Why the Walls in Padel Are Your Best Friend as a Beginner

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When you step onto a Padel court for the first time, one thing stands out immediately—those glass walls. They’re not just for show. Unlike in tennis or pickleball, in padel, the ball is still in play even after it bounces off the back or side walls. This changes the entire dynamic of the game and, believe it or not, is one of the biggest advantages for beginners.

The Origins of the Padel Wall: A Happy Accident

The story goes that back in the late 1960s, a Mexican businessman named Enrique Corcuera wanted to build a tennis court at his home. There was just one problem—his yard wasn’t big enough, and balls kept flying into his neighbor’s property. His solution? Surround the court with walls to keep the ball in play. What started as a practical fix turned into a revolutionary twist on racket sports, adding an entirely new dimension to the game.

Corcuera’s invention caught on, and before long, Padel spread from Mexico to Spain, Argentina, and beyond. Today, millions of people around the world play Padel, and those very same walls that were meant to stop balls from getting lost are now at the heart of what makes Padel unique.


Why the Walls Are a Game-Changer

For beginners, the walls might seem like an extra challenge, but they actually make Padel easier. Here’s why:

  1. You Get a Second Chance – In tennis or squash, a ball that passes you is a lost point. In padel, you can use the back wall to return shots you’d otherwise miss.

  2. Slows the Game Down – The ball loses some speed after bouncing off the wall, giving you more time to react and position yourself correctly.

  3. Opens Up More Shot Options – Once you get comfortable, you can use the walls to set up creative shots, like the famous bajada (attacking shot after a bounce off the wall).


How to Start Using the Walls to Your Advantage

Now that you know why the walls are so useful, let’s talk about how to actually incorporate them into your game as a beginner.

1. Get Comfortable Letting the Ball Pass You

Your instinct might be to reach for every ball before it gets to the wall, but sometimes, letting it bounce off the glass gives you an easier shot. Try standing a bit further back and allowing the ball to come to you after bouncing.

2. Practice Judging the Rebound

Not all rebounds are equal! A ball that hits the wall softly will drop short, while a fast shot will bounce further away. Spend time hitting balls against the back wall to learn how they react.

3. Use the Wall to Reset the Point

If you’re under pressure, don’t panic! A simple defensive lob off the wall can buy you time and put you back in position.

4. Drill the Basics

A great way to improve your wall game is by practicing specific drills:

  • Wall Bounce Control: Stand near the back and let the ball bounce off the wall before hitting an easy return.

  • Forehand & Backhand Wall Returns: Feed yourself balls, let them bounce off the back wall, and work on consistent returns.


Final Thoughts

The walls in Padel aren’t obstacles—they’re an opportunity. Mastering them will make you a smarter, more strategic player, even as a beginner. So, next time you’re on the court, embrace the glass! It’s not just there for decoration; it’s your best friend in the game.

Have you ever struggled with the back wall? What helped you improve? Share in the comments!


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