Be consistent
Play with a high margin for error to minimize unforced errors. Prioritize safe, high-probability decisions and actions that reduce risk while maintaining pressure on the opponent.
12 lessons
Not every volley has to be a winner
According to analysis of matches of sub-elite italian padel players playing volley safe helps to win more games. Source: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/14/8386
Stop making unforced errors
According to analysis of matches of sub-elite italian padel players most points are earned from opponents' mistakes, not from winner shots. Source: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/14/8386
Be patient in defence
According to "Assessing the Probability of Winning a Point in Men’s Padel: A Comprehensive Analysis" research, server's advantage is decreased during the point with each shot. After 20+ shots defenders have more chances to win the point than the servers have. Source: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/14/15/6642
Return more serves to be a winning team
According to analysis of matches of sub-elite italian padel players a winning team returns asw twice as more serves than a losing team. Source: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/14/8386
Return a crosscourt shot crosscourt back by default
You have more space to target, the net is higher and you're not changing the ball's direction.
Play dropshots with bigger margins
Drop shots don’t need to be placed perfectly near the net to win points. You can take less risk and still make your opponents return low balls on the move by playing drop shots with margin.
Split step cheatcode no one's talking about
When your opponent is about to return the ball do the split step to stop and be ready to move in any direction.
Play shots to sides with a bigger margin
Risk less by playing a gancho to the fence with a bigger margin.
10 points rule
The ball’s difficulty (1–10) and your shot’s difficulty (1–10) should add up to 10. If you get a difficult 8-point ball, your return should only be a 2-point shot: simple and low risk. If the ball is only a 2, you can take more risk and go for an 8-point winner.
1st volley placement
Play a safer volley on your first shot after serving because you’re still moving to the net and are often off balance. Usually, the best option is to volley to the middle.
Stop lobbing a difficult ball
It’s hard to control a lob when the ball is difficult. It often goes out or becomes an easy target for your opponents. Play flat and low instead.
Don't change ball's direction
It’s easier to control the ball when you return it in the same direction it came from.