Partner Drills for Padel Training: Improve Your Doubles Game

Padel is an exhilarating sport that combines elements of tennis, squash, and racquetball to create a fast-paced and exciting game. One of the most important aspects of padel is doubles play, and one of the best ways to improve your doubles game is through partner drills.

Partner drills are an excellent way to work on specific skills and techniques with a partner, allowing you to improve your coordination, communication, and overall game. Here are some of the best partner drills for padel training:

Drill 1: The Lob Volley

The lob volley is an essential shot in padel, allowing you to hit a high, looping shot over your opponents and into the back of the court. To practice this shot, stand at the net with your partner on the other side of the court. Your partner will hit a lob over your head, and you will use a volley to send the ball back over the net.

Repeat this drill for several minutes, alternating between hitting and receiving the lob. Focus on keeping your eyes on the ball, positioning your body correctly, and using your wrist to create a smooth, controlled volley.

Drill 2: The Switching Drill

The switching drill is an excellent way to improve your coordination and communication with your partner. To practice this drill, start on opposite sides of the net and hit the ball to your partner. After hitting the ball, both players switch sides of the court, positioning themselves correctly for the next shot.

Repeat this drill for several minutes, focusing on communicating clearly with your partner and moving efficiently around the court. This drill is especially helpful for improving your ability to cover the court and move seamlessly between offense and defense.

Drill 3: The Challenge Drill

The challenge drill is a fun and exciting way to improve your reaction time and footwork. To practice this drill, stand at the net with your partner on the other side of the court. Your partner will hit the ball towards you, and you must use your reflexes to return the ball with a forehand or backhand.

After hitting the ball, your partner will hit it back to you, and you must alternate between forehands and backhands. Repeat this drill for several minutes, increasing the speed and intensity of the shots as you become more comfortable with the drill.

Drill 4: The Serve and Return

The serve and return drill is an excellent way to improve your serves and returns, two of the most crucial aspects of doubles padel. To practice this drill, start at the baseline with your partner on the other side of the court. Serve the ball to your partner, and they must return the ball to your side of the court.

After returning the ball, your partner will serve, and you must return the ball to their side of the court. Repeat this drill for several minutes, focusing on your technique, power, and accuracy.

In conclusion, partner drills are an essential part of padel training, allowing you to work on specific skills and techniques with a partner. Incorporate these partner drills into your training routine, and you’ll be well on your way to improving your doubles game and becoming a more successful padel player.