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When we hear of racket sports, the first sport that comes to mind immediately is either badminton or tennis, but if you’re a true fan of racket sports, surely at some point, you have held a padel racket or at least heard of it. Padel as a sport first burst into the world sports scene in 1969 when it originated in Acapulco, Mexico. Since then, it has only gotten more recognition, and now it’s become a popular sport worldwide.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to play like a pro dominating with jaw-dropping volleys and devastating smashes with the crowd going head over heels watching you play? We all dream of being in a situation like that, but today we’ll take you there and teach you how you can become the pro you always imagined.
One of the most important aspects in every racket sport is your spot on the court, or as it is called, your positioning.
Positioning
One of the most important parts of Padel is your spot on the court. Many beginners make the mistake of standing too close to the net or hanging too far back, both of which are not ideal. You might be wondering what the best location is then. The first is:
The defensive position
When on defense, always position yourself just behind the service line, so that it gives you the time and freedom to counterattack.
Positioning close to the net
When you are on the move for an attack, advance closer to the net while keeping a safe distance to counter your opponent’s attacks. The net is where the action happens, so being proactive is the key here.
Another bonus tip that would help you stand out is when covering the court, always be ready to move and stand on your toes.
Shot Selection
Now that you have your positioning correct, let us move on to shot selection. Here comes the bread and butter of Padel. The forehand and backhand:
The key to a successful forehand or backhand shot is control, not physical strength. Keep your racket low and stable, and try to hit the ball at waist height or slightly higher for a better and more controlled shot.
Classic Lob:
This shot is a tricky one, but if executed properly, it has the potential to change the game in Padel. For hitting a lob, try to stand with your feet and shoulders wide and try to bend your knees. Hit the ball using an upward swing aiming towards the baseline. Use the lob effectively to pull your opponents away from the net, allowing you to regain control of the rally. A well-placed lob may rapidly shift momentum from defense to offense.
The Volley:
When you’re near the net, the volley should be your go-to shot. Here’s how you hit a volley, Hold the racquet vertically and turn your shoulder toward the incoming ball. With a short backswing, block the ball with a firm wrist and make contact in front of your body. Concentrate on placement over force, keep your racket up, and be prepared to intercept the ball early. The idea is to generate challenging angles that make it difficult for your opponents to return the ball.
With these shots in your arsenal now, you can work on strategies to outsmart your opponent.
So here are golden tips and strategies for you to improve your game.
1- Court Control:
One common thing between Chess and Padel is that one should always try to gain control of the center. So the trick here is to try to make your opponent run around, push them into the corners, and dominate the middle.
2- Attacking at the Net
Most padel points are won at the net. When you get the chance, move in and apply pressure. Maintaining aggression and controlling the game’s pace will force your opponents to make mistakes.
3- Defense
When you’re on the defensive, be calm and always try to reverse the situation i.e. try to attack. Lobs and well-placed defensive shots can help you put your opponents on the back foot and give you the chance to counter.
Conclusion
We hope these tips can be of help to you. But always remember one thing: as long as you are having fun on the court, the rest won’t matter. You can always improve your game, but never stop having fun. To further enhance your experience, visit Riyadhy Sports Shop to discover a variety of products that can elevate your game and enjoyment on the court.
