Padel Techniques
Essential Techniques
Master these fundamental shots to build a complete padel game
Forehand Drive
The fundamental groundstroke hit on your dominant side
Key Points:
- Stand sideways to the net
- Take racket back early
- Hit through the ball with topspin
- Follow through across your body
Professional demonstration videos coming soon
Pro Tip:
Keep your eye on the ball and maintain a relaxed grip. The forehand is your most natural shot.
Backhand Drive
Essential groundstroke for your non-dominant side
Key Points:
- Use both hands for stability
- Turn shoulders perpendicular to net
- Keep racket face slightly closed
- Accelerate through contact
Professional demonstration videos coming soon
Pro Tip:
Practice the two-handed backhand for better control and power. Keep your hands together.
Volley
Hitting the ball before it bounces, usually at the net
Key Points:
- Short, compact swing
- Step forward into the shot
- Keep racket head up
- Use continental grip
Professional demonstration videos coming soon
Pro Tip:
Volleys are about placement, not power. Keep the ball low and aim for the corners.
Lob
High, arcing shot to get the ball over opponents
Key Points:
- Open racket face at contact
- Hit with upward trajectory
- Aim for back corners
- Use topspin for control
Professional demonstration videos coming soon
Pro Tip:
The lob is crucial in padel. Use it to move opponents back and create attacking opportunities.
Smash
Powerful overhead shot to finish points
Key Points:
- Get under the ball quickly
- Throw racket head at ball
- Hit down into the court
- Follow through completely
Professional demonstration videos coming soon
Pro Tip:
Timing is everything. Position yourself early and commit to the shot fully.
Wall Play
Using the walls strategically in your shots
Key Points:
- Angle shots off side walls
- Use back wall for defense
- Create difficult angles
- Practice wall rebounds
Professional demonstration videos coming soon
Pro Tip:
Wall play separates padel from other racket sports. Master this to become a complete player.
Practice Drills
Structured drills to improve your technique and consistency
Wall Rally Drill
Practice consistency by hitting against the back wall
Stand 3 meters from back wall, hit ball against wall maintaining consistent rhythm and height.
Cross-Court Groundstrokes
Hit diagonal shots to improve accuracy and court coverage
Hit diagonal shots from corner to corner, focusing on placement and footwork between shots.
Volley Practice
Stand at net and practice volleys with a partner
Stand at net, have partner feed balls at chest height, focus on compact swing and placement.
Lob & Smash Combination
Practice defensive lobs followed by attacking smashes
Practice defensive lobs when under pressure, then move forward for attacking smashes.
Strategy & Pro Tips
Essential strategy and advice to accelerate your improvement
Court Positioning
- • Stay close to your partner (3-4 meters apart)
- • Move as a unit - both forward or both back
- • Control the net position when possible
- • Use the "Australian formation" for variety
Shot Selection
- • Lob when opponents are at the net
- • Use cross-court shots to open the court
- • Attack the middle to create confusion
- • Play to the weaker opponent when possible
Essential Tips
Grip Fundamentals
Use a continental grip for volleys and serves, eastern grip for groundstrokes.
Footwork First
Good footwork is the foundation of all shots. Move your feet to get in position early.
Watch the Ball
Keep your eye on the ball from your opponent's racket to your own contact point.
Practice Patience
Don't rush shots. Wait for the right opportunity to attack and be patient in rallies.