5 Basic Padel Drills Every Beginner Needs to Know

Are you new to the world of padel and looking to improve your skills? Well, you’re in luck! In this article, we will be going over five basic padel drills that every beginner should know. These exercises will not only help you build a solid foundation but also make your training sessions fun and enjoyable. So, grab your racket and let’s get started!

1. Wall Bounce:

The wall bounce is a great padel drill for beginners to practice their control and accuracy. Find a solid wall, stand a few steps away, and hit the ball against it. Try to make the ball bounce back to you without touching the ground. This drill will improve your reflexes and teach you how to manage the ball’s direction and power effortlessly.

2. Forehand/Backhand Volleys:

Volleys are an essential aspect of padel. To practice your forehand and backhand volleys, stand close to the net with a partner on the other side. Rally with your partner, hitting the ball back and forth without the ball touching the ground. Focus on your footwork, technique, and keeping the ball in play. It’s an excellent exercise to develop your hand-eye coordination and improve your response time.

3. Serve and Return:

Serving and returning are critical components of padel. To practice your serve, stand behind the baseline and aim to hit the ball towards the opposite diagonal box in a controlled manner. Once the ball is returned by your partner, work on your forehand or backhand return shots. Alternate serves and returns with your partner, aiming to maintain consistency and accuracy. This drill will help you develop a strong serve and improve your court positioning.

4. Lob and Smash:

If you’ve ever watched a padel match, you’re probably familiar with the iconic lob and smash shots. This drill will help you practice this dynamic duo. Start by hitting a high lob shot towards the back of the court, forcing your partner to run back to retrieve it. Once the ball is in the air, approach the net and smash it downwards with power. This exercise will enhance your offensive and defensive capabilities, as well as improve your shot selection.

5. Triangle Drill:

The triangle drill is a fantastic way to work on your movement and shot placement. Set up three cones or markers on the court, creating a triangle shape. Start at one corner and hit the ball to the other corners in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. Move quickly to each cone and focus on your footwork and swing technique. This drill will help you improve your agility, court coverage, and shot accuracy.

Remember, practice makes perfect. These padel drills for beginners will lay the groundwork for your journey towards becoming a padel pro. So, grab a friend, head to the court, and have a blast while improving your skills!