Common Mistakes to Avoid When Covering the Padel Court

Are you a padel player who’s looking to improve your game on the court? Then, the first thing you need to know is how to cover the court properly.

Covering the court may seem a basic concept, but it’s easy to make mistakes that can cost you points. This is especially true for new players who are still learning the game and trying to get their footing.

In this article, we’ll go over the common mistakes to avoid when covering the padel court, so you can maximize your chances of success every time you step into the court.

Mistake #1: Standing Too Far Back from the Net

One of the most common mistakes made by padel players is standing too far back from the net. This mistake makes it difficult to cover the court properly and makes it easy for the opponent to smash the balls.

When covering the padel court, it’s essential to position yourself near the center of the court and move forward swiftly to the net. This movement will help you react quickly to incoming balls and Intercept them before they bounce. Positioning too far back will leave you with less reaction time and a larger distance to cover.

Mistake #2: Failure to Communicate with Your Partner

Padel is a game of teamwork, and failure to communicate with your partner can result in losing vital points. Communicating with your partner is critical to proper padel court coverage. Always communicate with your teammate which balls you’ll cover and who will be in charge of which side of the court.

Clear communication allows you and your partner to take advantage of each other’s strengths and weaknesses. It also ensures that there are no missed balls or double coverage of the same area of the court.

Mistake #3: Not Being Alert and Ready for Incoming Balls

Another common mistake in padel court coverage is not being alert and ready to receive incoming balls. It’s essential to keep your eyes on the ball and to be in the right position to receive or intercept it. Failing to do so can lead to missed opportunities and easy points for your opponents.

In padel, you must always be ready to move quickly and make split-second decisions. Start by being alert and aware of the game’s pace, be focused and have a positive attitude.

Mistake #4: Overcommitting or Staying in One Area too long

Over-committing is when a player moves forward too much, leaving a massive area of the court open for the opponent to exploit. On the other hand, staying in one area too long can also lead to missing opportunities on the opposite side of the court.

To avoid making this mistake, you should always be ready to move and cover all areas of the court. Stay central in the court and maintain a clear line of sight to the ball. This will enable you to move swiftly in either direction to cover the court as needed.

Mistake #5: Focusing Only on Punch Shots Instead of Volleys

When playing padel, it’s essential to learn proper techniques when hitting both punch shots and volleys. Focusing only on punch shots can lead to poor shot selection and long-range rallies. So, make sure you have ample practice in both.

In summary, padel court coverage is about proper movement, teamwork, and technique. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can significantly increase your chances of success on the padel court. So, stay alert, be proactive with your partner and keep practicing to become a better padel player.