Padel is famously easy to pick up — but that doesn't mean there aren't a few habits worth ironing out early. We asked our coaches across VDP clubs for the mistakes they see most often from first-timers, and the quick fixes that make the biggest difference.
1. Standing too far back
New players often default to a tennis mindset and hang around the back wall. In padel, the net is where most points are won — get comfortable moving forward and taking the ball out of the air whenever you can.
2. Swinging too hard
Padel rewards control and placement far more than power. A shorter, more controlled swing gives you better accuracy and lets you use the walls properly, rather than smashing the ball out of the court.
3. Ignoring the walls
The glass isn't just there to stop the ball flying into the car park — it's part of the game. Learning to read how the ball comes off the back and side walls opens up shots that simply don't exist in tennis or squash.
4. Not communicating with your partner
Padel is a doubles sport through and through. Simple calls like "mine," "yours," or "leave it" prevent the awkward middle-of-the-court collisions every beginner pair experiences at least once.
5. Gripping the racket too tightly
A tense grip reduces feel and control, especially on volleys. Relax your hand slightly — you'll find your touch shots improve almost immediately.
None of these take long to fix, and every coach at VDP is used to working through them in a first session. If you're just starting out, our beginner clinics are a great low-pressure way to get comfortable with the basics before jumping into open play.
