Padel Practice: Perfecting Your Return of Serve

As a padel player, one of the most important skills to master is returning the serve. Getting the ball back into play can make all the difference in winning a point, and ultimately, the match. So, how can you improve your return of serve? Here are some tips for your next padel practice session.

1. Keep Your Eye on the Ball

This may sound obvious, but it’s crucial to keep your eye on the ball at all times, especially when returning the serve. Watch the ball come off your opponent’s paddle and stay focused until it reaches yours. This will help you anticipate the direction and speed of the ball, and give you more time to react.

2. Position Yourself Correctly

Your position on the court is just as important as your technique when returning the serve. Stand about an arm’s length away from the net, with your feet shoulder-width apart. Face your opponent and keep your paddle up and ready. This will put you in a good position to move quickly and return the ball.

3. Use the Right Technique

When it comes to technique, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure to use a continental grip, which is the same grip you use for your serve. This will give you more control over your shots. Next, focus on keeping your paddle face flat and square to the ball as you make contact. Try to hit the ball just after the bounce to keep your shot low and fast.

4. Practice, Practice, Practice

The key to improving your return of serve is practice. Make it a point to spend time during your padel practice sessions working specifically on returning the serve. Start with slower serves and work your way up to faster ones. Have a partner serve to different spots on the court, so you can practice returning from different angles and positions.

5. Stay Positive and Don’t Give Up

Finally, remember that returning the serve can be challenging, even for experienced players. Don’t get discouraged if you miss a few shots. Stay positive and keep trying. With enough practice, you’ll see improvement in your return of serve and overall padel game.

In conclusion, perfecting your return of serve is essential for any serious padel player. Keep your eye on the ball, position yourself correctly, use the right technique, practice often, and stay positive. With these tips and a dedicated padel practice routine, you’ll soon have a killer return of serve that opponents will struggle to handle.