Why should we use the cut lapel au padel ? How does it happen? This shot "risk" can bring you many solutions in your game.

En track background, it's important to maîtriser the basic moves such as right hit and flat lapel. The fact of working with a backhand cut certainly requires technique but also physical effort as well as cerebral work, because this blow is negotiated as much in front as back support. Let's see this in detail.

If you are an ex-tennis player, you know or have met someone who plays with the backhand cut. This shot is most often used to go on the attack, to go to the net, because it is a fairly precise shot which causes a very weak rebound of the ball and therefore generates discomfort for opponents. 

Au padel it's the same thing. If your opponents allow you to hit the ball above the level of the net with a direct hit or out of the window, you can try the backhand cut with this almost zero rebound which will allow you to come forward. It is an attack blow and your body weight will be on your dominant leg, the one on the side of the hand that holds the pala.

The cut lapel of the pros

Benjamin Tison Milano premier padel P1 backhand

More difficult to master, it deserves attention on its technique. This cut backhand is used more and more on the professional circuit because the inverted effect given to the ball does not make it easy to play the next shot. To compare again with tennis, this cut backhand is used a lot after a service to calm down, to slow down the game with a floating ball which does not allow you to accelerate.

Au padel this move is more easily performed after a bandeja short of opponents who do not touch the windows. Cutting the ball forces a quick move forward for a volley below the level of the net. In the event that the opponents let the ball bounce, it would go in the direction of the grid, further complicating its negotiation.

Can this backhand cut be used to perform a lob? Of course, in the same scenario: after a bandeja. Opponents play bandeja, want to get back to the net and you offer them a new lob which, if not traded quickly, will end up very close to the bottom glass. But beware, it is not easy.

For the realization of this backhand, you will not be able to have the same support as for the one played in the attack phase. Here you need control and good contact with the ground. So it's your non-dominant leg that needs to be put to good use. At the moment of impact you will be with the weight of the body backwards to have maximum control, then after impact you will accompany in the desired direction. Do not rush, wait until you know if your shot is effective or not to come closer to the net because if your opponents negotiate your backhand cut brilliantly and you rushed forward, it will be easy for them to put an end on point.

Cut lapel yes but…

Be careful that this shot is not your base because it requires a lot of control, concentration and physical commitment. If you already have it in your racquet sports past, use it. If you haven't mastered it, just start with the backhand attack on balls over the net, which are clearer and safer to negotiate. Gradually seek, especially in training, to work after a bandeja short of the opponents, this backhand cut which will dip in the feet in the direction of the grid in the diagonal. As for the lob, save it for advanced level matches because if you don't master it, you will get punished. Courage, take the time to do things right. 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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