Surely, more than once you have despaired playing padel because of so many mistakes that you accumulate during a match. It’s possible that, if you’re just starting out, you think it’s a beginner’s problem, but the truth is that even the most veteran players face the same problem.
Far from looking for excuses, it is true that there are mistakes that are inevitable, the opponent also has his merits and we must recognise that part. It’s the unforced errors that make the difference in the final result, and that’s what you should focus on.
Be focused during the match
To begin to correct these types of mistakes, it is essential that you maintain your concentration on each point. It is not easy to guess what your opponent is going to hit, but it is even less easy if you are distracted.
It is important that we are attentive to the game at all times, even when the ball is not coming towards us. This will make it harder for them to catch us by surprise, and we will have more clarity to decide how to act when faced with each opponent’s shot.
Rushing is not good
However, being completely focused on the game will not help you if you are not patient. This is another aspect you need to improve. Work the point, defend as well as you can and, above all, base your game on trying to win the net. Remember that it is more difficult to win the point from the back of the court.
Work on your padel technique
It seems obvious, but it is not something that everyone who plays this sport focuses on. A good stroke execution is key to reduce the percentage of unforced errors.
It’s not just about the way you hit the shot, you also have to be clear about which shot you choose, when you hit it and how you coordinate your body. Also, the more you progress in your game, the more tools you will have in your repertoire.
Choose the right stroke
In this collection of tips, the right choice of stroke could not be missing. Bad decisions can cause us to miss even more, and sometimes this is a consequence of haste. Wanting to finish the point quickly causes us to attack the ball when we are badly positioned.
There is always a suitable stroke for each situation, and we must decide one or the other with total determination. Doubts are another of our great enemies.
Improve your positioning on the padel court
A large part of the unforced errors we make during a padel match is because we don’t know how to position ourselves on the court. For each shot you have to prepare yourself in a specific way and this is something you need to know.
At certain moments in the game it is inevitable that an opponent’s ball will catch us, for example, on the back foot, and we will have to return it in any way we can. This is where an aspect that we have already mentioned comes in: concentration. If you can anticipate their shots, it will be easier for you to position yourself to make a good return and even take the initiative on the point.
Sometimes, poor positioning can be a consequence of your physical condition. It is important that you work on your speed, coordination and try to keep fit. This will also help you to prevent injuries.
Have full confidence in yourself
It is something that we often don’t even take into account, but which marks most of our game: the psychological component. Accumulating many failures in a row can make us lose patience and self-confidence. This is when we run the risk of getting into a loop.
If you notice that this is happening to you, remember that you should not get down because of a mistake. Keep trusting in your game, hit shots that you feel comfortable with, don’t try to place the ball on the last centimetre of the court and, above all, be aware that making mistakes is normal, we all do it.
You will make a difference if you stay strong in your mind and don’t doubt yourself. Focus on minimizing mistakes and enjoying padel, in the end it is the key to improve in any sport.
|
You may be interested in: |
