Beginner's Guide to Competitive Padel

Positioning beats power

Most beginner points are lost by standing in no-man's land. Commit to the net together or stay back together. Movement as a pair wins more matches than any single shot.

Use the wall on purpose

Let the ball come off the glass rather than attacking it early. Patience is a weapon — the longer the rally, the more likely a less disciplined opponent makes the error.

Etiquette and scoring

• Call your own lines honestly — it is a small community
• Keep the score out loud between points
• Warm up quickly; short formats do not wait