In padel, the variety of shots allows you to conclude a point in multiple ways, whether with force or finesse. A study carried out by Padelonomics in 2019, covering 787 points of the circuit World Padel Tour, shows how the points end.

credit: padelonomics

Error management, the key to success

47% of the points end in a mistake. In amateurs, reducing errors is often essential to progress. Players like Paquito Navarro ou Fernando Belasteguín excel in the art of limiting their mistakes while forcing their opponents to make mistakes. The majority of winners are those who have committed the fewest unforced errors and who have been able to force their opponents to play poorly.

Smash, a weapon to master

The smashesrepresenting 22% points won, are one of the most powerful weapons in padel. Players like Agustín Tapia et Alejandro Galán are famous for their impressive smashes, capable of concluding a point from almost any position. What makes them strong is their ability to set up the point to get the ideal ball. However, this type of game is difficult to reproduce for amateurs. This is why coaches often recommend taking inspiration from the women's game, more suited to the amateur level, with an approach more focused on point construction.

Volleys, an essential skill

The stolen represent 15% winning points and are crucial, especially in net play. They help keep the opponent under pressure. Alejandro Galán is particularly brilliant in this phase of the game. Mastering the volley is essential for earn points and maintain the initiative in the exchange.

Maintaining the pressure with technical shots

Blows like the tray (8%) or the bajada (3%) are essential elements of the game, allowing you to maintain the advantage without necessarily concluding the point. Players such as Sanyo Gutiérrez use these moves to maintain pressure on the opponent, while setting up an opportunity to finish the exchange.

Patience, the key to success in padel

Professional players juggle these different shots to maintain control of the game. For amateurs, the real challenge is to vary these shots while limiting errors. Whether at the professional or amateur level, the real “fatal weapon” to win a point remains push the opponent into making a mistake. Thus, mastering defensive shots and developing patience in the construction of the point are essential elements for success in padel.

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 !

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