Learning the fundamentals of basic padel shots

Learning the fundamentals of basic padel shots

Padel is a fascinating sport that is picking up fast in many parts of the world. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, it is essential to understand the basics of Padel shots before you hit the court. In this article, we will discuss the fundamentals of basic padel shots and help you make the most of your Padel game.

The Forehand Shot

The forehand shot is a fundamental shot to master in padel, and it is the most commonly used shot in the game. To execute a forehand shot, place your non-dominant foot in front of your body while pointing your dominant foot sideways. This positioning allows you to transfer your weight to your dominant foot while hitting the ball with your paddle in a forward motion.

To perfect your forehand shot, practice hitting several balls with the same stance, focusing on hitting the ball with your paddle’s sweet spot. Also, try to keep your arms relaxed throughout the swing and follow through by extending your paddle in the direction of the shot.

The Backhand Shot

The backhand shot is the second most common shot in padel. To execute a backhand shot, stand with your feet a little wider than shoulder-width apart and keep your body weight evenly distributed between your feet. Use your non-dominant hand to hold the bottom of the paddle handle while placing your dominant hand on top of the paddle’s grip.

When hitting the ball, make sure to keep your paddle at shoulder height and hit the ball with a downward motion while transferring your weight to your dominant foot. To follow through, extend your paddle towards the shot’s direction.

The Volley Shot

The volley shot is an essential shot in padel and involves hitting the ball before it hits the ground. When playing a volley shot, stand closer to the net with your feet shoulder-width apart, and keep your paddle slightly above the height of the net.

As the ball approaches, use a quick, compact swing while positioning your paddle’s sweet spot in the direction of the shot. Remember to adjust your body position according to where the ball is coming from and always focus on hitting the ball with the paddle’s sweet spot.

The Smash Shot

The smash shot is a powerful shot and is used to hit overhead shots from the baseline or the net. To perform the smash shot, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and bring your paddle behind your head, pointing the paddle’s sweet spot towards the ball.

As the ball approaches, jump up while hitting the ball in a downward motion with your paddle’s sweet spot. Follow through by extending the paddle in the direction of the shot and landing back on your feet.

Conclusion

Learning the fundamentals of basic padel shots is essential if you want to improve your game and become a great padel player. Use the tips and techniques outlined in this article to practice your forehand shots, backhand shots, volley shots, and smash shots, and you will be well on your way to mastering the game of padel. Don’t forget to practice and have fun while playing. Good luck!