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Five padel tactics that instantly improve your game

Nothing here needs a better racket or a fitter you. These are the five things our coach repeats most often, and they all work from your next game onward.

12/07/2026 · 6 min read

1. Get to the net together

The team at the net wins most padel points. Move up as a pair; one player forward and one back is the most common shape in club padel and the easiest to beat with a cross-court ball.

2. Use the lob far more than feels natural

A high lob over the net players pushes them back and hands you the net. It is not defensive — at every level above beginner, the lob is the main attacking tool.

3. Let the wall do the work

Beginners chase every ball to the glass. Instead, step across, let it come off the wall and hit it at a comfortable height. Patience beats scrambling.

4. Smash with a plan

Flat smashes at chest height are often returned. Aim down the middle to create confusion between your opponents, or play a controlled bandeja to keep your net position rather than winning the point outright.

5. Talk to your partner

Two words — 'mine' and 'yours' — win more points than any shot on this list. Padel is a communication sport disguised as a racket sport.

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