Advanced Padel Guide: How to Take Your Game to the Next Level

Q: What makes a padel player advanced?

Stronger decision-making, better partner movement, more controlled net play and the ability to attack, defend and reset depending on what the point needs.

Q: What should I learn first for advanced padel?

Point construction, net position and partner movement. These areas make every shot more effective.

June 9, 2026

Advanced padel · Complete guide · Updated 2026

You become an advanced padel player by learning to build points, control the net, use overheads correctly, defend with the glass, move as a pair and make better decisions under pressure. The biggest jump is not one single shot — it is understanding what the point needs and choosing the right response.

Advanced padel series

1. Build points instead of forcing winners

Advanced players understand that most points are not won by one spectacular shot. They are built over several balls — using depth, direction, height, pace and position to make opponents uncomfortable before finishing. The winner may come later, but the work starts much earlier.

2. Control the net

The pair that controls the net often controls the point. But advanced net play is not just standing close and volleying hard. It means choosing the right moment to move forward, holding the net with discipline and knowing when to drop back. Read: How to master the volley in padel.

3. Use the bandeja for control

The bandeja is one of the essential advanced padel shots because it helps you keep the net after a lob. It is not mainly a winner — it is a control shot that gives you time, depth and position. Read: Mastering the bandeja shot in padel.

4. Use the víbora for pressure

The víbora adds side spin, speed and awkward rebound. Use it when the lob is attackable and you are balanced. If you are late or moving backwards, the bandeja is usually the safer decision. Read: Mastering the víbora shot and Bandeja vs víbora.

5. Use the chiquita to transition

The chiquita is a soft, low shot to the opponent’s feet. One of the smartest ways to move from defence into attack — it forces a weak volley and gives your pair time to move forward. Read: How to use the chiquita in padel.

6. Handle golden points with a plan

Pressure points reward clarity. The best pairs agree the first pattern, use safer targets, make opponents play and avoid low-percentage hero shots. Golden points are won with discipline, not drama. Read: How to win more golden points.

7. Move as a pair

Advanced padel is a doubles game first. Strong partners move as a connected unit, protect the middle, attack together and defend together. Many points are lost not because of the shot, but because the pair shape is wrong. Read: Advanced padel partner tactics.

8. Think like an advanced player

Advanced players think one shot ahead. They ask what the point needs, not what shot looks best. They manage risk, protect the middle, use the lob with purpose and make better decisions more often. Read: How to think like an advanced padel player.

Advanced padel checklist

Build points patiently instead of forcing winners
Move forward only when your shot creates time
Use bandeja for control, víbora for pressure
Defend smashes by reading early and using the glass
Use the chiquita to transition to the net
Plan golden points with your partner
Protect the middle and move as a pair
Choose the right shot, not the hardest shot

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Frequently asked questions

What makes a padel player advanced?

An advanced padel player has stronger decision-making, better partner movement, more controlled net play and the ability to attack, defend and reset depending on the point.

What should I learn first for advanced padel?

Start with point construction, net position and partner movement. These areas make every shot more effective and reduce unforced errors.

Is the bandeja or víbora more important?

The bandeja is usually the foundation because it gives control and recovery. The víbora is more aggressive and should be added when you can choose it at the right time.

How do I win more points without hitting harder?

Use better targets, protect the middle, move as a pair, play low to the feet, lob with purpose and choose shots that create easier next balls.

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