The fastest way to learn padel

Padel seems like a simple game from the outside. It can be surprisingly complex.

Although the rules are quite straightforward, what makes the game so interesting is the variety of very individual shots.

To make a good impression on the court, you should understand the basics of the game, know what shots there are and how they are executed.

Below we have described 10 basic padel strokes that you should definitely know.

We will cover the basics of how you should hold the club on each shot in order to hit the ball optimally and thereby generate a certain amount of power and speed.

1. The forehand drive

The forehand drive is the simplest of all padel strokes. You play it with your strong hand in a sweeping motion so you can hit the balls back straight. These balls are usually set low or directly in front of you.

For the shot itself, position yourself slightly offset from the ball, which is coming toward you. The club itself is initially still facing downwards.

When the ball comes towards you, swing backwards and swing the racket upwards.

You should hit the ball just below the middle.

Continue the swing until the club lands over your shoulder.

2. The backhand drive

A punch that can be used both offensively and defensively.

To hit the backhand shot optimally, first position yourself so that the ball is played on your backhand.

Then you swing the racket backwards over your midsection (mirror image of the forehand stroke) and hit the ball in front of your hip.

Here too, make sure to follow through with the swing and find your feel for the club.

Only increase your power behind the swing once you feel confident with sleep and movement.

3. The overhead shot

The overhead shot is used to return balls that are high up and close to the back wall. This shot is also used as an attacking shot when your opponent is at the front of the court and you want to hit the ball over their head.

To execute an overhead shot, first position yourself under the ball and raise your club above your head. Your non-dominant hand should grip the clubhead. Swing your club downward, striking the ball just above your head.

4. The Volley

The volley is one of the most important shots in padel. It involves hitting the ball while it's still in the air and before it bounces (similar to tennis).

This punch can be very effective and accurate if executed correctly.

This will surprise your opponent, who will have a hard time reacting so quickly. This is your chance to take control of the point.

To execute a powerful volley, you need to have a good grip on your racket. The grip is truly crucial here.

Be ready when the ball comes towards you from above.

Swing the racket back as if you were about to serve in tennis.

Hit the ball immediately after it bounces or directly from above. Above you, knowing the strength behind it. A controlled shot from above can have more impact than a powerful but uncontrolled shot.

5. The Dropshot

The dropshot is a padel shot that forces your opponent to move.

It's a lower and slower shot that barely clears the net, making it difficult for your opponents to even reach the ball.

To perform a drop shot, you need to hit the club with an exaggerated backswing in your dominant hand.

You should hit the ball in a kind of “whip motion” so that the ball gets enough spin.

If the ball bounces back towards you after impact, you have executed the shot perfectly.

Your opponent will then have no chance of getting the ball and the point will be yours.

6. The backhand volley

You can keep your opponent on their toes with the backhand volley. It can be used as an attacking or defensive shot and is relatively easy to master.

To execute a backhand volleyball, first position yourself in the center of the court. This will give you the greatest power and control over the shot.

Next, grip the club with your dominant hand and position your non-dominant hand behind the clubhead.

When you are ready to hit the ball, extend your arm towards the ball and snap your wrist to hit the ball.

Make sure you follow through with your swing so the ball goes where you want it to.

7. The Overhead Smash

One of the most visually impressive shots in padel is the overhead smash. Often used as a point-winning shot, the overhead smash has tremendous power and can be very difficult to return.

To perform an overhead smash, you need to be in position long before your opponent hits the ball.

As the ball comes towards you, you swing your racket upwards over your head and hit the ball exactly when it has reached its highest point.

Use your entire body weight in the punch to generate maximum power.

The overhead smash is a great way to end a point and, if executed well, can be very demoralizing for your opponents.

8. The Praise

Lobs are a great way to surprise your opponents and can be used both offensively and defensively.

To hit a lob, you need to hit the ball higher than usual and with topspin. This will send the ball flying over your opponent's head and landing behind them.

Make sure you use the right amount of force to ensure the ball lands before the glass. Otherwise, you'll lose a point.

Praise can help you get out of a difficult situation in a game and bring the game back under your control.

9. The forehand volley

One of the most important shots in padel is the forehand volley. With this shot, you keep the ball in play and force your opponent onto the defensive.

The key to a successful forehand volley is to keep your elbow up and hit the ball with a flat racket. Basically, get slightly under the ball.

When hitting a forehand volleyball, you need to make sure your racket is parallel to the ground.

Additionally, you should definitely keep your wrist locked and your elbow elevated. Once you master these two elements, nothing will stand in the way of your winning forehand volley.

10. The serve

The serve is the most important shot in padel. It's the only shot you have complete control over.

There are two main types of serves: the forehand serve and the backhand serve.

The forehand serve is the most common type of serve and is used by most professional players.

To serve a forehand, you must start with the racket in one hand and the ball in the other.

You hit the ball from below, like a normal forehand or backhand. However, when serving, you can play with how much spin you apply, how much power you use, or whether you slice it into your opponent's court.

Conclusion

“ONE SHOT AT A TIME”

Mastering every stroke perfectly is impossible at first.

As with any sport and anything new you learn, it takes time and practice.

From my own experience, I can tell you that the power you want to put behind each shot sometimes leads to more mistakes than to a winning game.

Take each stroke at a time and sometimes less is more.

Stay tuned and 2025 will be your year in padel.

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