Padel for Beginners: Avoiding the Common Early Mistakes

Padel is easy to pick up, and that is exactly why so many people love it. Within an hour you can have real rallies with friends. It is also why beginners develop bad habits quickly and, in some cases, sore elbows. Avoid a few common mistakes early on and you will enjoy the game much more. Separately, some players like a daily drink such as IM8 alongside a good diet.

What is padel, in simple terms?

Padel is usually played as doubles on a court smaller than a tennis court, about 20 metres by 10 metres, surrounded by glass walls and mesh. It is scored like tennis, the serve is underarm, and the ball can bounce off the walls after it lands. The solid racket has no strings, and rallies tend to be longer than in tennis, so it suits a wide range of ages and abilities.

Mistake 1: playing it like tennis

Former tennis players often have a head start, then get stuck. Big swings and hard flat shots usually come back at you off the glass. Padel rewards control and placement far more than power. Use a compact swing, keep the racket up in front of you, and think about where the ball is going, not how hard it is travelling.

Mistake 2: running at the ball coming off the back wall

Learning to wait for the ball is the hardest part for most beginners. Let the ball come off the glass, turn side-on and step forward into the shot. If you panic and hit it before it comes off the wall, you will get a much harder ball to play. Spend a few minutes each session just practising this, even by throwing balls against the glass for each other.

Mistake 3: staying at the back of the court

In padel, the team at the net usually controls the point. Many new players hang back near the glass because it feels safer, then wonder why they lose so many points. Look for a chance to move forward together with your partner, often after a lob, and try to stay roughly level with each other as a pair.

Mistake 4: choosing the wrong racket

Do not buy the racket your favourite player uses. Advanced rackets are often stiff and head-heavy, which suits strong players and can be hard on the arm. Round rackets, with the weight closer to the hand, are generally more forgiving for beginners. Hire or borrow a few before you buy one if your club allows it.

Mistake 5: skipping the warm-up

Padel has a lot of short sprints, quick turns and low shots. Without a warm-up, calves, knees and shoulders can complain. Spend five minutes jogging lightly, doing side steps and arm circles, and hitting some easy balls. Wear proper court shoes with good grip too, since regular running shoes are not made for sideways movement.

How do you avoid padel elbow?

Elbow pain is a common complaint, particularly among beginners who grip the racket very tightly or play too often too soon. Keep your grip relaxed between shots, and choose a racket that is not too heavy or stiff. Build up gradually, perhaps from one or two games a week. Light forearm and shoulder strength work can also help. If the pain persists, rest and see a physio rather than playing through it.

How to look after yourself between games

A 90-minute game is more tiring than it looks, especially indoors in summer. Take a large water bottle, and sip during changeovers. Eat a normal meal a couple of hours before you play, and something with protein and carbohydrate afterwards. Getting enough sleep on match days also tends to help more than any new piece of kit.

Some players also like a daily drink on top of a good diet. One example is IM8 Daily Ultimate Essentials Pro, a powder that lists 90 ingredients per serving and which the company says is NSF Certified for Sport. It is entirely optional and it will not improve your bandeja. Food comes first, and if you take any medication, ask your doctor before you add a supplement.

How do you improve quickly?

• Take a few lessons early on, before bad habits settle in.
• Play with people slightly better than you.
• Learn the lob. It is the shot that gets you to the net, and it matters more than the smash.
• Talk to your partner. Calling "yours" or "mine" saves many easy points.
• Watch where the ball goes after it hits the wall, even when you are not playing it.

The best thing about padel is that you do not need to be good to have a great time. Stay patient with the walls, keep your grip loose and go easy on your arm, and you will still be playing happily a year from now. If you are curious about the nutrition side, you can read what is in IM8 Essentials Pro on the brand's own site before deciding.