Ball control: path, angle, and speed variables

What this lesson covers

Ball control relies on three variables: the swing path, the racket face angle, and the speed through contact. The swing path moves from high to low, middle to middle, or low to high depending on the required trajectory. The racket face angle remains open, level, or closed at the moment of impact to determine the ball's flight. Speed control involves increasing, maintaining, or slowing the racket movement through the contact point.

Specific shots demonstrate these combinations. A bandeja uses a high to low path with an open face and maintained speed. A low volley requires a low to high path with an open face and slight acceleration to reach the back of the court. A chiquita off the back glass demands a slow speed with a flat, slightly lifted path and an open face. Every shot in padel requires a specific combination of these three variables to be effective.