Tactics

Time management

Padel is a game of borrowed time. Slowing the ball down buys you seconds to recover, speeding it up takes seconds away from them, and the back glass hands you time for free if you let it. These drills cover reading ball speed to position yourself correctly, when to let a fast ball go past you, and how changing pace decides who is comfortable in a rally.

Start solving · 10 puzzles

#37
Bandeja’s speed
#38
Bandeja’s speed
#187
Bandeja’s speed
#188
Bandeja speed
#264
Returning from partner’s side
#265
Returning from partner’s side
#292
Anti-lob: retreat prepared
#293
Anti-lob: retreat prepared
#314
Pulled out wide
#315
Pulled out wide

Learn the tactics

Walkthroughs on time management, showing what to play and why it works.

Ball Speed Decides Where You Stand in Padel DefenseSlow or sliced balls die near the back wall, so move in to reach them. Fast balls bounce far off the glass, so give yourself room. Read the pace, then position.