Have you always dreamed of hitting the ball with a smash by 3? Manu Martin gives you 3 important tips to make this smash a formality.

This is perhaps one of the most impressive shots of the padel. A smash that bounces against the back glass of our opponents and goes off the track, going over the side grids. Often we think that only power can make this shot, and Manu Martin, coach of professional players, gives you his 3 tips that will help you understand what is the best technique for a sensational par 3.

First take

What socket should be adopted for the realization of a par 3? No obligation, you can make a par 3 with your usual catch. The continental grip or hammer will already be a good base. For players a little more advanced like professionals, it is better to change this grip to give a little more effect to the ball. We'll talk about Estearn's backhand grip. With this new grip, an impact of the ball slightly behind and on our left (if we are right-handed), the ball should come out without any worries.

Is it better to hit flat or lifted?

The answer is simple. It will all depend on your distance from the net and the height at which you will impact the ball. Near the net you will have much easier to get the ball out because it will have to travel a short distance. A flat and well placed smash will be enough.

On the other hand, the further you will be from the net, the more effect you will have to apply to the ball so that when it bounces against the back window of your opponents, it takes height and angle. This effect will be effective for a right-hander on the left or on the right wishing to take the ball out of the right side of the track. For a left-handed person, the opposite, on the left side of the track. But for a right-hander playing on the right and wishing to take the ball out of the left side, only the flat smash will be effective. Using a lifted effect will bring the ball back to the center of the field, therefore ineffective for a par 3.

Does size affect a better par 3?

Naturally yes. The higher you hit the ball, the more angle you will give it and the more rebound it will take. Large players or those who make suspended smashes from the end line will be able to hit the ball flat further from the net, while a smaller player will have to quickly use lifted smash.

Here is the video below, in Spanish, of Manu Martin.

Video credit: YouTube Mejora Tu Padel

Julien Bondia

Julien Bondia is a teacher of padel in Tenerife (Spain). Columnist and advisor, he helps you play better through his tutorials and tactical/technical articles padel.

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