Get a Grip: Padel Drills for Better Racquet Control for Beginners
3 min readGet a Grip: Padel Drills for Better Racquet Control for Beginners
Have you recently started playing padel and find yourself struggling to control your racquet? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Racquet control is a crucial aspect of padel that can make a world of difference in your game. Fortunately, there are a variety of fun and engaging padel drills designed specifically for beginners like you. Let’s dive in and discover some amazing exercises to improve your racquet control!
The Feather Touch Drill
One of the most effective padel drills for beginners is the feather touch drill. This exercise helps you get a better grip on your racquet while developing your touch and control. You will need a partner and a few feather shuttlecocks for this drill.
Stand at the service line facing your partner. Gently toss the feather shuttlecock to your partner using your racquet. The aim is to softly hit the shuttlecock with the strings of your racquet, maintaining a light touch. Your partner should catch the shuttlecock without any forceful movements.
Repeat this drill for a few minutes, focusing on the feel and control of each shot. As you progress, gradually increase the distance between you and your partner. This drill will not only improve your racquet control but also develop your wrist flexibility and touch.
The Target Practice Drill
Another fantastic drill to enhance your racquet control is target practice. For this drill, you will need some tennis balls and a target, such as a bucket or a small cone.
Set up the target a few meters away from you and stand with your racquet at the ready. Start hitting the tennis balls towards the target, aiming to land them as close as possible. Focus on hitting the balls with precision and control, mastering your aim and swing.
As you become more comfortable, challenge yourself by increasing the distance to the target or using smaller targets. This drill will not only strengthen your racquet control but also train your hand-eye coordination and accuracy.
The Mirror Match Drill
To further improve your racquet control, give the mirror match drill a try. This drill will help you become more aware of your swing and body position, leading to better control over your racquet.
Find a partner and stand facing each other on opposite sides of the net. Begin mirroring each other’s movements, focusing on your swings and footwork. This drill allows you to identify any flaws in your technique and correct them while observing your partner’s movements.
Slowly increase the pace and intensity of your swings, always keeping an eye on your partner’s form. The mirror match drill is a fun way to fine-tune your racquet control and understand how your body affects your shots.
Conclusion
Racquet control is a fundamental skill that every padel player should strive to master. By incorporating these engaging and effective padel drills into your practice sessions, you’ll notice a significant improvement in your control, touch, and overall game.
Remember, practice makes perfect. So grab your racquet, find a friend, and start honing your padel skills with these incredible drills!