Posted in track background, we will focus on the to the defense. Without speaking technical we will approach the trips which are, perhaps, specific to the padel.

If we take as an example our cousin the tennis, when moving, players move parallel to the baseline before moving forward to take time on the ball.
Au padel, this technique obviously works, but it cannot be used for all shots. Firstly because we have balls to negotiate coming out of the window, and then because we can't attack from the back of the lane since it's our opponents who attack close to the net. If all four players were in the back, we could of course attack from this area. This is the difference between tennis and padel.

There is therefore a way of moving, apparently specific to the padel, which consists, at the bottom of the track, of moving in sawtooth or sharktooth motion. First, you go backwards, in the same direction as the ball, then come back forwards to impact.

What does this move do?

First of all, it allows you to keep the ball in your court longer, which improves decision-making for your shots and above all complicates the attack of players at the net who wish to put an end to the point as quickly as possible.
Then this movement allows you to be well placed in relation to the ball because you will accompany it backwards, dancing with your body, rocking on one foot then the other for a perfect transfer of body weight.
Finally, getting into the habit of moving in this way allows you to understand how to play the window exits. You accompany the ball backwards and, after the rebound on the glass, you change direction to go forward, impact, and why not put your opponents under pressure.

Moving well at the bottom of the track allows you to understand and accept the defense. Basic and direct hits, window exits, side windows, double windows, you will be able to defend a majority of your opponents' balls, make their volleys more difficult, all this in peace, to finally accompany the ball forward in the desired direction and perhaps pressurize and push these opponents down to take the net. Let's go! 

Published by
Julien Bondia