Backcourt positioning: finding the right depth

BackhandDec 8, 2024

Key takeaway from our Guru

Where should I stand in the backcourt to defend better?

Stand with your front foot near the edge of the glass to ensure you have enough space to let the ball bounce off the back wall. If you stand too far forward, you lose the ability to use the glass and are forced to play difficult half-volleys.

What this lesson covers

Effective backcourt positioning requires precise distance from the glass to manage ball rebounds. Standing too far forward forces players to play half-volleys on balls that would otherwise hit the back wall. Positioning the front foot near the edge of the glass provides the necessary space to track the ball and prepare a shot. When a ball bounces in front of this line, it remains playable off the back wall, whereas balls bouncing further forward often become difficult to control.

Movement off the back wall requires patience and a smooth, pushing motion rather than a hard strike. Players must accompany the ball with the racket to ensure control. On the backhand side, maintaining proximity to the back wall is mandatory because the body restricts the swing path. Creating space by moving closer to the glass allows for a low-to-high swing, which is the only way to generate power when the ball is tight. This lesson is for players who struggle to judge the rebound and find themselves rushed during defensive rallies.

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Original video

Hello Padel Academy

Added on Apr 2, 2026

Master Your Backcourt Positioning in Padel

Description

🎾 Master Backcourt Positioning with Mauri Andrini – Live Training Session! Join Mauri Andrini from Hello Padel Academy as he trains two Italian players in this exclusive live session. Discover the secrets to mastering backcourt positioning, a fundamental skill for controlling rallies and building a winning strategy in padel. In this video, you’ll learn: ✅ How to position yourself effectively at the back of the court ✅ Key tips to improve your footwork and movement ✅ Strategies to transition from defense to attack seamlessly 0:00 Presentation 0:30 Where should we position? 1:20 Where we should NOT be positioned. 2:34 The coach starts Forehands and Backhands 4:20 Why players play too hard? 5:10 Tip for shots Off the back wall 7:42 The best goodbye Whether you’re a beginner looking to improve or an experienced player fine-tuning your skills, this session is packed with actionable insights to elevate your game. 🌟 Don’t forget to subscribe to Hello Padel Academy for more training videos and expert tips from the world’s top coaches! #padel #hellopadel #padeltraining #padelplayer #padelcoach #padelcoaching #padelmoments #padelskills

Good for

Skill level

Beginner, Intermediate, High Intermediate

Court position

Backcourt

Play style

Control

Secondary shot

Forehand

Keywords

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