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Basic Padel Techniques for Beginners

Understanding the Ready Position

The first step to mastering padel is adopting the correct ready position. This involves standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and your weight on the balls of your feet. Hold your racket with both hands out in front of you, ready to make a quick move and return any incoming shots. This position allows you to react swiftly and maintain balance throughout the game.

The Forehand Stroke

The forehand stroke is one of the most fundamental shots in padel. To execute a proper forehand, start by turning your body sideways with your non-dominant shoulder facing the net. Bring your racket back while keeping your eyes on the ball. As the ball approaches, step forward with your non-dominant foot, swing the racket forward, and follow through with your body weight transferring from your back foot to your front foot. Aim to hit the ball at waist height for maximum control.

The Backhand Stroke

Another essential shot in padel is the backhand stroke. Similar to the forehand, start by turning your body so that your dominant shoulder faces the net. Hold the racket with both hands, bring it back, and swing forward as the ball approaches. Ensure that you use your non-dominant hand to guide the racket for better accuracy and power. The follow-through should be smooth, with your body weight shifting from the back foot to the front foot.

Mastering the Serve

Serving in padel can set the tone for the entire point, so it’s crucial to get it right. Stand behind the service line with your feet parallel. Toss the ball slightly in front of you with one hand while holding the racket in the other hand. Using an underhand motion, strike the ball with the racket and aim to make it bounce in the opponent’s service box. A good serve is about placement and consistency rather than raw power.

Learning the Volley

The volley is a shot played before the ball bounces on your side of the court. When volleying, keep your racket up and your stance low, ready to move quickly. The key to an effective volley is short, compact swings and maintaining control over the ball. Focus on positioning yourself close to the net, and aim to direct the ball away from your opponents to make it difficult for them to return.

Developing the Lob

The lob is a defensive shot used to push your opponents back and give yourself time to recover and reposition. To perform a lob, use an underhand motion and aim to hit the ball high and deep into the opponent’s court. The objective is to force your opponents out of their attacking position near the net. Practice controlling the height and depth of your lobs to make them more effective.

Footwork and Positioning

Good footwork and positioning are critical in padel. Always stay on the balls of your feet and be ready to move in any direction. Keep your movements quick and light, and always return to the ready position after each shot. Understanding where to be on the court can also give you a strategic advantage. For instance, positioning yourself in the middle of the court when your opponents are hitting deep shots allows you to cover more ground effectively.

With these basic padel techniques in your arsenal, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying and excelling in the sport. Remember, consistent practice and attention to detail are key to mastering these techniques and becoming a more proficient padel player.


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