How to Generate Easy Balls from Defense in Padel

When you defend in padel, your job is not to hit a winner from the back of the court. Your job is to make the net players hit a shot they hate. When they do, they send back a slow ball. That slow ball is your chance to move forward and attack.

Most players just return the ball anywhere. Then they wonder why the other team keeps winning at the net. The fix is simple: pick the right target. Here is the big mistake to avoid, and the three targets that work.

The mistake: feeding the forehand

A ball at chest height to the net player's forehand is a gift. The forehand volley is the easiest shot at the net. Your opponent takes it early, hits it hard, and puts it in a corner.

If your returns keep landing on their forehand, you are not defending. You are feeding them winners.

Target 1: the high backhand

A high volley on the backhand side is one of the hardest shots in padel. Nobody can hit it hard. The reply floats back slow and short.

So aim high, at the net player's backhand shoulder. Your shot does not need power. Height and side do the work. When the slow reply lands near your service line, step in and attack it.

Target 2: play at the body

A volley player wants the ball next to them, with room to swing. Take that room away. Hit straight at the body, at the hip on the racket side.

Now they can only block the ball. A blocked ball is slow and lands in the middle of the court. That is your easy ball.

Target 3: the lob

The lob is your reset button. A good lob pushes both opponents away from the net. A smash hit from near the back glass rarely hurts you.

Your lob does not need to be perfect. Even an okay lob buys you time. It often wins you the net too.