Winning is easier than you think

4 minute read

Winning more games is easier than you think

The number one reason why beginner players lose matches is not because they don’t win enough points, but rather because they lose too many. It may sound trivial, but the best way to win more games is to make less mistakes. 

Here are some of the top mistakes beginners make and to can fix them:

Smashing too hard

A big smash is very impressive. However, if it is not placed correctly it is often easier to return than any other shot. Try these simple tips to make your smashes more effective:

  1. Keep your smash low - Keeping your smash low will stop it from looping up from the back glass (allowing for an easy return) and will generally rush your opponent into making mistakes because they have less time to plan their return.

  2. Keep your smash straight - Cross-court smashes are easier to miss on the side wall or mesh. Smashing straight gives you much more space to place your shot.

    A cross-court smash often ricochets back to the middle of the court where your opponent can easily get to it. Straight smashes avoid this from happening and often force your opponent into an uncontrolled dash to the net. Even if they return it, the next point is yours!

  3. Try the dummy smash - If your opponents are more experienced they may see your smash coming an preemptively run to the net. If you see this happening, finish the point easily with a soft dummy smash.

Judging the rebound wrong

Most beginner players find the walls the most intimidating when starting out. Learning to read the rebound can be tricky - particularly off the back wall. Positioning and footwork are the most important things to get right when returning a rebound off the back wall. Here are 2 things that will transform your game:

  1. Stay side on - This will give you the optimum power and control for your return.

  2. Move to the base line - Don’t get stuck on the back glass where you have no time to think and no space to move. Move straight to the baseline and see how easy the return becomes.

Don't try too much

We all love imagining ourselves hitting that dropshot that spins out of the court or the passing forehand that leaves our opponents dumbfounded at how we managed to squeeze the ball through. In reality though, if you are a beginner player, these are 1 in 100 shots that lose more points than they win. Leave those shots for Tolito and Juan Lebron.

 Here's what we suggest:

  1. Stay in the game - There is no need to try push the envelope and play a half-shot where you know you might make a mistake. Rather keep the ball in play and allow yourself time to get into the right position where you can capitalize on the next one. Making your opponents play more shots increases their chance of making a mistake and your chances of hitting the winner. 

  2. Enjoy the game -  We play padel because we love playing padel. Why, then, would we try end a rally early when we can enjoy a long rally for longer? 

At Plæga we’re about the player. We do what we do so that you can do what you love.

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