7 tactical and technical tips for playing padel in winter

Playing padel in winter is a real challenge. The humidity, the cold and the more difficult playing conditions make each point more demanding. To avoid unpleasant surprises and continue to perform, here are some adjustments to make to your game during the winter period.

1. Reduce the armament of the shots

With cold and humidity, the ball bounces differently, often by spinning or sliding on the ground. This leaves less time to arm the shots. It is therefore essential to shorten the arming and adopt a more compact gesture to be more reactive.

2. Monitor the bounce on the glass

When it rains or there is a lot of humidity, the glass becomes unpredictable. Some balls bounce normally, while others fall directly to the ground. To better anticipate, it is recommended to observe the first exchanges and adjust your position according to the behavior of the ball on the walls.

3. Use windows to hinder the opponent

If the glass becomes difficult to manage, it is probably the same for the opponent. It can be wise to play balls that touch the glass to force them to defend on these capricious bounces. Serving by aiming at the side glass or directing your shots to the sides can be an effective strategy.

4. Favor a flatter game

With humidity, the surface of the racket becomes more slippery, which complicates the effects. It is better to adopt a more neutral game by hitting flat to better control the ball and avoid uncertain trajectories.

5. Seek depth without too much power

Wet pitches change the speed of the ball. Hitting hard can sometimes be counterproductive, as it makes it easier for the opponent to return. The ideal is to favor long and deep balls, but without excessive power, to maintain control of the point.

6. Beware of rebounds

Balls that hit two walls are often difficult to read, especially in humid weather conditions. To avoid being caught off guard, it is essential to maintain a dynamic posture, move constantly and be ready to adjust your movements.

7. Limit risky glass breakage

When a player is used to playing with the glass, it is important to know that humidity can completely change the trajectory of the ball. It can bounce unexpectedly or completely lose its effect. When in doubt, it is better to play the ball if possible directly before the glass.

Padel in winter requires strategic adjustments. A simpler game, more attentive to rebounds and more patient will allow you to better manage difficult conditions. By adapting intelligently, it is possible to take advantage of these conditions to destabilize the opponent and gain the upper hand in the match.

Benjamin Dupouy

I discovered padel directly during a tournament, and frankly, I didn't really like it at first. But the second time, it was love at first sight, and since then, I haven't missed a single match. I'm even ready to stay up until 3am to watch a final of Premier Padel !