We come to Win un point au padel by difference de a level, tactic, technical, power, but also by using the elements of the track, and the grids are part of. So looking for the grid is good but knowing how to defend it it's better.

It is often an element of play that we neglect in training. As much as we work looking for the grid with a volley or a bandeja, the less we work on knowing how to defend it. And know that even if the rebounds are random, working on this situation in training allows you to reassure yourself in a match.

When?

When ? When could a ball crash into the grid? First of all when you are at the back of the lane, in defense, your opponents can play a volley or a bandejaOr a smash (rulo) towards the grid.

The other situation would be when you are posted from the net and cannot play the volley because the opponent's shot is too good. His ball will normally be difficult to negotiate after bouncing off the grid.

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You defend and the volleyer's ball goes in the direction of the grid. At this time, it is better to avoid playing the ball live. Why ? Because this difficult shot will take you out of your comfort zone, will make you play with little control, which will give your opponents a good possibility of finishing the point.

On the other hand, there is a technique that can allow you to reassure yourself and especially to save the majority of the rebounds towards the grid. Pala placed in front of you, racquet head down, you will get closer to the rebound at the grid while staying about one meter from it. When the ball is about to hit the grid, have both feet on the ground and be on tiptoe to get the best possible reaction time. Remember that most rebounds on the grid are negotiable, and with this technique you can return most of them. With time and practice you will become more and more comfortable and your save rate will only increase.

Net

The situation is different. You are no longer in a defensive position but in attack, and the opponents find a breach into which they rush: the grid. Their hit will come from a topspin direct hit, a window out from the low center, or even a high window out from the corner, in short, nothing super-fast but a hit well enough done to prevent you of volleyball. Either way, if you're trying to volley, you'll have to hit the ball below the level of the net, and since there's a good chance the opponents will rush you, a low volley will put you in great difficulty. So it's better to accept this ball well hit, let it impact the grid, and slow down in their forward momentum, these knights of modern times.

The idea will therefore be to defend by taking one or more steps backwards until the ball hits the grid. If you back parallel to the gate, you will have more difficulty than if you back towards the side window. It's all about angles. Opponents looking for the grid will never find the area between three and six meters from the net because in this case you will have the opportunity to volley. They only have the area between the door and half of the service square left to touch the grid. With this move towards the side window, you should be able to negotiate most bounces, but beware: your pala needs to be ready, pulled to the side, pointing the side wall, to act like a closing door.

So you agree to defend a difficult ball, you position yourself correctly, you give yourself time, you will certainly have a higher impact than on a low volley, and you will slow down the advance of your opponents.

give yourself time

Learn how to defend the grids, from a defensive position, in the back, and from an attacking position, the net. Adopt an adequate pala position and above all, let the ball bounce. With time and practice, you will become more and more comfortable negotiating the next move better without losing your position. But don't forget to praise your opponents in case the rebound goes against you. 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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