If you've just picked up a padel racket — or you're thinking about it — here's what I see beginners mess up constantly:

1. Standing too close to the back wall. You're not playing squash. Stay 1-2 metres off the glass and let the ball come to you.

2. Swinging like it's tennis. Padel rewards control, not power. Shorter swings, continental grip, and placement will beat a hard hitter every time.

3. Ignoring the lob. The lob is the most underrated shot in beginner padel. It resets the point, buys time, and forces your opponents back. Use it.

4. Never coming to the net. Padel is won at the net. If you're camped at the back, you're playing defence the entire game.

5. Playing without a plan. Even a basic game plan ("keep it low, come forward, lob when in trouble") will put you ahead of 90% of beginners.

I put together a free 8-page Quick Start Guide that covers all of this and more — grip, positioning, the shots you actually need, and how to stop making these mistakes from day one.

Grab it for free at Padel Start.