You start the padel or are you already a seasoned player? Did you realize that every stroke can be improved only with the weight transfer ?

What does weight transfer mean? At padel, when we prepare and hit punches, we perform like a dance, a choreography that has been repeated over and over again and finally to be automated, which is what makes professional players so precise and / or powerful. This choreography includes backward and forward movements. It is weight transfer.

What's the point ?

Weight transfer provides a dynamic to your game. With the track in front of you, you direct your body towards the place where you want to drop the ball. Before arriving at the strike, transferring the weight of the body backwards allows you to take time on the ball, to better organize the defense.

Who can use weight transfer?

Of course all players. And the best part is that from your first days on the track, you can realize the importance of this weight transfer and thus have an organized and sensible game. When it comes to weight transfer, just because you're going to weigh 100kg doesn't mean you're going to be more efficient than a 30kg child. More powerful to be sure, but the child will be able to be more efficient in his game if he controls this transfer correctly.

What shots include weight transfer?

All the shots, but we'll be going over them again to help you on your ascent.

The service

When serving, the idea is to reach the net as quickly as possible. We start from behind the line and we have to reach an attacking position very quickly with a blow that is supposed to endanger the opponents. We can't afford to hit the ball, stay where we are and then run forward. Everything must be done at the same time. The transfer will have to be done forward as you hit the ball, which will allow you to gain those few meters which will make the difference.

Defense

Whether it is forehand, backhand, window exits or serve returns, this is where the weight transfer is. most important and necessary. Make a first movement backwards in order to increase the travel time of the ball, to read its trajectory and to “take the time”. This is phase 1. Then comes the time to hit that ball and try to push back your opponents. This is when we will push our body forward, towards the area we want to touch.

Backward to organize, forward once the decision is made.

Sometimes our opponents' balls are played so well that we cannot finish forward. In this case, the solution is a high ball which will give us time to restart the game.

Pressurization

This is a part of the game that is used a lot to block opponents' attack or an attempt to dislodge opponents from the net. No movement backwards. Everything goes forward but with control. Do not run away without thinking otherwise you risk an accident. Pressurizing consists of transfer the body weight forward with a light stroke which will then be stopped to start again forward. In this case, it all happens on tiptoe.

Net

Volleys are very important at padel. You are in an offensive position and seek to attack without being dislodged from your net. As much at the bottom of the track we recommend to make a first movement backwards to finish forward, as much on the fly, it will be the reverse. Our body will be tilted forward so that each ball hit is heavy, efficient, with little bounce. A body tilted to the back or “camped” on its position will not favor a good volley. Once the blow is achieved, you will come back to the rear to recover the ideal position which will allow you to continue or restart the attack.

The high balls

Bandejas, viboras or smashes. These shots are first achieved by running or moving backwards. This placement is important and must be done correctly otherwise the stroke will no longer be effective and you will lose the net or the point. Understand that first of all we must move back, position ourselves and wait for the ball to then change the dynamics, go ahead, so that the shot is beautiful, clear and poisonous.

How many times have you seen people play a high ball and return to the bottom of the track? High balls are used not to lose the net or to finish a point brilliantly. If you don't feel comfortable with this type of ball, just let it go, go back to the bottom of the track with a defensive dynamic, then raise your point.

Remember, if i have to back down, the lob is the best option.

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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