The technique and definition of the hit in Padel is the key, to a large extent, of an assured victory. Mastering each and every one of the shots is a matter of practice and training , that's why in this post we will review from the most basic Padel shots to the shots at the level of very few players.
Types of strokes in Padel
One of the most determining factors when hitting the ball is the position of the player. For example, if the player is positioned at the top of the court they will go for a volley, but if they are at the back of the court they may be forced to respond with a flat forehand. These are two simple examples of the hitting alternatives that the player has depending on his location on the court.
Likewise, the speed or position of the rival player will force the player to place and print a certain force and effect on his hitting.
basic strikes
Forehand or drive and backhand
The forehand or backhand stroke is one of the most basic Padel strokes . This clash allows the ball to be returned to the opponent quite easily. Although the cross hit is more comfortable, you can also choose to redirect the ball parallel.
To carry out this blow, the player waits with his knees semi-flexed. In the armed advance the foot opposite to the hand of the strike forward. The bare hand is placed in the direction of the ball's bounce to aid the player's balance and at impact, the player strikes the ball at waist height.
Despite being one of the most basic shots, the forehand and backhand groundstroke can give you a flat, topspin or cut effect that allows you to keep the ball in play. The way the blade comes into contact with the ball will depend on the desired effect.
As it is one of the most basic Padel strokes, any blade is suitable for this type of hitting.
The balloon
The balloon is another type of blows that will always be present in a game of Padel whatever the level of the crossing. The parabola that the ball draws allows you to overcome the rival over it.
One of the main reasons why this blow is used is because it forces you to delay the opponent's position. In this way, once the lob is made, the player will go up to the net to prepare the counterattack. On the other hand, if the lob is executed in the wrong way, we will have facilitated a very easy response hit for our opponent.
The balloon slows down the game moderately. During the hit, the player must flex his legs and with the blade open upwards , hit under the ball in a vertical-diagonal direction .
wall slam
When the ball bounces and hits one of the walls, the only thing left to do is resort to a wall hit. In this case, the player accompanies the movement of the ball until it is in front of the player and can hit it with the racket .
The wall slam is more difficult to master but, once controlled, it becomes an essential defensive blow. One of the keys to this Padel stroke is the accompaniment of the player to the movement of the ball.
the volley
The volley is an attack blow that, when well directed, can provide the winning point. It is done without letting the ball bounce, trying to subtract all the opponent's options. The ball drop will affect the effect of the volley. Even, on some occasions, the player will only have the option of placing the static racket and relying on a powerful ball output.
The preparation of this blow is very fast, the blade is placed slightly backwards, the foot is opposite to the forward blow, the body is slightly tilted back and I hit at the level of the head.
If you also manage to deliver the ball with a cut effect, you will make it much more difficult to return it to your opponent.
Tray
The layup is another of those essential shots in any game and it takes place in the middle of the court. After a lob it is common to respond with this type of hit.
In this case, we are talking about a tactical blow that serves as an attack and defense mode. His execution is halfway between the volley and the shot. To make this shot, the ball must remain on one of the player's sides and the hand opposite the racket must point to the trajectory of the ball. The impact occurs slightly in front of the dominant shoulder accompanied by a twist of the trunk.
The objective of the tray is to take the ball to the end of the track causing the impact with the wall at such a low height that it bothers the opponent's response.
Advanced Padel strokes
auction or smash
If you want to increase the level of difficulty of your game, the finisher is one of those shots that you must master. Due to its execution, it is one of the most difficult to counter and, therefore, a winning blow if performed correctly.
In the most definitive blow in attack, the entire weight of the body falls on the rear foot. With the non-dominant arm we point to the ball and when hitting at high speed you have to do it at the highest point. Finally, the blade will end up on the opposite side of the impact, drawing a diagonal.
The success of the smash is achieved when the ball returns to the exit point. This will mean that the opponent has not been able to reach the ball due to his height.
The snake
Of all the Padel strokes seen so far, the viper is the most difficult to execute. The hit bears certain similarities with the tray, but its effectiveness is even greater. It also occurs in the middle of the track.
In the snake shot, the ball remains on the player's side and the hand without a blade will point the ball in the direction. At the moment of impact, the arm will be practically extended and the racket will come into contact with the ball laterally.
A correctly executed Viper will take the ball all the way down the lane, bouncing very low against the wall forcing the opponent to crouch low to respond to the attack.
