Psychological Strategies and Tactics to Regain Control
We've all experienced that match where nothing seems to go right. You start by missing a couple of shots, and before you know it, you fall into a negative loop. Each mistake feels heavier than the last, frustration grows, and suddenly, you feel like you're no longer enjoying the game. The worst part is that the more frustrated you get, the more you fail.
These situations happen due to various factors. Sometimes, we focus on external aspects: bad luck, court conditions, the wind, the ball not bouncing well… But by concentrating on these elements, all we do is feed our frustration. We set our own trap: if everything depends on external factors, we feel like we have no control over the situation. And when we lose that sense of control, we freeze.
The key is to change your focus.
Focus on what you can control
Instead of thinking about what you can't change (your opponent is playing better, the court is slow, the net seems higher than usual), it's much more useful to focus on what you can do at that moment. You may not win the match, but at least you'll know you've done everything possible to turn it around.
This is where decision-making comes into play. Many times, we get stuck in our mistakes, but the reality is that everyone fails: professionals, amateurs, everyone. The important thing is not the mistake itself but how you recover from it.
When you make the right decision on the court, even if you fail in execution, it's essential to reinforce yourself for having chosen correctly. If, in a specific situation, you should have hit a lob or a vibora but the ball ended up in the net, don't punish yourself: it was the right choice. Keep that mindset and move forward.
Tactical strategies to regain confidence
Beyond the mental aspect, you can also rely on tactical adjustments to help you break free from the cycle of mistakes.
- Rely on your partner
Padel is a team sport, and your partner can be key to managing the situation. If you're not feeling good, communicate it. Together, you can find a plan to relieve pressure, for example, forcing more parallel play so that the opponents play more towards your partner, allowing you to regain confidence. - Prioritize consistency over risk
Often, when we feel we're making too many mistakes, we try to compensate with spectacular shots. We look to finish points quickly, make a highlight-reel shot to regain confidence… and all we achieve is failing more. At these moments, the best thing is to change your mentality: instead of trying to win points, focus on putting more balls into play with margin and safety. - Play more through the middle and use the lob strategically
If you don't feel comfortable, an effective strategy is to play more balls through the center, where there is less risk of error and a greater chance of unsettling your opponents. Additionally, the lob is a key tool in these moments. It's a shot that gives you a breather, allows you to gain time, and slows down the pace of the point. It's true that sometimes it falls short or goes too long, but it remains a very useful resource to regain confidence. If you always play low and fast, the ball will return faster, and if you lack confidence, that can be a problem.
Take breaks to refocus
Another common mistake when we fall into a cycle of errors is wanting to get out of it as quickly as possible by playing faster and faster without stopping to think. But many times, the best thing you can do is exactly the opposite: stop.
If you've lost several consecutive points and notice you're feeling stuck, take a break. Go drink some water, take a deep breath, walk around the court for a few seconds… Whatever it takes to break that negative inertia. Giving yourself a small "stop" will allow you to refocus your mind and approach the next point with more clarity.
The key: remember why you play padel
In the end, it's all about enjoying the game. Not everything revolves around winning. Sometimes, the goal isn't victory but improvement, learning to manage these situations, and, above all, enjoying the sport. Keeping in mind why you play will help you get through those frustrating moments and keep moving forward.
Because the most important point is always the next one.
