From Beginner to Pro: How to Improve Your Padel Groundstrokes

From Beginner to Pro: How to Improve Your Padel Groundstrokes

As a beginner in the sport of padel, it can be overwhelming to know where to start with your groundstrokes. With so many different techniques and styles out there, it can be hard to know which ones to focus on in order to improve your game.

But fear not, because with some practice and a few helpful tips, you’ll be hitting groundstrokes like a pro in no time. In this article, we’ll walk you through the basics of how to improve groundstrokes in padel, step-by-step.

Step 1: The Setup

The first step in improving your groundstrokes is to focus on your setup. This means paying attention to your footwork, your grip, and your overall stance.

Begin by positioning your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, with your non-dominant foot slightly in front of your dominant foot. Next, grip your padel racket with both hands, keeping the non-dominant hand at the level of your chin and the dominant hand slightly lower.

Finally, focus on keeping your body relaxed and loose, with your eyes trained on the ball at all times. With a strong foundation in your setup, you’ll be able to execute your groundstrokes with more accuracy and power.

Step 2: The Swing

Next, let’s focus on the swing itself. When hitting a groundstroke in padel, your goal is to generate consistent power and accuracy while also maintaining control over the ball.

To achieve this, start your swing by rotating your body towards the ball, using both arms to pull the racket back behind you. As you begin to swing forward, aim to make contact with the ball just before it reaches the highest point of its bounce.

As you make contact, follow through with your swing, letting your momentum carry you forward. With practice, you’ll learn to modulate the speed and power of your swing to match the demands of the game.

Step 3: The Follow-Through

Finally, let’s talk about the follow-through. This refers to the motion of your body and racket after you’ve made contact with the ball.

A good follow-through will help you maintain your balance and generate more power in your shots. To achieve this, focus on extending your arms fully as you swing forward, and then continue the motion by rotating your body and bringing your racket down in a smooth, controlled arc.

With practice, you’ll be able to use the follow-through to your advantage, generating more power and accuracy in your shots and keeping your opponent on their toes.

Conclusion

Improving your groundstrokes in padel is a process that takes time and dedication. By focusing on your setup, swing, and follow-through, you’ll be able to refine your technique and take your game to the next level.

Remember to practice regularly, seek out feedback from more experienced players, and above all, have fun and enjoy the sport of padel. With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to becoming a master of padel groundstrokes.