Basic Strokes & Techniques

Mastering the fundamental strokes is essential for any padel player. Each stroke serves a specific purpose and requires proper technique to execute effectively. This chapter covers the core shots you'll use in every game.

Forehand

The forehand is your primary attacking shot in padel. It's typically your most powerful and reliable stroke, used for both offensive and defensive situations. Proper forehand technique provides the foundation for all other shots.

Forehand Grip and Setup

Proper grip and setup are crucial for effective forehands:

• Grip: Use eastern or continental grip for versatility
• Stance: Side-on position with feet shoulder-width apart
• Ready Position: Racket in front, knees slightly bent
• Body Position: Shoulders turned to the side
• Balance: Weight evenly distributed on both feet

Forehand Swing Mechanics

The forehand swing follows these key principles:

• Backswing: Take racket back with elbow bent
• Weight Transfer: Shift weight from back foot to front foot
• Contact Point: Hit ball in front of body at waist level
• Follow-through: Swing through ball toward target
• Recovery: Return to ready position quickly

Common Forehand Mistakes

Avoid these common forehand errors:

• Hitting ball too late (behind body)
• Using wrong grip for situation
• Over-swinging and losing control
• Poor weight transfer
• Inconsistent contact point

Backhand

The backhand is essential for defensive play and situations where the forehand isn't available. While typically less powerful than the forehand, a good backhand provides control and consistency.

Backhand Grip and Stance

Proper backhand setup requires specific positioning:

• Grip: Use continental grip for stability
• Stance: Side-on with non-dominant foot forward
• Racket Position: Both hands on racket handle
• Body Position: Shoulders turned to the side
• Balance: Stable base with knees bent

Backhand Swing Technique

Effective backhand technique includes:

• Backswing: Take racket back with both hands
• Contact: Hit ball in front with firm wrists
• Follow-through: Swing across body
• Recovery: Return to ready position
• Consistency: Focus on control over power

Backhand Variations

Different backhand shots for different situations:

• Defensive Backhand: High, deep shot for recovery
• Attacking Backhand: Flat, powerful shot
• Slice Backhand: Low, skidding shot
• Topspin Backhand: High-bouncing shot
• Drop Backhand: Short, angled shot

Volley

Volleys are shots hit before the ball bounces, typically played at the net. They require quick reactions, good positioning, and compact technique. Mastering volleys is crucial for net play.

Volley Positioning

Proper positioning is key to effective volleys:

• Net Position: Stay close to net for better angles
• Stance: Balanced with knees slightly bent
• Ready Position: Racket in front, eyes on ball
• Movement: Small steps to adjust position
• Anticipation: Read opponent's shot early

Volley Technique

Effective volley technique requires:

• Compact Swing: Short, controlled motion
• Firm Wrist: Keep wrist firm on contact
• Contact Point: Hit ball in front of body
• Follow-through: Minimal follow-through
• Recovery: Quick return to ready position

Volley Types

Different volleys for different situations:

• Block Volley: Defensive, high volley
• Punch Volley: Aggressive, flat volley
• Drop Volley: Short, angled volley
• Lob Volley: High, defensive volley
• Angle Volley: Wide, attacking volley

Lob

The lob is a high, arcing shot that goes over opponents' heads. It's primarily defensive but can also be used tactically to change the pace of play and force opponents away from the net.

Lob Technique

Effective lob technique includes:

• High Contact: Hit ball at shoulder height or higher
• Upward Swing: Swing up and through the ball
• Open Racket Face: Angle racket face upward
• Follow-through: High follow-through
• Target: Aim for deep court position

When to Use Lobs

Lobs are effective in these situations:

• When opponents are at the net
• When you're in a defensive position
• To change the pace of play
• To buy time for recovery
• To force opponents to hit overheads

Lob Variations

Different types of lobs for different situations:

• Defensive Lob: High, deep shot for recovery
• Attacking Lob: Lower, faster shot
• Slice Lob: Curved shot with spin
• Topspin Lob: High-bouncing shot
• Drop Lob: Short, angled lob

Smash

The smash is an overhead attacking shot, typically used to finish points when opponents hit weak lobs. It's one of the most powerful shots in padel and requires good timing and positioning.

Smash Technique

Proper smash technique requires:

• Positioning: Get under the ball quickly
• Backswing: Take racket back behind head
• Contact: Hit ball at highest point
• Follow-through: Swing down and through
• Recovery: Return to ready position

Smash Positioning

Effective smash positioning includes:

• Court Position: Move to ball quickly
• Body Position: Side-on to net
• Timing: Contact ball at peak of bounce
• Balance: Maintain stable base
• Anticipation: Read lob early

Smash Variations

Different smashes for different situations:

• Power Smash: Maximum power and speed
• Placement Smash: Accurate, controlled smash
• Angle Smash: Wide, angled smash
• Drop Smash: Short, deceptive smash
• Slice Smash: Curved smash with spin

Wall Rebounds

Wall rebounds are unique to padel and add a strategic dimension not found in tennis. Understanding how to use walls effectively can give you significant advantages during play.

Wall Rebound Principles

Effective wall play follows these principles:

• Ground First: Ball must bounce before hitting walls
• Angle Calculation: Understand rebound angles
• Positioning: Position yourself for wall shots
• Timing: Time your shots with wall rebounds
• Anticipation: Predict where ball will go

Types of Wall Shots

Different wall shots for different situations:

• Back Wall Shot: Use back wall for defensive play
• Side Wall Shot: Use side walls for angles
• Corner Shot: Use wall intersections
• Double Wall Shot: Use multiple walls
• Wall Volley: Volley off wall rebounds

Wall Rebound Strategy

Strategic use of walls includes:

• Using walls to extend rallies
• Creating difficult angles for opponents
• Buying time for recovery
• Forcing opponents into difficult positions
• Setting up winning shots