Archive note: this article was originally published in March 2024. It discusses common reasons players can experience pain or injury when taking up padel. It is general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you have persistent pain or an injury, speak to an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
While on the surface padel may seem like a sport that does not put a lot of strain on the body, players can still pick up injuries, particularly when their playing volume increases quickly or their body is not yet used to the movements required.
Several factors can contribute, including sudden changes in training load, limited preparation, technique, equipment and the multidirectional nature of the sport.
1. Sudden increase in playing amount
Padel is easy to become enthusiastic about, and new players can quickly go from playing very little sport to being on court several times a week. A sudden increase in playing volume can be demanding on the body.
Build your playing time gradually, allow recovery between heavy sessions and pay attention to how your body responds.
2. Multidirectional nature of padel
Padel requires quick changes of direction, lunges, rotations and repeated overhead movements. Players coming from tennis or other racket sports may have useful transferable skills, but the movement patterns are not identical.
That is one reason gradual conditioning, good movement habits and sensible progression are important when taking up the sport.
3. Skipping the warm-up
A gradual warm-up can help prepare you for the movements you are about to perform. It does not need to be elaborate, but it should progressively increase movement and intensity before the match begins.
You can also read our guide to mobility and flexibility for padel.
4. Choosing suitable equipment
Racket weight, grip, footwear and ball condition can all affect how comfortable the game feels. Very old or wet balls, unsuitable shoes or a racket that feels excessively heavy may make playing unnecessarily demanding.
If you are unsure, seek advice from a coach or specialist retailer and choose equipment that suits your level rather than simply copying professional players.
5. Common problem areas
Players can experience problems in areas such as the elbow, shoulder, calf, ankle, knee or lower back. The cause is not always obvious, so persistent pain should be assessed by an appropriately qualified professional rather than self-diagnosed from an article.
Summary
Padel places different demands on the body depending on your level, playing frequency, technique and physical preparation. Build up gradually, prepare for the session, use suitable equipment and do not ignore persistent pain.
For current player development options, explore The Padel School player pathways and Player Membership.
.jpg)
