The flat forehand is one of the most frequently used shots in padel, but also one of the most problematic for amateur players. Floating balls, errors into the net, lack of power or precision: mistakes are common. To address these, Spanish coach and Kuikma ambassador Cristian Álvarez offers a simple method based on five progressive exercises and several technical guidelines. 

According to the Spanish coach, the majority of players encounter the same difficulties with this fundamental shot. The main cause is not always related to arm movement or racket grip, but rather to positioning, the point of impact, and weight management at the moment of impact.

Why is the flat forehand so difficult to master?

In padel, the flat forehand is often used to speed up the rally from the baseline or to put pressure on the opponent. However, many players find their shots lack weight or go excessively high after impact.

According to Cristian Álvarez, one of the most common mistakes is straightening up when striking the ball:

"The biggest problem for most amateur players is that they break their upward leg bend at the moment of impact. The ball then floats more."

The goal, on the contrary, is to stay low on your feet and transfer your body weight forward in order to produce a flatter and more aggressive ball.

The three fundamentals before starting

Before starting the exercises, the coach emphasizes several essential technical points.

A grip suited to his game

Cristian Álvarez recommends the use of:

  • of the continental capture;
  • or a grip slightly oriented towards the forehand.

The choice of grip will directly influence the point of impact and the sensations when striking.

Use the non-dominant hand as a reference

Often overlooked by amateur players, the free hand nevertheless plays an essential role.

It allows you to assess the distance between the ball and the body and promotes better positioning before impact.

Cross the ball

During the offensive phase, the movement must be direct and straight.

The idea is to cross the ball with the racket head in order to produce a flatter trajectory that is harder to defend.

The 5 exercises proposed by Cristian Álvarez

1. The pressure work against the glass

The first exercise aims to develop the sensations of contact.

The player places the ball against the glass and applies pressure for two seconds before releasing it for one second.

This alternation allows for a better feel for the control of the racket face.

2. Identify the correct point of impact

The second exercise consists of hitting the ball against the glass, aiming for a perfectly centered contact.

The goal is to prevent the ball from touching the edges of the frame and to improve the quality of the shot.

3. Incorporate the non-dominant hand

The third workshop focuses on placement.

The free hand serves as a constant reference point to control the distance between the body and the ball and promote better timing.

4. Strike at the highest point and transfer your weight

For Cristian Álvarez, this is probably the most important exercise.

The player should aim to hit the ball when it reaches its highest point before its descent.

At the same time, he must remain bent on his legs and shift his weight forward.

"We need to stay low and transfer our body weight forward, not straighten up."

This mechanic helps avoid floating balls that give the opponent time.

5. Adding a tactical dimension to the flat forehand

Once the technique is mastered, it's time to use it in a match.

The idea is to play a flat forehand towards the opponent's body in order to provoke a blocked volley or an uncomfortable defense.

Several options are then available to the player:

  • play a lob if the opponent stays in position;
  • use a chiquita in the open space if the opponent retreats;
  • take advantage of the situation to move up to the net.

The flat forehand then becomes a true tool for building the point rather than a simple groundstroke.

A crucial move for progressing in padel

Often considered a basic stroke, the flat forehand is actually a crucial shot in building an attack. Better control of the point of impact, weight transfer, and positioning allows for greater consistency, but also adds an extra tactical dimension.

With this progression in five exercises, Cristian Álvarez offers a method accessible to all levels to transform a common weakness into a real strength on the track.

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