Nothing better than a simple, short and quick memo to easily understand which are the 4 effects used in the padel and what are they for.

The game of padel at intermediate level and above cannot be played without effects. The use of the pala and the technique acquired allow us to use effects which will complicate the defense of our opponents and which will allow us to build our point, our match.

Here are the different effects used in padel, when to use them and why.

Flat or neutral

The ball, leaving our pala will have a neutral effect, that is to say that it will move without any rotation.

Benefits

  • Easy to make
  • Great control
  • Major power

Drawbacks

  • Tends to bounce high
  • Predictable hit
  • Easy for the opponent

When to use it?

  • During a lob
  • During a blockage
  • From the bottom of the runway
  • For a powerful smash

Coupe

On leaving your pala, the ball will rotate from top to bottom on your side.

Benefits 

  • Little rebound
  • Dangerous for the opponent

Drawbacks

  • Little control
  • Lower speed
  • Difficult to achieve

When to use it?

  • During the service
  • On the fly
  • Out of the window
  • During a bandeja

Lifted

Leaving your pala, the ball will rotate from top to bottom on the opponent's side.

Benefits 

  • Ball speed
  • Power gain
  • Big bounce of the ball

Drawbacks

  • Difficult control
  • If poorly executed becomes a counterattack ball for opponents

When to use it?

  • From the bottom of the runway, at certain times
  • Smash by 3
  • Smash worked
  • Powerful smash to bring the ball home

Brush

Coming out of your pala, the ball turns from right to left

Benefits 

  • Allows you to vary the game
  • Brings the ball closer to the side windows
  • Allows you to be precise on tall bales

Drawbacks

  • Serving is a risky move
  • In height it requires technique and practice

When to use it?

  • During the service
  • When leaving the attack window
  • During a Vibora
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.

On the same subject