Are you tired of watching your padel shots sail straight into the net? It's a frustrating experience that can cost you crucial points and matches. But don't worry – with the right techniques and a bit of practice, you can significantly reduce these errors and boost your overall game. In this article, we'll explore five proven methods to keep your padel shots sailing over the net and landing where you want them. Whether you're struggling with volleys, groundstrokes, or specialty shots like the vibora, these tips will help you play with more confidence and precision.
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1. Master Your Racket Preparation
One of the most common reasons for hitting the net is improper racket preparation. Here's how to fix it:
Fixing common Padel shot errors hitting into the net.
Keep Your Racket Face Up
When preparing for a shot, avoid pointing your racket downwards. This simple adjustment can make a huge difference in your shot trajectory.
If you prepare and whatever grip you have, if your racket is close and pointing down, where do you think the ball is going to go? To fix this, either use a smaller preparation or you can even tilt the racket and keep your elbows close so your racket is already going up.
Always aim to keep your racket face slightly above horizontal during preparation. This sets you up for a clean, upward strike through the ball.
Engage Your Core
Proper preparation starts with your body, not just your arms. Engage your core muscles as you get ready to hit. This helps create a stable base for your shot and promotes better overall technique.
2. Focus on Your Follow-Through
The way you finish your shot is just as important as how you start it. Here's what to keep in mind:
Finish High
Fixing common Padel shot errors hitting into the net.
Make sure your follow-through ends with your racket above net level. This upward motion helps lift the ball over the net consistently.
A good reference for your extension and waiting is that the racket, yes the motion is from high to low, but remember you have to finish the motion above the net level. So it's not down, it's down and forward.
Move Forward
As you complete your shot, your body should be moving forward, not backward. This forward momentum helps drive the ball up and over the net.
Many players lean back or move away from the net as they hit, which often results in low, netted shots. Stay balanced and move through the ball.
3. Improve Your Volley Technique
Volleys are crucial in padel, and they're often the culprit behind frequent net shots. Here's how to sharpen your volley game:
Avoid common errors losing matches: net position, shot direction, back volleys.
Position Yourself Correctly
Where you stand at the net can greatly affect your volley success.
Stand about two steps back from the net. This gives you more time to react and allows for a better angle on your volleys.
Keep Your Elbows Close
Tight, compact swings are key for successful volleys. Keep your elbows close to your body to maintain control and prevent wild, erratic shots that often end up in the net.
At the net, if I'm hitting too far away, I can only slap the ball a bit, so I don't get that much power. However, if I want to extend from here, I can either go to the side or down. If I'm too much ahead in front, we try to slap the ball and it goes down.
4. Perfect Your Vibora Shot
The vibora is a powerful offensive shot in padel, but it's easy to hit into the net if not executed correctly. Here's how to improve:
Correct six common Vibora mistakes for a more effective shot.
Prepare Behind Your Head
When setting up for a vibora, prepare with your racket behind your head, not out to the side. This promotes a more controlled, downward strike on the ball.
Close the Racket Face
Many players open the racket face too much on the vibora, leading to high, uncontrolled shots or net balls. Keep the racket face slightly closed to maintain control and direction.
Avoid dropping the top of your racket during the vibora. Keep it up to ensure you're hitting down and through the ball, not up into the net.
5. Vary Your Shot Direction
Predictability can lead to errors, especially when you're under pressure. Here's how to mix things up:
Avoid common errors losing matches: net position, shot direction, back volleys.
Change Your Targets
Don't always aim for the same spot on the court. Vary your shot direction to keep your opponents guessing and to prevent falling into a repetitive (and often error-prone) pattern.
Use the Whole Court
Remember, you have the entire court to work with. Sometimes, a well-placed shot to an open area of the court is more effective than trying to hit a perfect winner, which often leads to net errors.
Consistency often trumps power. Focus on getting the ball over the net and in play rather than always going for the spectacular shot. This approach will reduce errors and put pressure on your opponents.
By implementing these five techniques, you'll see a noticeable improvement in your ability to keep the ball out of the net. Remember, change takes time and practice. Be patient with yourself, focus on one area at a time, and soon you'll be playing with more confidence and consistency.
Thanks to the amazing coaches featured in these videos for sharing their knowledge and helping players level up their game. Be sure to check out their profiles on PadelGuru for more in-depth guidance!
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About the Author
Lars
Tactical right side player who is not afraid of using every trick in the book to "disturb the rhytm" of the opponent.
