INTRODUCTION TO PADEL SHOTS
Every person understands the sporting activity of tennis and the majority of us know its strokes, yet with padel, do we understand all the padel shots that exist? There are greater than just a few! So, in the adhering to short article, we are more going to have a look at the entire arsenal of padel shots. Tennis is a well-known sporting activity, yet have you ever before stopped to think about the various padel shots that exist? There's even more to it than just a few! In this short article, we'll look into the diverse variety of padel shots and explore them all. Get ready to elevate your game!
PADEL SHOTS - THE SERVE
The serve is the shot to begin all points. If you miss the first serve, you have a second chance. The two rules that most affect the serve in padel are: You must let the ball bounce before hitting it. The maximum height at which the ball can be hit is at the waist. Typically, the serve in padel is aimed at the side wall, and unlike in tennis, the velocity of the serve is not a crucial aspect, since the primary goal is to quickly move to the net and gain control of the point. In fact, serving at a higher speed can actually be a disadvantage, as it leaves less time to reach the net. Additionally, it's extremely challenging to achieve an "ace" in padel, making it a rare occurrence.
PADEL SHOTS – Forehand and Backhand
The forehand and backhand shots in padel are considered to be the most basic strokes and are usually the first ones taught to beginners. These shots involve hitting the ball at the side of the body after it bounces once on our side of the court. The main goal of these strokes is to ensure accuracy and consistency, allowing players to control the point and on opportunities or induce errors from the opponent.
When it comes to padel strokes, it's crucial to recognize the importance of forehand and backhand crosscourt shots. These strokes are safer than down the line shots because they align better with the body's natural physiognomy, and they also provide more distance than down there are various ways to modify the basic forehand and backhand strokes to create different types of shots.
PADEL SHOTS - The lob.
The lob is perhaps, especially at amateur and intermediate levels, one of the most underrated padel shots, when the reality is that it is one of the most important strokes and one that we should master the most if we want to be good players. The execution of a lob is not always a defensive stroke, on the contrary, the execution of a good lob is actually an offensive stroke. The main objective of the lob is to overtake the opponents from above and immediately go up to the net in order to gain the initiative of the point.
If we are unable to outplay our opponents, it is important to ensure that our lob is challenging for them to return with a strong shot. A poorly executed lob that is either too short or too low can put us in a tough spot that is hard to recover from. The choice of where to direct the lob should be based on our own positioning and ability to execute it, as well as the circumstances our opponents.
PADEL SHOTS -The Chiquita.
This stroke with this peculiar name, consists of hitting the ball at a very low speed, trying to get it just over the net and down quickly to the feet of the opponent at the net. The aim of this, is that the opponents have to hit the ball from well below net height, the closer to the ground the better. This will force them to lift the ball gently. If we execute it well and get up to the net quickly, we get a very advantageous situation and could execute a winning shot just by sending the ball softly to the back of the court.
The shot may not be particularly showy, but it demands a high level of skill and precision. To execute it successfully, a player must possess keen intention, excellent body control, and a delicate touch to guide the ball with the perfect amount of force, culminful arc that ends at the net, allowing them to win the point.
PADLE SHOTS - Utilizing the back wall.
The back wall is typically employed as a final option when returning the ball directly to the opponent's court is unfeasible. Remember, failing to provide adequate height and depth could result in an easy ball for the opposing player. It is recommended to aim for a good height when hitting the ball, allowing time to readjust position on the court.
PADLE SHOTS - Forehand and backhand volleys.
Volleys consist of hitting the ball before it hits the ground. As a general rule, we play these when we are close to the net, although there is nothing that prevents us from hitting a volley from the back court glass. The aim of the volley in padel is to keep the opponent's partner at the back of the court, to force a fault and to create free spaces. It is recommended to hit the first volley to the centre of the court, where there is more free space and, subsequently, start opening up the court. Maintaining the position at the net and playing a good air game and volleys is what will allow us to win points and force errors.
When the pairing are at the net, communications is key, as a ball in the middle can often cause doubts or confusion as to which player has to return it. Also, when you are at the net, you have to be very alert and react quickly as you will have less time before the ball reaches you.
PADEL SHOTS - The bandeja
In padel, the bandeja shot is a distinctive and valuable tool for players. It's an effective way to address the dilemma of dealing with mid-height lobs from the opponent, which can be challenging to handle, as they may bounce awkwardly or require a shot at balance between these two mid-court and at a height that's between a volley and a smash.
In general, it is recommended to play cross-court bandejas and, if you can execute it comfortably, and it is not too risky, to look for the double wall in order to make it difficult for the opponent to return it easily. The objective of the bandeja is not to win the point, but to not to lose the position at the net and to keep the initiative of the point. So, after playing a bandeja, it is necessary to quickly get back up to the net to accompany the partner who will probably have stayed at the net.
PADEL SHOTS - The Vibora
The vibora is one of the most characteristic attacking strokes in this sport along with the smash. It is an advanced level shot and is undoubtedly one of the most difficult to execute correctly and effectively. Although its hitting height and execution area are similar to that of the bandeja shot, there are differences with respect to the latter, such as giving the ball a more side spin, more power, different intention.
The aim of the vibora is to win the point by forcing the opponent to make a mistake or that he/she leaves us a very comfortable ball and then finish it off. Normally we play it towards the corners so that the ball goes as fast and low as possible and does not rise up.It is not advisable to teach it until you reach competition levels.
PADEL SHOTS - The smash
Considered by some to be the only shot that we can consider definitive. It is the shot whose only intention is to finish the point. Therefore, you have to choose well when to play it. If you don't do it well, you could find yourself imediately on the defense again or directly losing the point. It is advisable to perform it as high as possible, extending the arm and the paddle above the head, placed sideways and putting the weight of the body on the stroke.
As for the direction and depth of the shot, the paralllel smash, bouncing before the opponent's service line, is usually the most effective, as it does not allow help from the partner and the reaction time of the opponent to defend the ball is less.
PADEL SHOTS - The drop shot.
The drop shot, more than an independent stroke in itself, would be the execution of a forehand or backhand stroke, or a forehand or backhand volley, which consists of passing the ball to the other side of the court but as close as possible to the net so that the opponent can not reach it.
We can actually view the drop shot as an offensive shot, aiming to gain an advantage in the point. Skilled players often employ it with a slicing motion, causing the ball to decelerate or even reverse spin. However, we must be mindful of the risk involved, as poor execution or in the net or leaving an inviting drop shot for our opponent, effectively gifting them an easy opportunity.
Conclusions
Understanding the various padel shots is crucial for any player looking to elevate their game. From the fundamental forehand and backhand strokes to the more advanced bandeja and vibora, each shot serves a unique purpose and requires specific techniques. The serve sets the stage for each point, while the volley and the lob strategically manage court positioning. Shots like the chiquita and drop shot demand precision and finesse, challenging opponents with unexpected changes in pace and placement.
Mastering the use of the back wall adds another dimension to a player’s defensive arsenal, while the forehand and backhand volleys, when executed effectively, can control the net and dictate the flow of the game. The bandeja and vibora, though similar in their execution zone, have distinct characteristics that can shift the momentum in favor of the player who wields them well. Finally, the smash remains the definitive finishing move, its power and placement often determining the outcome of a rally.
By developing a comprehensive understanding and proficiency in these various shots, players can not only enhance their strategic play but also adapt to different match situations with greater confidence and skill. As such, the rich variety of shots in padel makes it a sport of strategy, precision, and continuous learning, offering endless opportunities for players to improve and outplay their opponents.
For more in depth view of each shot, please see the following articles:
