Dear friends, we meet once again for a tutorial padel dedicated this week to the backhand volley. A very important blow that can do lots of damages.

Take the net at padel comes down to gaining the upper hand over the adversaries. This does not mean that we will win the point automatically but we find ourselves in an attacking position, much more pleasant than when we are at the back of the track.

First of all, understand that one point in padel is built, without hurry, by seeking to move our opponents so that a gap is created, to finally gain speed and come out victorious.

With volleys it is possible to give more or less speed, simply by working the footwork. Placing feet on the ground at the time of impact will provide more control than when the foot of the dominant leg is suspended.

The movement of the arms

The goal is to prepare well so that the shot is correctly performed. The non-dominant hand on the bridge of the pala in order to “pull” the racket backwards, we will raise the elbow of the non-dominant arm and come and rest the head of the pala against this arm, so the pala will be in a straight position. . Once you want to trigger the strike, the non-dominant hand releases the pala. The impact with the ball is made flat, more or less in front of us depending on the desired area, and the end of the gesture will be with the sieve towards the sky like a tray on which we would like to place glasses. It would be best to finish above the level of the net.

Precision: in order to avoid injuries and especially so that your volley is as efficient as possible, remember to always keep the tip of your pala above the level of your wrist.

The backhand volley

  • Step 1: resumption of support

The recovery of downforce always takes place at the moment of impact with the ball of our opponents. It's the same with all shots. This allows you to have the best reaction time for better decision making.

  • Step 2: the first step

Performed with the foot of the dominant leg, this first step can be large or small, the most important is that it is taken. Taking this support allows you to move forward and especially to take the time to analyze the trajectory of the ball to achieve the backhand volley best suited to the situation and the position of the opponents.

  • Step 3: suspension

Why stay supported on this dominant leg? Quite simply to avoid that you always do the same type of volley and that you only work with your arm. Know that with the same arm work you can decline 3 types of volleys, simply by modifying the leg work. Waiting a longer or shorter time on the dominant leg will make you “discover” all these types of volleys.

  • Step 4: typing

So once the choice of volley is made, control, power or 50/50, you release the strike. Remember that the volley must first and foremost be precise. If the choice is good depending on the height and speed of the ball of your opponents, everything should go like clockwork.

  • Step 5: the end of the gesture

It is sometimes the problem that some players have, to resume the waiting position too quickly. Accept the blow you just made. After the impact with the ball, stay a little longer in this position and you will see that your volley will be more “biting”.

Say goodbye to chatter and make way for images. It's your turn.

 

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.