Au padel we all wish win the point. The problem is that it is difficult to do so since the runway background. So we have to go to the attack. How? 'Or' What launch the counterattack ?

Le padel is an attack-defense sport. Those who are in attack position, at the net, have a major advantage over those who are in defense. Winning the point from the bottom of the track is of course possible but quite complicated. Here are some ideas that will help you fight back.

Understand the house

THE HOUSE or the comfort zone is a hyper-important place of defense. If you attempt an offensive from this zone, you will already be ready for the next blow, and it is essential to realize this.

When you have shots to play directly from this house, you can try to play quickly on the volleyball players already posted or returning to their position after a bandeja or a service. It is also interesting to play in the center because it can cause confusion and force opponents to go and defend a window exit. Attempting the long line passing would be more complicated because a shot from home will give you little angle. 

Out of the window, if you have to impact in the house, choose slow balls that you can accompany. The fact that you have to look backwards to play the ball out of the window will put you in danger if you accelerate. Slow play, chiquita, ball to negotiate under the level of the net, even a control lob will be the best options, as long as you accompany them.

Adrien Maigret World Defense 2022

Outside the house

All you have to play out of your house, whether straight or out of the window, will be either a defensive move, a hold move, or a poker move. You can't be forced to play a certain way, it's innate, rooted in you. While you should understand that risk taking out of the house can cost you the point, give it a shot if you feel comfortable. A direct ball, close to the side window, a double short cross window exit, a spin after a smash that ends at the gate, you can let your ideas run free, but if it doesn't work, take responsibility and bear the consequences!

The constant pressure

Some players don't like to be put under pressure, they stress out quite quickly and can make mistakes or errors that will allow you to counter-attack. One idea would be to upgrade your house by moving it to the service line. It's a different tactic, which requires good physical preparation, but which can also allow you to launch attacks from the bottom.

The final word

First of all, don't be in a hurry on defense. Take the time to play the opponents to better detect when, from your house, you can launch the counter-attack. With time and especially with experience, you will be able to try other tactics, outside of your house, calculated tactics, which will allow you to go on the attack together to repel your opponents. 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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