Tactics for beating stronger opponents

What this lesson covers

When facing opponents with a strong tennis background, the primary goal is to neutralize their speed. These players often dominate with fast volleys and aggressive smashes. To counter this, avoid engaging in a high-speed game. Instead, use lobs to force them back and keep the ball soft when they are at the net. If they smash from the back, move forward to attack the ball after it hits the back glass rather than attempting to block it. Patience is the most effective tool against this profile.

Players with more padel experience require a different approach. Since these opponents are comfortable with changing rhythms, the focus shifts to creating angles and applying pressure from the back of the court. If your strength lies in fast volleying, use that speed to challenge their ability to keep up. Always evaluate your diagonal matchup to determine which opponent you can pressure more effectively. Success against experienced players often comes from identifying the weaker link in their diagonal pairing and focusing your game plan on that specific battle.