Padel for Tennis Players: How It Feels Different and What to Expect
Transitioning from tennis to padel? Here's what tennis players need to know about adapting their game.
Most padel players in the USA come from tennis backgrounds. While the sports share DNA, padel requires different strategies and techniques. This guide helps tennis players adapt quickly.
The Court Feels Different
Padel courts are enclosed by glass walls and wire fencing. The playing area is about 1/3 the size of a tennis court, which means points develop faster and positioning matters more than power.
Power vs Placement
Your tennis serve won't help much in padel - serves are underhand and strategic rather than dominant. The game rewards placement, spin, and court positioning over raw power.
- Underhand serves feel weird at first
- Volleys are more important than groundstrokes
- Soft hands beat power
- Court positioning is everything
- Angles matter more than speed
The Walls Change Everything
In tennis, a lob over your head often means a point lost. In padel, you let it bounce, play it off the back wall, and continue the point. This takes time to adjust to mentally.
Doubles Strategy
Unlike tennis doubles where one player may dominate, padel requires genuine teamwork. You move as a unit, covering the court together. Communication and positioning matter as much as shot-making.
Your Tennis Skills That Transfer
Your footwork, fitness, and competitive mindset all transfer directly. Your understanding of spin, angles, and shot selection helps too. You just need to adapt these skills to the enclosed court and walls.
Final Thoughts
Most tennis players pick up padel basics in 2-3 sessions. The challenge isn't learning the game - it's unlearning tennis habits that don't work in padel. Give yourself a few weeks to adjust, and you'll be hooked on this more social, strategic version of racquet sports.
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