Backhand corner defense: early preparation and contact
Key takeaway from our Guru
How do I improve my backhand corner defense?
Take your racket back immediately as the ball leaves your opponent's racket. Ensure your contact point is in front of your body so you can guide the ball rather than flicking it.
What this lesson covers
Defending the backhand corner requires immediate racket preparation the moment the ball leaves the opponent's racket. Players often struggle by waiting too long, leading to desperate swings and loss of control. By moving the racket back early, the player creates time to decide whether to play the ball directly or use the glass. Keeping the left hand on the throat of the racket during this take-back helps maintain shoulder rotation and ensures the body moves behind the ball.
Getting behind the contact point is the primary goal. When the contact happens in front of the body, the player gains the ability to choose between a chiquita, a lob, or an angled shot. If the contact point falls behind the player, options become limited to flicking or scooping. In defensive situations, especially against fast volleys, the objective is to guide the ball rather than hit it with force. Treating the shot as a controlled push allows for greater accuracy and slows the pace, which provides necessary time to recover position. This approach suits players transitioning from tennis who need to unlearn the habit of aggressive swinging in favor of placement.
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Original video
Added on Apr 2, 2026
How You SHOULD Be DEFENDING on the BACKHAND SIDE! | ThePadelSchool.com
Description
One of the MOST DIFFICULT ares to defend in Padel is the left corner - the BACKHAND SIDE! In this video, we'll cover THE TECHNIQUE you're required to have, in order to DEFEND these incoming balls. We also have some BONUS TIPS' in what you should be looking for! If you’d like to see the extended version - We do have a *7-DAY FREE TRIAL* on our online platform with a bunch of other exclusive content as well! *SIGN UP NOW* and don't miss out on an opportunity to IMPROVE YOUR GAME! 💻 Website: https://www.thepadelschool.com 🔍 Check out our podcast episodes at: https://podcast.thepadelschool.com 🔍 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepadelschool 🔍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepadelschool 🔍 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thepadelschool *Chapters* 00:00 Intro 00:12 Good Preparation 00:56 Decision Making 01:31 Racket Takeback 02:02 Contact Point 02:30 Guiding the Ball #padelgame #padel #padelpractice #padeltechnique #padeltraining #padelskills #padeltennis #padeltips *Disclaimer:* We do not accept any liability for any loss or damage which is incurred by you acting or not acting as a result of listening to any of our publications. For all videos on my channel: This information is for general & educational purposes only. Always consult with an attorney, CPA, or financial professional for advice based on your specific situation. *Copyright Disclaimer:* Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational, or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use © The Padel School
Good for
Skill level
Beginner, Intermediate, High Intermediate
Court position
Left, Backcourt, Corner
Play style
Defensive
Keywords
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