🎾 Introduction: Training Hard ≠ Training Smart
In padel, effort alone won’t make you better. Most players hit the court, rally for hours, play points—and still wonder why they plateau. The truth? They’re training inefficiently.
Whether you’re a beginner or intermediate, these 10 common mistakes are likely slowing your progress. Fix them, and you’ll feel the difference fast.
❌ 1. Hitting Without Purpose
The mistake:
Mindlessly rallying just to get the ball over the net.
Why it hurts:
You don’t develop strategy, control, or shot quality.
Fix it:
Always have a goal per drill—like working on depth, targeting the side glass, or playing at 75% power for control.
❌ 2. Ignoring the Net Game
The mistake:
Staying at the baseline during most training sessions.
Why it hurts:
You miss out on one of padel’s most critical zones: the net.
Fix it:
Dedicate time to volleys, bandejas, viboras, and reflex shots. Net dominance = point control.
❌ 3. Practicing the Bandeja Incorrectly
The mistake:
Hitting smashes instead of practicing the controlled bandeja.
Why it hurts:
Smashes are flashy, but the bandeja is the defensive glue of modern padel.
Fix it:
Work on foot positioning under lobs. Focus on contact point (shoulder-height, open face) and landing position for recovery.
❌ 4. Only Playing Matches
The mistake:
Thinking games alone will improve your game.
Why it hurts:
Matches don’t isolate weaknesses. They repeat bad habits.
Fix it:
Break training into:
• 40% technical drills
• 30% tactical practice
• 30% match play
❌ 5. Not Watching Yourself on Video
The mistake:
Relying only on how you feel during play.
Why it hurts:
Your mind lies—videos don’t. You may think you’re staying low or rotating, but the footage shows the truth.
Fix it:
Use your phone. Record key patterns like your serve, volley positioning, and lob returns.
❌ 6. Skipping Warm-Ups
The mistake:
Jumping into play without activating muscles or joints.
Why it hurts:
Increases risk of injury and slows early-game reaction time.
Fix it:
Use a 5–10 minute dynamic warm-up:
• Jog, side shuffle
• Arm circles, hip openers
• Mini resistance band work for shoulders
❌ 7. Forgetting to Train the Lob
The mistake:
Only lobbing under pressure—or never at all.
Why it hurts:
Lobs are crucial in defense and transitioning to offense.
Fix it:
Practice intentional lobs with:
• Consistency under pressure
• Varying trajectory and spin
• Strategic timing (not just reactive)
❌ 8. Not Recovering After Shots
The mistake:
Standing still after hitting.
Why it hurts:
You’re exposed to fast counter-attacks or misplaced positioning.
Fix it:
Incorporate shot + recovery into drills. Always move into your next ready position. Mirror the pros.
❌ 9. Playing Only with Weaker Partners
The mistake:
Avoiding stronger opponents out of fear or comfort.
Why it hurts:
You stop learning. No challenge = no growth.
Fix it:
Play 1–2 sessions a week with better players. Even if you lose, the learning curve rises.
❌ 10. Using the Wrong Equipment
The mistake:
Choosing a padel racket based on brand or looks alone.
Why it hurts:
Wrong weight, balance, or shape = lost power, poor control, or injuries.
Fix it:
Get evaluated. Or use our Legend Padel Racket Finder » to match your style to the perfect racket—control, hybrid, or power.
🎯 Final Thoughts: Smarter Training = Faster Results
The best players don’t just train more—they train better. Fixing these 10 mistakes can unlock your next level faster than any lesson or gear upgrade.
🎁 Want to level up? Browse our Legend Series rackets, trusted by players who take their training seriously.
