Back on the track to talk technical padel. Let's take a look at one of the most used attack hits in filet, forehand volley. How to achieve it? We tell you everything.

Come to the net at padel is essential to gain the advantage, organize the attack and finally have a chance to win the point. A volley must first “Move” opponents to put them in awkward positions, make them play complicated balls so that in the end you can accelerate the ball in the space you have created.

Need precision therefore for this shot which is much more used in padel than tennis. In order to compare his technique with that of his cousin tennis, the padel can be proud to offer 3 types of forehand volleys called “simple”. Let's discover them together.

Arm work

This is one of the first mistakes beginner players make. Cock the arm to hit the ball. For a good volley, the arm should come straight forward in order to have great control over the ball. There are volleys made with great preparation, but that is not the topic of this article.

The idea is therefore that during your preparation you can see the back side of your pala. The front side should be shown to the opponents. Pala forward therefore, you will perform the blow with the head of the pala still above the level of your wrist. In the case of a low ball, flex.

For a better, more efficient volley after the strike, try to finish with your pala above the level of the net.

Leg work

This is most important for good stitch construction. Positioned about 2.50m from the net you have enough room to cover the attack zone, avoid lobs, and be able to come forward with time for an efficient volley.

How to get the right support? The goal is really to make the effort to immediately lean on the dominant leg (the one on the side of the pala) with a first step forward or at the height of your body. Once on this press, you will be able to control the distance but also the ball speed that you want to print with the second step.

In order to fully understand the volley, we are going to separate 3 times.

  • The control volley that will be achieved with the second step forward with the non-dominant leg before the strike. The two feet placed on the ground at the moment of the impact allow to have precision in the blow.
  • The flight of power. The second step with the non-dominant leg will be after the ball is hit. With one foot in the air, we are in the process of transferring our body weight from the back to the front, and before the foot hits the ground, we hit the ball.
  • The fly controls / power. It is the mix between the two and often the most used volley, especially when climbing the net. The second step forward occurs when the strike is released.

The fly point by point

  • Step 1: resumption of support

Even at the net, the recovery of downforce allows for better decision-making and better reaction time.

  • Step 2: preparation

Short forward preparation for the forehand volley at the same time as the first step with the dominant leg.

  • Step 3: suspension

You don't necessarily think about it, but taking the time to wait for the ball in suspension on the dominant leg allows you to make the best decision between the 3 types of volleys available.

  • Step 4: typing

Once you've made the decision on what type of volley you want to perform, go ahead and hit the ball. Do not mix the order between the legs and the arms, otherwise you will lose control. Ex: if your front foot is already on the ground (precision), do not accelerate the arm (power).

  • Step 5: the end of the gesture

Remember to stay a little while after playing your volley, it will only be more effective. Your end of movement should, if possible, end above the level of the net. Take pleasure and “assume” your volley while maintaining a good position.

The volley is a formidable, very elegant move that can be used dozens of times during a match. Before rushing in, learn to be precise, to build your point by seeking to move your opponents. And remember this saying:

“It is forbidden to make a mistake with a first end”

Good to hear, hi. The rest in pictures.

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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