Tennis players frequently approach padel with a mentality influenced by linear movement, power-based strokes, and years of singles competition. Their natural tendency is to dominate with forceful shots and fast finishes. Padel, on the other hand, rewards location, patience, and clever use of space. Gaining an advantage begins with acknowledging this difference.
Take advantage of their dependence on power.
Overuse of strong smashes is one of the most frequent errors made by tennis players in padel. Although these could be effective on a tennis court, brute force is neutralized by padel’s confined walls and tighter angles. Padel experts concentrate on placement, spin, and making awkward bounces off the glass rather than trying to outhit them. Flat smashes are frequently less effective than soft bandejas and viboras.
Take advantage of the walls.
Padel novice tennis players frequently avoid using the walls, viewing them as barriers rather than advantages. Opportunities are created by this hesitancy. You can prolong rallies, manage speed, and create mistakes by being proficient at wall rebounds. Better positioning is made possible by letting the ball bounce off the glass before returning it, which also throws off the rhythm of opponents who have practiced tennis.
Pay attention to their posture and footwork.
Padel requires frequent repositioning, rapid changes, and lateral movement. The small court and frequent net exchanges may be difficult for tennis players. Take advantage of this by forcing them to move outside of their comfort zone with lobs, drop shots, and angled volleys. Make them move erratically to reveal coverage holes.
Have patience and make your case.
Padel rallies are lengthier and more strategic than tennis rallies, which can terminate in a few strokes. Tennis players sometimes get eager and try dangerous victories too soon. Wait for the ideal opportunity to attack, maintain composure, and keep the ball low. Their chances of making a mistake increase with rally length.
Talk to your partner and work together.
Padel is a doubles game, and synergy with your teammate is crucial. Tennis players could be accustomed to making decisions alone, which might cause misunderstandings. Use clear signals, cover each other’s zones, and rotate smoothly. A well-coordinated team will always perform better than a couple of uncoordinated superstars.
Learn the padel-specific strokes
To truly dominate, familiarize yourself with padel’s signature shots. The bandeja, a controlled overhead shot, and the vibora, a slicing variation, are essential tools. These strokes allow you to maintain net position without giving away easy counters. Tennis players often lack these techniques, giving you a tactical advantage.
