How to get better at padel quickly? 8 proven tips from the pros

Introduction
1. Footwork – the basis of every shot
1. Variation in your game – make it difficult for your opponent
1. Gear – the right equipment makes a difference
1. Regular play – tournaments and clinics
1. Pace: accelerating and taking the speed out of the game
1. The bandeja and víbora – control over brute force
1. The lob – the secret weapon in padel
1. Net position – gaining and maintaining
Conclusion: how to get better faster

Introduction

Padel has quickly grown into one of the most popular sports in the Netherlands and Belgium. It's easy to get started but at the same time technically and tactically challenging. Many players wonder: how can I get better as quickly as possible?

The answer is not simply "play more". You need to work on various aspects: footwork, variation, equipment, match experience, and cleverly using pace. Additionally, there are some typical padel shots – such as the bandeja, víbora, and lob – By frequently practicing these shots, you will notice rapid progress.

1. Footwork – the basis of every shot

In padel, it sometimes seems like you only need to use the racket, but the truth is that the biggest difference is made with your feet.

Small steps: short, quick movements keep you balanced. Large strides often lead to incorrect timing.
Always moving: keep bouncing lightly on the balls of your feet so you react faster.
Forward stance: bent knees and active arms in front of your body make you agile.
After the wall: learn to predict where the ball will come back and move in the right direction already.

Good footwork ensures you have more time for your shot and thus play calmer and more accurately.

2. Variation in your game – make it difficult for your opponent

Many recreational players always hit the same ball. If you want to get better faster, you need to learn to vary.

Height: combine deep balls, lobs, and short drop shots.
Speed: alternate hard smashes with soft balls.
Spin: slice and topspin make the ball more difficult for the opponent.
Walls: use the glass walls not only defensively but also to apply pressure.

Variation makes you unpredictable and forces errors.

3. Gear – the right equipment makes a difference

The right equipment accelerates your progress and prevents injuries.

Racket shapes:
- Round rackets → high control, ideal for beginners.
- Teardrop shape → mix of control and power, for advanced players.
- Diamond shape → maximum power, smaller sweet spot, requires technique.
Carbon weaves: the lower the K-number (3K/6K), the stiffer and more direct the racket feels. The higher (12K/18K), the more comfortable and forgiving.
EVA cores: a soft core provides more comfort and ball output, a hard core more control and stability for hard shots.
Shoes: padel shoes with a herringbone pattern provide more grip and stability than tennis shoes.
Accessories: grips and quality balls improve control and consistency.

With the right gear, you play better and safer.

4. Regular play – tournaments and clinics

You learn padel by repetition and gaining experience against different opponents.

Tournaments: learn to handle pressure and variation in playing styles. Sign up for tournaments via KNLTB or Playtomic
Clinics: coaches notice details you might miss, such as racket position or foot placement.
Regularity: it's better to play shorter sessions more often than long sessions occasionally; repetition accelerates automatism.
Different partners: playing with others makes you more flexible in positioning.

The more often you play and the more match situations you experience, the faster you will grow.

5. Pace: accelerating and taking the speed out of the game

A big difference between beginners and advanced players is dealing with pace.

Accelerate: choose the right moment, for example during a high lob, to decide the rally.
Slow down: with a lob or soft ball, you gain time to get into a better position.
Variation: varying the pace makes you unpredictable and keeps your opponent under pressure.

Whoever dictates the pace has control over the rally.

6. The bandeja and víbora – control over brute force

Many beginners try to smash every high ball, but this often leads to errors. The real weapons are the bandeja and víbora.

Bandeja: a controlled overhead with slice. Keeps the opponent at the back and helps you maintain net position.
Víbora: a more aggressive overhead with more speed and topspin, often played diagonally to apply pressure.
Why it's important: these shots give you control over the attack without unnecessary risk.

Whoever masters the bandeja and víbora plays smarter and wins more points without unnecessary errors.

7. The lob – the secret weapon in padel

The lob is the most underestimated shot in padel, but often decisive in a rally.

Defensive: use the lob to buy time and return to position.
Offensive: a well-placed lob forces the opponent back and gives you the chance to gain the net.
Placement: the lob doesn't always have to be extremely high; a deep, tight lob just over the opponent is often more effective.

Clever use of the lob makes your game more mature and tactical.

8. Net position – gaining and maintaining

Whoever holds the net has the power. From the net position, you can dictate the game, apply pressure, and finish points faster.

Why the net is so important:

Attacking from height: volleys and smashes are easier and more effective.
Less reaction time for the opponent: you force errors.
Control over the rally: you set the pace and maintain the initiative.

How to get to the net:

After a good lob → step forward with your partner.
Serve + volley → apply immediate pressure after the serve.
After a good bandeja → play controlled deep with slice and follow through.
After a chiquita → play a low ball at the opponent's feet and use that moment to take the net.
After a deep attack → force the opponent back and step forward yourself.

How to maintain the net:

Use bandeja and víbora to cleverly control high balls.
Move as a duo – always together forward or together backward.
Choose volleys and placement over blind smashes.

Whoever conquers and holds the net usually wins the rally.

Conclusion: how to get better faster

If you want to improve quickly in padel, it's about more than just putting in hours. Work on your footwork, variation, and equipment choice. Play regularly and participate in tournaments to gain experience. Learn to control the pace and master the typical padel shots such as the bandeja, víbora, and lob.

And above all: focus your game on gaining and maintaining net position. This is how padel matches are decided.

With these building blocks, you will make huge strides in a short time, and padel will not only become more fun but also more successful.

How to quickly get better at padel: 8 proven tips from the pros

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