Match start tactics: how to play into the game
Key takeaway from our Guru
How do I stop starting matches with too many errors?
Stop trying to hit winners immediately. Play assertively by hitting high-percentage shots like controlled lobs or bandejas to force your opponents to play one extra ball while you find your range.
What this lesson covers
Starting a match requires a shift from aggressive shot-making to an analytical, assertive approach. Players often rush to hit winners, leading to unforced errors and a quick deficit. Instead, the focus remains on finding the range of shots, specifically gauging the depth of lobs and the speed of the court. Choosing to return serve first allows more time to settle into the rhythm of the match before facing the pressure of serving.
Assertive play involves hitting controlled shots that force opponents to work, such as a deep lob or a bandeja directed toward the side glass, rather than high-risk viboras that frequently result in errors. This phase of the match serves as a data-gathering period to identify opponent strengths and weaknesses. Maintaining focus through a point-by-point reset with a partner prevents the snowball effect of losing consecutive games. Taking time between points to communicate and align tactics ensures both players remain on the same wavelength throughout the opening stages.
Keep learning in the app
Your Guru points you at the videos that fit your level and your last matches, and helps you find a coach to train with.
Get the Padelguru app
Original video
Added on Apr 2, 2026
Why Do I Always Start Matches Slow in Padel?
Description
Always start matches cold or low on confidence? Use these three tips to warm up properly and play your best padel from the very first point. Watch Premier Padel on Red Bull TV: https://www.redbull.com/gb-en/event-series/premier-padel If you’re new to The Padel School, welcome. We’re Sandy and Tom Farquharson - two brothers and the founders of this platform. Our mission? To give every padel player the best coaching advice possible so you can unlock your full potential on the court. Here’s why we care so much about this… We grew up in tennis, competing from juniors all the way to the pro level. And honestly? It was frustrating. No matter how hard we worked, it was nearly impossible to get the high-quality coaching we needed to reach our full potential. When we discovered padel over a decade ago, we fell in love with the sport instantly. But guess what? The coaching situation was even worse. Getting solid advice in English? Forget it. That’s when we decided enough was enough. As we played on the pro padel circuit and started coaching players across the globe, we realised no player should have to struggle to find clear, actionable guidance – in any sport. Every player deserves access to the knowledge they need to grow, improve, and play the game at their highest level. So we built The Padel School. It’s where we share everything we’ve learned on and off the court. Whether you’re a total beginner or chasing a competitive edge, we’re here to make sure you get the coaching we wish we’d had. To all the padel warriors out there: the road to improvement isn’t easy, but that’s what makes it rewarding. Keep grinding, keep learning, and remember – every point is a new opportunity to get better. EXPLORE OUR OFFERS The Padel School Membership (with FREE Trial): https://thepadelschool.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=organic_social&utm_campaign=longform_110425_HOW_Do_the_PROs_Hit_Such_COMPACT_and_POWERFUL_VOLLEYS Access 75+ Drills for Every Level: TPS Drill Book For Players: https://thepadelschool.com/drill-book?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=organic_social&utm_campaign=longform_110425_HOW_Do_the_PROs_Hit_Such_COMPACT_and_POWERFUL_VOLLEYS Our BOOK - The Padel Player's Guide: https://thepadelschool.com/the-padel-players-guide?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=organic_social&utm_campaign=longform_110425_HOW_Do_the_PROs_Hit_Such_COMPACT_and_POWERFUL_VOLLEYS Win Matches with a Stronger Mindset: Get our Mental Toughness Course: https://thepadelschool.com/mental-toughness-course?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=organic_social&utm_campaign=longform_110425_HOW_Do_the_PROs_Hit_Such_COMPACT_and_POWERFUL_VOLLEYS FREE Equipment Guide: https://improve.thepadelschool.com/equipment-guide FREE Padel Assessment for YOUR game: https://improve.thepadelschool.com/padel-assessment YouTube - https://youtube.com/thepadelschool Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thepadelschool Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thepadelschool Want to join us on court? https://thepadelschool.com/events Read our blogs - https://thepadelschool.com/blog/ 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more padel tips and match strategies every week! #Padel #PadelTips #PadelStrategy
Good for
Skill level
Intermediate, High Intermediate
Play style
Tactical
Keywords
Support The Padel School
Every lesson on this page is The Padel School's work. If it helped your game, subscribe on YouTube and tell them.
Subscribe on YouTube