Beat Better Players by Doing This
Everyone asks:
“How do I beat better players?”
There’s no magic trick.
But there is a smarter way to play them.
Beating stronger opponents isn’t about hitting harder.
It’s about choosing the right strategy.
1. What It Is
Beating better players means:
Understanding why they’re better
Avoiding their strengths
Forcing them into uncomfortable situations
Playing to your strengths
Most players lose because they try to compete at the opponent’s game.
The real key?
Change the rhythm. Control the match-up. Play your game, not theirs.
2. When to Use It
Use this approach when:
You’re playing stronger players at your club
You’re facing ex-tennis players
You’re up against more experienced padel players
You feel they’re faster, stronger, or more confident
Instead of trying to “raise your level,” adjust your tactics.
3. Who Should Use It?
Beginners
Slow the game down.
Use lobs.
Get the glass involved.
Don’t try to win fast exchanges.
Intermediate Players
Identify diagonal match-ups.
Control tempo.
Target weaknesses.
Use angles and variation.
Advanced Players
Change rhythm constantly.
Manipulate positioning.
Attack specific match-ups.
Switch patterns mid-match.
At every level, strategy beats ego.
4. Step-by-Step Execution
First, identify what kind of “better player” you’re facing.
There are usually two types.
Type 1: Strong Tennis or Racket-Sport Players
These players:
Hit fast volleys
Smash hard
Play quickly
Move aggressively to the net
Step 1: Slow the Game Down
Do NOT try to out-hit them.
Instead:
Play more lobs.
Use soft balls.
Extend rallies.
Bring the glass into play.
Tennis players often struggle with patience and wall play.
Step 2: Use the Back Glass
If they smash aggressively:
Let the ball come off the glass.
Don’t panic-block.
Counterattack after the bounce.
Many hard smashes become easier balls in padel.
Make them hit one more shot.
Step 3: Be Patient
They want:
Fast points.
Direct winners.
Short exchanges.
You want:
Long rallies.
Tactical play.
Frustration.
Patience breaks them down.
Type 2: More Experienced Padel Players
These players:
Control rhythm.
Change speed.
Use smart positioning.
Know when to attack and defend.
You can’t just slow the game against them.
Instead:
Step 1: Use Your Strength
If you’re:
Faster at the net
More aggressive on volleys
More powerful
Then apply pressure.
Experienced players sometimes struggle with high pace.
Step 2: Play with Angle
Don’t just hit hard.
Use sharp cross-court angles.
Move them wide.
Open the court.
Angles create space.
Space creates errors.
Step 3: Apply Pressure from the Back
Use deep balls.
Push them behind the service line.
Make their bandeja uncomfortable.
Don’t let them settle into rhythm.
Step 4: Win the Diagonal Battle
This is huge.
In padel, most points are decided diagonally.
Ask yourself:
Which diagonal match-up favors me?
Do I prefer the right-side battle?
Or the left-side battle?
If one diagonal is better for you:
Keep playing into that matchup.
Build your strategy around it.
Make it your battlefield.
You don’t need to dominate the whole court.
Just dominate your diagonal.
5. Common Mistakes
Trying to out-hit tennis players
Playing fast against faster opponents
Not identifying match-ups
Changing direction too randomly
Playing without a clear objective
Letting ego dictate shot choice
The biggest mistake?
Trying to prove something.
Strategy wins more matches than power.
6. Simple Key Reminders
Don’t play their game.
Slow down fast players.
Speed up slower players.
Use the glass.
Be patient.
Control the diagonal.
Identify the better match-up.
Stick to your plan.
Better players win because they make fewer bad decisions.
If you make smarter decisions than them, even just for one match, you can win.
