After a balloon, there is a tray waiting. And although this is not always the case, the layup is one of the most used defensive shots during a padel game, in addition to allowing us to maintain position on the net.
As we have been saying, the layup is made after a balloon, although it is not always the answer. The volley can also replace the layup response of a lob. On the other hand, if we do not consider it a good time to bury the ball or attempt a smash, the best option is to use the tray technique in paddle tennis.
Tray preparation phase
The layup is a hit that occurs in the middle of the court. Once the opponent has thrown the balloon at us, we will follow the trajectory of the ball until we find the point where the impact is as comfortable as possible.
The body is placed parallel to the fence and the arm holding the shovel should be semi-flexed at an approximate angle of 90 degrees until the dominant hand is placed behind the head. The ball will be on one side of the body and the non-dominant racket points towards it.
His name says it all. The racket starts in a tray position. As the ball begins to descend, the paddle hits the ball at or slightly before shoulder height. The body also rotates slightly during hitting.
At the end of the blow, the dominant arm ends on the shoulder opposite the blow. The position in the network is immediately recovered if possible.
Other tips to learn the padel tray
Being one of the most recurring hits in paddle tennis, what less than mastering it. It is worth remembering once again that the layup is a containment shot that allows us to maintain control of the net. Squeezing the ball more or less is just a matter of confidence and control, however, if you still don't control the shot, it is best to return with a layup in the most controlled way possible. Otherwise, we would be closer to a smash or viper than a containing blow.
As for the appropriate handle for traying, the continental one is the most correct option. A handle that also allows us to be prepared to volley if we feel more confident while receiving the balloon.
You should also not feel afraid when dropping the ball. And even if you have to go back a little further towards the back of the court, it is best to hit the ball in a comfortable position. As soon as you hit the ball you must run to recover the lost meters.
Also related to the hitting zone, another question arises. Should I jump to lay down? It is common to see professional players perform the suspended paddle layup. However, for beginner and intermediate levels it is advisable to do it with both feet glued to the ground. From a position in contact with the court, the player has more control in setting up and hitting the ball. To do this, it will be vitally important to have shoes to play padel that have excellent grip.
Finally, choosing the direction of the ball on the layup is nothing more than a matter of reading your opponent. In the event that after the balloon, the rival player goes up to the center of the court, responding with a layup to the diagonal wall will allow us to buy a little more time to recover the lost court and commit the rival to the side corridor that he has left. free. Another option is to play the ball in the center of the court, in the middle of both players, disconcerting both rivals.
The technique to master the layup is, as in the rest of the shots, a matter of practice. However, we are sure that it is a blow that, regardless of your level, you have already had to resort to on more than one occasion during a match.
The paddle tray is key if you want to keep the upper half of the court under control, but remember, you don't need a lot of speed to counterpunch. Therefore, always keep in mind that the layup is a defensive, containment shot, and that no matter how easy the ball may seem, strength and speed are not always needed to win.
