How to Win More Points at Padel Without Hitting Harder
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Padel Tactics · Beginner Tips · Corcuera Padel Club
How to Win More Points at Padel Without Hitting Harder
Most beginners think winning more points means hitting the ball harder. In padel, the opposite is often true. Better placement, smarter lobs, stronger positioning and fewer mistakes usually win more points than pure power.
Quick answer: how do you win more points in padel?
You win more points in padel by making fewer mistakes, using the lob, aiming into space, keeping the ball low, moving with your partner and taking the net at the right time. Power helps at higher levels, but control and positioning win more beginner and intermediate points.
The best padel players do not just hit harder. They make opponents uncomfortable.
1. Stop trying to hit winners too early
Padel rewards patience. Beginners often lose points because they try to finish rallies before the chance is really there.
Instead of trying to hit a spectacular winner, focus on keeping the rally alive and waiting for a better ball. Often, your opponent will make the mistake first.
Simple fix
Ask yourself: “Can I make them play one more shot?” That mindset alone will win you more points.
2. Aim for space, not speed
A well-placed medium-speed ball is often harder to return than a fast ball straight at an opponent.
Look for gaps between players, space behind the net player, or areas that force your opponent to move awkwardly.
Simple fix
Before you hit, look where your opponents are standing. Then aim away from them rather than through them.
Corcuera rule: placement beats power
At beginner and intermediate level, most points are not won by huge shots. They are won by smart placement, good positioning and making the other pair play under pressure.
3. Use the lob more often
The lob is one of the most important shots in padel. It pushes opponents away from the net and gives you time to move forward.
Beginners often avoid the lob because they worry about hitting it too long. But a good lob does not need to be perfect. It just needs to move your opponents back.
Simple fix
When both opponents are at the net, try a controlled lob down the middle or over the weaker overhead player.
4. Keep volleys low
When you are at the net, you do not always need to hit a winning volley. A low volley forces opponents to hit up, which gives you the next attacking chance.
High, floating volleys give opponents time. Low, controlled volleys create pressure.
Simple fix
Aim your volley towards your opponent’s feet or into the corners. Think “low and awkward”, not “fast and flashy”.
5. Move with your partner
Padel is a doubles game. If one player moves forward and the other stays back, gaps appear. If one player shifts across and the other does not cover, the court opens up.
Good pairs move like a unit. They attack together, defend together and cover the middle together.
Simple fix
Stay connected with your partner. When they move forward, follow. When they are pulled wide, protect the middle.
6. Attack the middle
The middle is one of the most useful areas in padel because it can create confusion between opponents.
Many pairs lose points because both players leave the ball, both go for it, or they hesitate. A controlled ball through the middle is often more effective than a hard shot down the line.
Simple fix
When in doubt, play through the middle. It is safer than going too close to the glass and often creates communication problems for the other pair.
7. Learn when to slow the ball down
Fast rallies can make beginners panic. Slowing the ball down can reset the point and make your opponents create the pace.
A softer shot, controlled lob or slower ball into space can be more effective than trying to match speed with speed.
Simple fix
If the rally feels rushed, use height, depth or a softer ball to regain control.
8. Serve for the next shot
A padel serve is not usually about winning the point outright. It is about setting up the next ball.
A reliable, low serve that makes the return difficult is far more useful than a risky serve that misses too often.
Simple fix
Serve deep, controlled and low. Then get ready for the first volley rather than admiring the serve.
9. Make opponents hit from uncomfortable positions
You do not need to overpower people to beat them. You need to make them hit from positions they do not like.
A ball at the feet, a lob over the shoulder, a shot into the body, or a ball that forces them to turn can all create mistakes.
Simple fix
Think about discomfort. Where would your opponent least like the next ball?
10. Reduce your own mistakes first
The easiest way to win more points is to lose fewer. That sounds obvious, but it is the fastest improvement route for most players.
Miss fewer returns, stop over-hitting, choose safer targets and keep the rally alive. You will start winning more points without changing your technique dramatically.
For more on this, read our guide to 10 common padel mistakes beginners make.
What to practise next
To win more points without hitting harder, focus your next few matches on one or two simple ideas:
- Play more lobs when opponents are at the net.
- Keep volleys low and controlled.
- Aim into space instead of hitting at people.
- Move forward with your partner.
- Make opponents play one more shot.
For extra coaching ideas, read our guide to the top padel coaches and influencers to follow on Instagram.
What to wear while improving your game
Good padel clothing should help you move freely, stay comfortable and feel confident on court. Choose breathable tops, court-ready bottoms and a layer that works before and after play.
New to padel?
If you are still learning the game, start with the basics and build from there.
Final thought: smarter padel wins
You do not need to hit harder to win more points at padel. You need to play smarter.
Use the lob, aim into space, keep volleys low, move with your partner and reduce your own mistakes. Do those things well, and you will start winning more points without needing more power.
Frequently asked questions about winning more padel points
How do I win more points in padel?
Win more points by making fewer mistakes, using the lob, aiming into space, keeping volleys low, moving with your partner and taking the net at the right time.
Is power important in padel?
Power can help at advanced levels, but beginners and intermediates usually win more points through control, patience, positioning and smart shot selection.
What is the best shot to win points in padel?
The lob is one of the most useful shots because it moves opponents away from the net and gives you time to take a better position. Low volleys and shots into space are also very effective.
Should beginners hit hard in padel?
Beginners should avoid over-hitting. It is better to focus on keeping the ball in play, aiming into safe areas and making opponents play one more shot.
How can I improve my padel tactics?
Improve your tactics by learning when to lob, when to attack the net, where to stand with your partner and how to play into space instead of relying on power.