ACADEMY TIPS

La Bandeja

The strike area is normally in the middle of the court where the contact is halfway between a volley and a smash; Target area is usually diagonally or in the center of the opponent.

Winning the point is not your main goal here, but more importantly, not to lose your position at the net, keeping the lead of the point. After Bandeja, you should move forward and cover back the net.

It’s a Lob Decision

One of the most important but underrated strokes, one you should adopt in your game. Objective is to complicate opponent’s next shot, but instead, a bad low or short lob, can be deterrent in point evolution.

It is used to change up the dynamics of the game, pushing the opponents back. The deeper you place it in the field, the harder is for the opponents to return the ball.

Back Glass struggle

The back wall is generally used as a last resort when it is not possible to return the ball directly to the opponent’s court.

You should get behind the ball after you taking your racket back. This allows you to hit the ball in front of your body and get a stable swing. Try and take your racket back on the same height as the ball. Always prepare the shot you will do, as early as possible.

Serve like a Pro

The maximum height at which the ball is hit is at the waist. Serving fast means less time to get to the net. Racket up, pointing towards the back glass, up drop the ball in front of you and from shoulder height hit through the ball at the waist height.

In padel, “ace” in serve is not a common word in its vocabulary, as it is very difficult to achieve one. Remember, you always get a second chance.

Padel Volleys

Key is to push the opponents at the back of the court, aiming for errors or having the control. Communication is critical for the duo, especially for the shots in the middle.

While at net position, alert and quick reactions are vital as you will have less time before the ball reaches you. Avoid being too close to the net. Remember the ready-to-volley position, racket is always up. Never lose net position.

Court Position

Backside: Target standing behind the service line between the separation of the first and second panels of the back and side glass.

Volley: Your ready-to-volley position should be aligned with the second post. The third post is where fence and glass separate.

Too close to the net leaves a gap at the back which your opponents easily advantage. Always keep a synchronous movement with your teammate.

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Quick Tips

  • Your defensive position should always be behind the line, this is the defense zone.

    Try changing the speed of your strokes, always focus on the ball jump and direction.

  • Power is not your friend. Slow down and control the pace of the match. Go into the match knowing how you want to play.

    It is about finding the balance between maximizing the pressure you can apply on your opponent while reducing your risks.

  • This stroke is used by a player who wants to maintain their attacking position when the other player has played a lob. In addition to this first objective, the tray can become a winning points tool.

  • Be aware of what shape your padel racket is.

    Sweet spot is where you need to hit the ball every time to get the best ball output as possible with most control, and the highest chance of the ball going exactly where you want it to.

  • Practice with the walls

    Forget the power, keep lobbying.

    Master you defense; Patience is key.