It's back to school. Beginning of the season rhymes with resumption of sports. In order to motivate you, let's take a look at the basic moves of the padel. The forehand.

For all those who are embarking on the padel, it is always very interesting to take a few lessons with an instructor in order to understand the technique, the preparation, the placement, the strike etc ...

So that you already have an idea of ​​how to make a forehand or just to make yourself cards, Julien Bondia offers you simple tutorials in French and English.

The forehand at the bottom of the track

First of all clearly differentiate two heights: above the belt for attack and below the belt for defense. The forehand at the back of the track will mainly be a defensive shot so our preparation and our strike will be carried out below the level of our belt.

Step 1: resumption of support

This is one of the basic steps that we will find on each shot. The pala positioned in front of us, held with both hands, we make a small jump in front of the opponents when they strike. This recovery of downforce will allow us to have the same reaction time to play a forehand or a backhand.

Step 2: preparation

Once you have achieved the recovery of pressure, you will have the information of the stroke you are going to play (forehand or backhand). In order to save time, place the pala directly towards the rear, in the low position, while trying to point the rear window.

Step 3: the first step

It exists two methods. Either a first step backwards which will give you more time to play the ball, or a step forward when the ball is shorter or if you want to be a little more aggressive. In a right-handed person, after placing the pala back, step back with the right leg in the same direction as the pala. If you step forward with your left leg, your front foot should be pointed between the net post and the center of the track. The reverse for left-handed people.

Step 4: typing

Once you have positioned yourself correctly, that is to say that you have taken the first step and then you have adjusted your positioning, you will stay well supported on your “flexed” legs and be able to release the strike. This should be done in front of you at best. If unfortunately you can't hit in front of you, you can wait a little longer, hit high or slightly behind, but you will have to change the direction of the ball (but that's another matter).

Step 5: the end of the gesture

You cannot achieve a beautiful and effective forehand without finishing the gesture correctly. So think, once you have impacted the ball, to finish your gesture in the direction of the desired place. No rush. If your forehand is perfect, you will have plenty of time to get back up.

Here are two videos, one in French and one in English, to understand all these steps in pictures.

 

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.