Padel is all about technique and strategy. Mastering different padel shots is valuable. This is how you constantly put your opponent under pressure. Do you want to get really good? Then you need to know exactly which padel shots there are, when to use them, and how to execute them best. Below, we list the most important padel shots and techniques for you.
Forehand:
The forehand is the most commonly used shot in padel. This is the shot you use on your dominant side (usually the right for right-handed players) to return the ball into play. The good news is that the forehand is also one of the easiest padel shots to master. To hit it well, you need to:
- The Racket keep low.
- Bring your weight forward at the moment of impact.
- Hit through the ball quickly and sharply.
Our tip: hit the ball in front of your body. This way you have much more control than when you hit it beside or behind you. Try to maintain the same technique each time, and the forehand will eventually become a natural reaction.
Read also: Padel and tennis, discover the differences!
2. Backhand:
Your opponent isn't always going to play to your forehand, so learn the backhand! Where the forehand is about power and speed, the backhand emphasises control and precision. For a good backhand, stand sideways so you can easily generate power. Hit the ball close to your body and aim for a fixed spot. A strong backhand makes your game more unpredictable. This way, you ensure your opponent can never guess your next move.
3. Volley
Are you coming to the net? Then you'd best play a volley. This is a quick, direct padel shot that you play without the ball bouncing. The volley can be played as both a forehand and a backhand. With a volley, you need to stand close to the net and react quickly. The trick: keep your racket in front of your chest and play with short, fast movements. Hit the ball with a targeted, controlled flick. Is your volley too high? Then you're giving your opponent the chance for a smash. Therefore: always low and fast.
4. Smash:
You use a smash when you receive a high ball and want to finish the point. But be careful, not every smash is the same. In padel we have:
- Flat smash A hard and direct smash, often hit straight and low over the net.
- Kick-smash This way you give the ball an upward spin, causing it to bounce off the court with a curve and a lot of spin. This smash is particularly effective if your opponent is standing far back and will have trouble reaching the ball.
- Topspin smash This is a smash where you hit the ball with an upward spin (topspin), causing it to bounce high and with spin after it makes contact with the ground. This shot helps to accelerate the ball and make it bounce higher, which makes the return extra difficult.
- Hook The gancho is an overhead smash, often used when you are on the right side of the court and the ball comes over your left shoulder (for right-handed players). This shot occurs when the ball bounces deep and high in the corner. The gancho requires good timing and technique to hit offensively from a defensive position.
Every smash requires timing, technique, and the right situation. At Padel Mate Club, our coaches are happy to help you master these different smashes, so you can play the perfect smash in every rally! Please feel free to contact us for all lesson possibilities.
5. Tray
De bandeja, which literally means “tray” in Spanish, is a strategic variation of the smash. This shot is intended to keep your opponent in the back of the court. The bandeja requires less power and more control. This padel shot is ideal if you don't want to smash at full power, but still want to apply pressure. You hit the ball slightly more angled and softer. And you keep it quite low. A good bandeja keeps your opponent away from the net – a strategic advantage for you!
6. Viper:
The víbora, a truly advanced shot. The víbora is similar to the bandeja, but you add more spin to it with a sharp diagonal movement. This creates a ‘biting’ effect (hence the name), making the ball harder for your opponent to read. The aim of the víbora? To force your opponent to defend. The shot requires practice and timing, but once you've mastered it, you'll truly have the advantage. It's best used when you're on the right side of the court.
7. Chiquita:
With the chiquita, you play the ball short over the net and force your opponent to come forward. This is a tactical padel shot. Do you have an opponent who likes to stay at the back? Use it then. Play the ball softly and low over the net, so that it just bounces into the service box. This makes it difficult for your opponent to return the ball.
8. Lob
A good lob can be your salvation. With a lob, you play the ball high and deep, forcing your opponent to retreat. This is especially useful if you want to relieve pressure or regain control of the net. A perfect lob goes high enough not to be easily smashed and deep enough to push the opponent far back. This creates space for yourself and buys you time to plan your next shot.
9. Return
The return is the first padel stroke you make after the opponent's serve. A good return should be hit low and deep, preventing the serving pair from immediately going on the offensive. This is a padel stroke where you vary your shots: sometimes short, sometimes deep, and occasionally a lob. This keeps your opponents on their toes and gives you an immediate advantage in the rally.
10. Slice:
With the slice, you give the ball a sharp, downward spin. This makes it bounce lower and harder to return. This padel stroke is useful when you want more control and want to keep your opponent low. Hit the ball diagonally from above and pull your racket slightly downwards – as if you were cutting the ball. This creates a spin effect on the ball, making it extra difficult to hit. The slice works well in combination with forehand and backhand.
11. By rebound:
You don't just play padel with the net – you also play with the walls. The rebote is the technique where you hit the ball after it bounces off the back wall. This requires timing and focus. Stay calm, keep your racket ready, and wait for the ball to come just in front of you. This way, you use the wall to your advantage and keep the ball in play for longer. The rebote helps you recover from a defensive position. Read also: Is it allowed to hit the fence during padel?
Cycling exercises to improve your technique
The way to get better at padel strokes is to practice. By adding specific exercises to your padel training, you work on your footwork, stroke technique, and speed. Exercises help you build repetition and thus develop muscle memory. This is how you improve your padel level. Try the exercises below to improve your padel technique.
1. Padel shots against the wall
A classic for beginners and advanced players alike: play the ball against a wall. The ball always comes back, giving you the chance to work on your stroke accuracy and reaction time. Try different strokes – forehand, backhand, volleys – and switch between low and high balls. A great exercise to work on your timing without relying on a partner. Our trainers will be happy to help you with tips to work on your technique and to make the most of this exercise.
Read also: Padel 1v1: does it exist and how does it work?
2. Footwork drills with a ladder
Good footwork leads to good padel strokes. With a speed ladder – which is available at our club – you can specifically work on your footwork. Quickly step in and out of the ladder's squares and practise short, quick steps. This exercise helps you to stay agile and react quickly on the court. Our coaches can show you various patterns to further improve your coordination.
3. Throwing the ball for positioning
A partner or trainer from Padel Mate Club can help you with your positioning on the court. Have your partner toss the ball to different spots, forcing you to move quickly and get into the correct position. After each shot, return to the centre. This is an intensive drill that will greatly improve your reaction time and speed. Our trainers will keep the tempo high and help you refine your technique.
Feel free to come and see us! Our trainers are ready to teach you these and other techniques so that you can take your padel game to the next level. Read also: Padel rules: how does it work?
Come and practice all the padel shots at Padel Mate Club!
Would you like to come and play padel at Padel Mate Club? We have many padel courts available in both Hoorn (Oosterblokker)as Amstelveen. So there's always a spot free for you! Book your job directly via this link. Would you like to improve at any of the aforementioned padel shots? Then consider a Series of lessons with one of our experienced padel trainers. Is your desired date/time not listed online? Then send a message to info@padelmateacademy.com. We're happy to help you think things through!