Padel is fast-paced, explosive, and all about those long, exhilarating rallies. To stay sharp on the court and outlast your opponents, endurance is key. While padel might look like a casual hit-around from the outside, experienced players know the game demands next-level fitness. If you want to improve your performance and enjoy every match to the fullest, building endurance should be part of your training plan.
Here’s how to level up your stamina – and your padel game.
Why Endurance Matters in Padel
In padel, it’s not just about hitting hard – it’s about staying quick, focused, and agile point after point. Long rallies are common, and that means your heart rate stays high and your legs keep moving. Without a strong fitness base, fatigue sets in quickly, leading to slower reactions, poor decision-making, and missed opportunities.
Endurance training ensures your body can handle the demands of a full match – whether you're chasing down a lob, powering through a smash, or staying light on your feet between shots.
Top Training Tips to Build Padel Endurance
1. Interval Running
Padel involves frequent bursts of energy, followed by short recoveries – just like interval running. Try 30-second sprints followed by 30 seconds of rest, repeated for 10–15 rounds. This builds cardiovascular strength and mimics on-court intensity.
2. Agility Drills
Fast footwork = longer rallies. Use ladder drills, cone work, and shuttle runs to improve your lateral movement and stamina. The more agile you are, the easier it is to keep up when rallies stretch out.
3. Strength-Endurance Circuits
Focus on full-body workouts with light weights and high reps. Think squats, lunges, push-ups, and core work – all designed to keep you strong without slowing you down. Circuit-style sessions (with minimal rest) help condition your muscles and boost endurance.
4. On-Court Drills
Practice extended rally drills with a partner, aiming for consistency over power. The goal isn’t to win the point quickly – it’s to sustain the rally and challenge your stamina. Try rallying for 50 shots without a break and increase the count as your fitness improves.
5. Recovery Matters
Endurance isn’t just about pushing hard – it’s also about how well you recover. Prioritise stretching, hydration, and sleep to help your body bounce back between sessions. Compression wear can also support recovery, especially after long training days or match weekends.
Fuel Your Game, Stay in the Rally
Endurance training doesn't just make you fitter – it makes you more confident. When you know you can go the distance, you play with more focus, freedom, and power.
So whether you're gearing up for a tournament or just want to dominate your weekly doubles match, building padel-specific fitness is your secret weapon. Train smart, stay consistent, and get ready to take your game deeper into every rally.