Do you want to improve your paddle game and learn new techniques? Are you a beginner in padel and need tips for beginners? Recognized as the fastest growing sport in the world, paddle tennis is enormously popular with people of all ages and sporting abilities.
Tips for paddle tennis rackets
Having good paddle tennis rackets can make a difference in your game. While padel novices and casual players often get by with a rental, those who want to play at their best level will need to get their own.
As you play and become more familiar with your racket, you'll learn what to expect on every shot, which in turn will make you a better player. Check out some things that can help you when it comes to your racket.
What paddle tennis racket to choose?
Ideally, when buying a paddle tennis racket, you choose one made with EVA or foam. The perforated surface is also important as it can help you with impact, balance, control and maneuvering during the game.
There are three main shapes you can choose from: round, diamond, and teardrop paddle blades . If you are starting, the ideal is a round racket.
Tips to improve your game
Although each stage of the game can be incredibly complex at the highest level, the following tips can help any beginner improve their game.
Watching videos of professional matches or certain techniques can help you understand the theory behind a certain move, while learning new ones. So you can apply them to your own game to continue improving.
Tips for kicking paddle tennis
A good track start can give you an advantage and keep your opponents in the rear. Use the following tips to improve your service.
- Keep your feet behind the service line.
- Don't let the ball go past your waist.
- Approach the network only after finishing your service.
- Understand your position and form.
- Don't be afraid to try new serve techniques as long as they are within the rules of the game.
- Discuss and apply the strategies with your teammate.
- Learn to serve diagonally.
Tips for receiving and returning the serve
It is important to accurately receive and return the ball to avoid losing points. The following tips can help you.
Learn to make a lob
Lobs are an incredibly useful technique that most casual gamers don't take advantage of. By tossing the ball into the air, you force your opponents to wait for it to come down before you can hit it back.
This can help you slow down the game if your opponents are being too offensive, give you time to position yourself better, or just make it harder for your opponents to return, as overhead shots are some of the hardest to master.
know when to turn
Beginning players and those coming from tennis often wonder if they should turn when the ball is about to hit the wall. You'll see them walk away from the ball, let it bounce, and then try to come back.
Walking away is a valid tactic and has its uses, but so is turning away. Spinning is much faster, allows you to get closer to your preferred position, and can allow you to hit the ball at a better angle. Master your spins and you will improve your game !
Don't be afraid of the walls
Although it may seem scary to let the ball go past you and hit the wall, especially if you are coming from a tennis background, walls are an incredibly useful tool in padel.
When the ball bounces off the wall, it loses speed and starts heading towards your opponent. This makes it much easier to line up a shot. Remember that if you don't use the walls, you are only using half of the tools at your disposal to win the game.
Posture and positioning
Learn to position yourself and maintain proper form so you can move easily around the court. Check out some tips below.
General Tips and Tricks
While not strictly related to your playing ability, the following steps can help you avoid injury, improve your performance, and make the whole experience more enjoyable.
Don't rule out the basic shots
It can be easy to think that you can advance in the game by relying only on new techniques. While these are important, you should never underestimate the importance of perfecting your basic shots, as these will help you learn more about the game while giving you the confidence to keep improving.
Coordination
Coordination is essential for paddle tennis. As the ball gets closer to you, you have to adjust your body in order to hit it effectively. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to teach coordination, it is something that develops as you play.
As you gain experience in the game, you'll begin to get a sense of timing for knowing when to hit the ball, allowing you to put more power and precision into every swing.
This can also apply to coordinating movements with your teammate. If you're having trouble lining up shots or getting in your partner's way, consider joining a padel club and playing regularly to hone your skills.
Padel shoes
You should only use paddle tennis shoes to play. Make sure that they have a good grip and that they allow you to make quick movements, as well as jump and turn in an instant. Also, they will last you a long time compared to using regular shoes for gaming.
Believe it or not, the wrong type of shoe can make a huge difference to your performance, so a good pair of padel shoes is well worth the investment. Make sure you also buy paddle tennis clothing.
Position
Over the course of a match, you'll find yourself in hundreds of different positions, but they can generally be divided into two categories, backcourt and net.
The backcourt position is the starting position for returns, and one of the best positions if your opponents are close to the net, as it will give you more time to return the ball. The ideal position is one step back from the service line and two steps back on the field side.
The net position is one of the most advantageous for attacking, as you can quickly return the ball without letting your opponents catch their breath. However, it is easy to get too close and be outplayed for a serve. We suggest standing more or less level with the second fence post and stepping forward or back as necessary.
footwork
Footwork is one of the most important components of paddle tennis. The basic footwork technique for beginners is called the split step. It consists of staying on the balls of your feet at all times and jumping slightly when the opponent hits the ball.
This creates tension in the calves and allows you to move explosively where you need to go.
Knees
Ideally, players should maintain a slight squat position throughout the game. Keeping your knees bent while standing or moving makes you more agile and ready to change direction in no time.
New players are often seen standing almost completely upright and bending their backs when they need to hit a low shot. Bending the knee is much faster and more comfortable. It allows you to return the ball more effectively and safely as you reduce the risk of overextending your arms or back.
Heating
Always stretch and warm up before and after a game to prepare and relax your extremities and thus reduce the risk of injury.
The last thing you want is to get injured and not be able to play for months. Although it may seem simple, warming up can help you improve and play to your full potential.
Teamwork
Since you will always have to play doubles, you should work to build trust and a relationship with your teammate so that you can communicate well on and off the court. Be honest about the game and watch each other so you can work well together.
Tips and feedback from a trusted friend can help you push your game to the next level.
Players
You must find good players to play with and practice to learn new skills and improve your game. Even if you lose, you will learn something new every time.
This will also help you network in the sport and create a sense of community. Before you know it, you'll be at the club every weekend.
practice and compete
Keep practicing regularly and entering competitions to keep moving forward, even if it means losing. Practice lots of matches with other and better teams and you will improve quickly.
Paddle tennis is becoming more and more popular, so it shouldn't be too difficult to find a local tournament that you can sign up for.
Rest and hydration
It is important that you do not forget to rest well and take time to rejuvenate yourself and your muscles. Drink enough water and eat healthy foods to fuel your body so it can keep up with your goals and the game.
Keep an open mind when it comes to learning, polish the fundamentals and stay healthy to advance in this sport. If you are serious about improving your padel skills, there is nothing better than a professional trainer. A good coach can give you live feedback that you can immediately apply to improve your performance.
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