are engaging in a light-hearted moment. Two of them, in dark athletic wear, smile and extend hands toward a third player in an orange shirt. They stand near the net with modern city buildings in the background. © Powerleague

Tip 6: Take control of the net

If there’s one golden rule in padel, it’s this: the team that controls the net usually controls the match. Moving forward together and holding your position at the net puts constant pressure on your opponents, limiting their options and forcing them into mistakes.

You don’t need spectacular volleys or smashes to dominate. Simple, controlled volleys played with good positioning are more effective than wild shots from the baseline. Think of the net as the winning zone, the earlier you learn to claim it, the quicker your game will improve.

Tip 7: Learn the basics of serve and return

Serving in padel isn’t about power; it’s about precision. A consistent serve that stays low and controlled is far more effective than one that’s fast but erratic. Focus on getting the ball in play every time, mixing up depth and direction to keep your opponents guessing. The majority of padel points are won by winning service games, just like tennis!

On the return, your job is to neutralise the serve and set up the rally. Aim for low, controlled shots that stop your opponents rushing the net too quickly. By keeping it simple and accurate on both serve and return, you’ll start every point with a strong foundation.

Put these tips into practice!

The best way to put these tips into practice is by playing regularly. Find your nearest Powerleague padel court, grab a partner, and start applying what you’ve learned. With every game, you’ll sharpen your skills, enjoy the social side of the sport, and take your padel to the next level.