Back to basic with certainly one of shots most stylish du padel, reverse since track background. There are several kinds, but let's focus on the basic, flat lapel.

Performing a backhand to pass the ball is certainly slightly complicated because we have to hit with an arm dynamic that is not the most natural, but everyone should be able to get by. Going to the next step, that of the elegant lapel, that's another matter.

So you are getting to know us, we are going to give you keys, tips, tricks, which with practice, we hope, will make you shine.

La base

First you need to understand how the backhand works. From your base position, the “maison“, you have to think about impact from the back to the front. So yes, you can directly approach the ball and go hit it, but be aware that you will be close to the rebound and it will make you lose control. So what to do? We have already talked about it: by taking a first step backwards with the leg on the side of the backhand in the direction from which the ball comes before going forward again: this will give you more time to better impact. Knowing how to take the time to read the trajectories will guarantee success and efficiency.

The action of the non-dominant arm

It's the one that doesn't hold the handle. Placed on the bridge of the pala, the non-dominant hand serves to relieve the dominant hand between each strike, but not only: it also serves to correctly place the pala at the desired height, whether at the start of the match or after 1:30. This non-dominant hand is used for the two-handed backhand and finally as a “tensioner” or “spring” for the blows struck violently.

How to prepare?

The pala can be placed in various ways, but the most classic, efficient and elegant would be with the eye of the handle, the part from which the strap comes out, pointing to the desired area. Another method would be to hide the pala from opponents by placing it behind your body.

Height and distance from your body is also important. Try to stay compact with the hands and the dominant elbow that are close to you: at the height of your pockets, that's the best.

Maintaining the pala

In order to prevent the pala from moving when hitting, you can of course hold it with both hands, but to look like the pros, try the “motorcycle acceleration” technique. What is this ? Imagine that you are accelerating a motorcycle. Your wrist will lock. And if you overdo it, your elbow will also lock out for a totally straight arm. No more risk of having a pala move on impact or vibrations causing off-centering.

The place of impact

To find specific areas on the track, you can't turn your body or twist your wrist, we said the backhand is aesthetic. So to widen your range of options, you will have to change the point of impact: in front of you the ball will go across, at body height, the ball will go to the center, and slightly behind you the ball will go along the line.

The end of gesture

Watch out for tennis players who finish very tall. THE padel is played on a short track where we need more precision, time, than power. So to be precise, you have to finish short. Warning: do not stop like a robot right after impact. The idea is really to let the pala do its thing and in the best case, end up collecting it in front of you, ready for the next move.

Long stroke ends can be used to hit volleyball players hard, but remember that it will be with shorter stroke ends that you will do the most damage. And for detail fanatics, the non-dominant hand will remain close to the body for precise blows, and will move away from it during violent blows so that the body remains in balance.

How beautiful is the backhand when it is well done. Nice supports on the ground, very low, a very compact body with a very stable palate, a frank impact, a clean end of gesture so as not to lose balance and to replace quickly, the beautiful backhand is not only reserved to the best. What if you were the next super setback? Let's go!

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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