Mastering Groundstrokes: A Guide to Improving your Padel Technique

As a padel enthusiast, you might be wondering how to improve your groundstrokes. Groundstrokes are fundamental in padel and mastering them will help you win more matches and enjoy the game even more. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of mastering groundstrokes, from the basic techniques to advanced drills.

The basics: How to hit a groundstroke in padel

Before we dive into the advanced methods, let’s start with the basics. In padel, there are two types of groundstrokes: the forehand and the backhand. Here are the steps to hit a basic groundstroke:

Forehand:

1. Start with your feet shoulder-width apart, and your body facing the net.
2. Hold the racket with your dominant hand at the bottom of the grip.
3. Place your non-dominant hand on the throat of the racket.
4. Move your dominant foot forward and transfer your weight to that foot.
5. Swing the racket in a clockwise motion, hitting the ball in front of your body.
6. Follow through across your body and finish in the opposite direction to where the ball went.

Backhand:

1. Start with your feet shoulder-width apart, and your body facing the net.
2. Hold the racket with both hands, your dominant hand at the bottom of the grip and your non-dominant hand above it.
3. Move your non-dominant foot forward and transfer your weight to that foot.
4. Swing the racket in a counterclockwise motion, hitting the ball in front of your body.
5. Follow through across your body and finish in the opposite direction to where the ball went.

Advanced techniques: How to improve groundstrokes in padel

Now that you know the basics, it’s time to improve your groundstrokes. Here are four techniques that you can use to improve your game:

1. Footwork: Good footwork is essential in padel, and it can make all the difference when hitting groundstrokes. Always try to move your feet to the right position before hitting the ball. Your footwork should allow you to hit the ball with your body weight behind the shot and in the perfect position.

2. Spin: Adding spin to your groundstrokes is a great way to control the ball’s direction and speed. Try to use a combination of topspin, slice, and flat shots to keep your opponents guessing. To produce topspin, brush up the back of the ball with a closed racket face. To slice, brush down the back of the ball with an open racket face. To hit a flat shot, keep your racket face in a neutral position.

3. Anticipation: In padel, it’s crucial to anticipate your opponent’s next move. Try to read their body language and be ready to react to their shots. Anticipating their shots will give you more time to prepare your groundstrokes and hit the ball in the right position.

4. Improve your technique with drills: Some drills that you can do to improve your groundstrokes include hitting cross-court shots, hitting the ball on the rise, and hitting the ball while moving. Another great drill is hitting the ball against a wall. This drill will help you to improve your timing, footwork, and racket control.

Conclusion

Improving your groundstrokes in padel takes practice and patience, but with these tips, you’ll be well on your way. Remember to focus on the basics, improve your footwork, add spin to your shots, anticipate your opponent’s next move, and practice drills. Keep practicing and you’ll eventually master your groundstrokes. Good luck on the court!