Why Mixing Up Your Opponents Will Help Your Game

One of the biggest myths in padel is that you should only play with better players to improve.

So many players want to only play with higher rated players and avoid any matches with players beneath their level. 

But when players do this, they are missing a trick.

Here’s the reality: mixing up your opponents—playing with better, same-level, and lower-level players—is the key to your improvement.

Here’s why:

Playing Against Better Players

When you play with better players, it forces you to step up your game.

You’re constantly pushed to perform at a higher level, reacting faster, improving your defence, and sharpening your skills.

You learn to handle more difficult situations and start noticing gaps in your game that you might not spot against same-level or weaker players.

It’s a great challenge, and you often surprise yourself by how much you can raise your level to compete.

Playing Against Same Level Players

Playing with opponents at your same level gives you a whole new type of challenge.

This is where your mental toughness is tested—you feel the pressure to win, and every point can swing the match.

It’s the perfect way to fine-tune your game and see how you handle competitive situations when the playing level is evenly matched.

👉 Playing With Lower Level Players

Now, here’s what might surprise you—playing with lower-level players can be just as valuable.

When you’re the stronger player, you get a chance to try new strategies, work on your shot creativity, and experiment with different shots in a lower-stakes environment.

You can practice those higher risk shots or those shots you don’t want to go for in tighter matches. 

Plus, you can develop leadership skills by helping guide your partner, which improves your own understanding of the game.

The key is to balance all three.

No matter what level you’re at, mixing it up allows you to evolve into a more complete player.

^{_{Credit: The Padel School}}