How to Improve Your Padel Backhand Return

As a padel player, we all know the importance of having a strong backhand return. It’s a shot that can make or break your game. If you’re struggling with your padel backhand return, don’t worry, you’re not alone. With a little bit of practice and the right techniques, you can improve your backhand return and dominate the court.

Start with a Proper Stance

The first and most important thing to remember when hitting a padel backhand return is to start with a proper stance. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart, and your weight should be evenly distributed on both feet. Your non-dominant foot should be facing the net, and your dominant foot should be slightly back and angled towards the side wall. This position will allow you to quickly move back and forth and return any shot that comes your way.

Get Your Grip Right

The next important thing to focus on is your grip. The right grip can make all the difference when hitting a padel backhand return. Most players use the continental grip, which is the same grip used for the volley. This grip allows you to get a lot of control and power when hitting the ball. Make sure you’re gripping the padel with both hands and that your thumbs are placed on the back of the handle.

Master the Backswing

Your backswing plays a critical role in the success of your padel backhand return. A good backswing can give you additional power and control over your shot. Start with your racket in front of your body and swing it back until it is parallel to the ground. As you bring the racket forward, rotate your shoulders and hips towards the net. This motion will transfer your weight and generate power for your shot.

Focus on Footwork

Footwork is an essential component of any padel shot, including the backhand return. Once the ball is hit towards you, make sure you get into position quickly. Use small, quick steps to move towards the ball and get into position. Keep your body behind the ball and use your legs to generate power for your return. Remember to always stay balanced, and use your body’s momentum to generate power.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Finally, the key to a successful padel backhand return is practice. The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll become with the stance, grip, backswing, and footwork. It’s essential to practice with a partner or coach and focus on specific aspects of the backhand return that you want to improve. Remember to stay patient, and don’t get discouraged if it takes a little while to see the results.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the padel backhand return is one of the most important shots in the game of padel. To improve your backhand return, start with a proper stance, get your grip right, master the backswing, focus on footwork, and most importantly, practice, practice, practice. With these tips and a little bit of patience, you’ll be dominating the padel court in no time.