What is “The Fridge” in Paddle Tennis and How Can You Get Out of It?

If you've ever played padel , you've probably experienced a situation where hardly any balls were coming your way. Your partner was taking all the hits, and you were... cold, stationary, barely getting into the game. If this sounds familiar, congratulations: you've been in "the icebox."

This concept, so popular among players of all levels, was recently explained in a Keepadel video featuring Marcos and Jorge, who explained in a simple and engaging way what this strategy is and how it actually affects the court. Below, we expand on what they shared and give you some useful tips for using it.

What does it mean to "fridge" in paddle tennis?

In the Keepadel video, Marcos poses the question: "Jorge, what is a "fridge" in padel?" And Jorge answers clearly: it's when a team detects that one of their opponents is less skilled, is having a bad day, or is simply making more mistakes, and so they focus their entire game on them. The goal is clear: take advantage of the weak point to win the match.

The player who doesn't receive the ball is left on the sidelines, without rhythm, without participation, "on ice." This strategy is as common as it is effective, especially if the pressured player doesn't know how to handle the extra pressure.

Psychological effects of the refrigerator

The biggest risk of the icebox isn't so much tactical as mental . A player who takes the game on his own can enter a negative cycle: he wants to prove he can handle the situation, tries to finish points quickly, and, as a result, starts making unforced errors.

On the other hand, the player who is left out of the game is also affected. Lack of rhythm for long periods can lead to frustration, loss of concentration, and even tension in the team.

How to get out of the fridge?

During the video chat, Jorge makes it clear: getting out of the fridge isn't easy , but there are ways to reduce its impact. Here are some tips you can apply to your games:

1. Support your partner

If your partner is receiving all the play, give them support. Avoid gestures of despair and maintain positive communication. Padel is a team sport, and in these moments, mutual trust is essential.

2. Don't rush

The most common mistake is trying to finish the point quickly to relieve pressure. You have to be patient, build the point, and reduce unforced errors.

3. Look for variations in the game

Try to break the momentum: with lobs, changes of direction, gentle drops, or even alternating positions between you. Any change can cause your opponent to lose their initial strategy.

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4. Stay mentally active

If you're on the cold end, even if no balls are going in, don't let yourself go. Stay focused, analyze the game, correct your position, and stay motivated so you're ready when your time comes.

The fridge isn't the end... it's part of the game!

As we say at Keepadel, the icebox is a perfectly valid and very common strategy . The important thing is not to give up, either as a player "in the icebox" or as a teammate of the pressured player.

Often, matches are decided more by mentality than technique. Understanding how your opponent behaves, how your partner responds, and what strategies you can use is part of the constant learning process this sport offers.

Conclusion

"The Icebox" is one of the most challenging situations in padel, but also one that teaches the most about teamwork, communication, and resilience. Thanks to videos like Marcos and Jorge's from Keepadel , more and more players are becoming familiar with these dynamics and learning to manage them intelligently.

The next time you notice you or your partner are entering the "freeze zone," don't despair. Adapt, talk, support... and get the most out of your game.