Climbing from beginner to intermediate level in padel requires more than just hitting better shots — it’s about understanding court positioning, shot purpose, and smart recovery.
Here’s a breakdown of key areas to focus on during your match analysis if you want to level up fast.

The Serve: Keep it Simple and Smart

At this stage, the serve should be simple yet strategic.
Focus on clean execution, targeting the serve towards the side glass to make the return awkward for your opponent.
You don't need fancy serves — accuracy and placement are far more valuable.

Managing the Back Glass

When a ball approaches the back glass, your movement is crucial:

• Run to the side of the ball to create enough space for a balanced swing.
• Avoid getting trapped too close — swinging near your body leads to poor contact and loss of balance.

A small adjustment in movement makes a huge difference in consistency.

The Bajada: Attack After the Bounce

The bajada is your attacking shot after a lob that rebounds off the back glass.

Key points:

• If you have time, get behind the ball.
• Make contact in front of your body for a more aggressive, controlled attack.

Mastering the bajada helps you turn defence into offence quickly.

The Bandeja: Hold the Net Position

The bandeja isn't about winning the point immediately — it's about keeping the net.

• Hit a controlled shot down the middle, ideally with a second bounce off the back glass.
• Most bandejas should be cross-court, maintaining pressure without rushing.

After playing a bandeja, recover quickly to stay dominant at the net.
Holding the net is one of the most important skills at this level.

Court Positioning: Rules You Must Follow

Two golden rules:

• If you are serving, you must come to the net.
• If you are at the back, you must look for the chance to attack and take the net.

Avoid getting stuck in No Man’s Land — the dangerous middle zone between the net and the back wall.
And remember, you and your partner should stay aligned:

• Both at the net or both at the back — avoid splitting court levels.
• If needed, recover your partner when they are forced back by reading the play.

Final Thoughts

At the high beginner and low intermediate levels, success in padel is about simple tactics, smart positioning, and good recovery habits.
Get these foundations right, and you’ll build a game that’s ready for the next level.

Your game, your story—keep playing.

👉 Watch the full match analysis video here!