Counterattacking the smash: positioning and tactics

Jan 22, 2024

Key takeaway from our Guru

How do I position my partner and myself to counter-attack a smash?

One player should step two steps past the service line while the other stays back. This split position allows you to cover both straight smashes and balls exiting the court while keeping you ready to move forward if the smash is weak.

What this lesson covers

Defending against a smash requires reading the opponent during the warm-up by observing their body shape. A player who keeps the racket high typically plays a bandeja or vibora, while a smash involves a different preparation. The depth of your own lob dictates the defensive strategy. A short lob leaves no time to move forward, making a block the only safe option. Conversely, a deep lob allows for a more aggressive counter-attack position.

When anticipating a smash, one player moves two steps forward past the service line while the other remains at the back. This split formation covers both deep smashes and potential fake shots. The player positioned cross-court from the smasher is responsible for covering balls that exit the court. Communication is vital during this fast-paced exchange. One player must act as captain to call out the shot, directing whether to block or attack, and identifying the opponent's movement after their smash to choose the best return shot. This approach suits players looking to transition from passive defense to active counter-attacking.

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Original video

Otro Nivel Padel

Added on Apr 2, 2026

How To EASILY Counter Attack The Padel Smash.

Description

Please subscribe and hit the notification bell, let's get 60K subscribers this year! Welcome back everyone! Today we are going to focus on defending the smash. I think you can win a lot of points on countering the smash! So many players are trying to finish the point way too early, but we are not training the counter attack much. Hope this helps! Vamooos ~ Visit my online padel shop. Go to www.racketteam.com ~ With the official Peakz Padel app you can easily book a court at a Peakz Padel location near you! ~ Would you like to learn more? Become a Otro Nivel channel member or special member, support us and become better! 👊🏼 Click & join ➠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrMuJTshdLiaUmbYJy8lSkA/join ~ Also find us on: Our Facebook group ➠https://www.facebook.com/groups/padeltips Our Facebook page ➠https://www.facebook.com/otronivelpadel 👊🏼 Become a supporter ➠https://www.facebook.com/becomesupporter/0tronivel ~ Our instagram page ➠https://www.instagram.com/0tronivel/ Sven's instagram page ➠https://www.instagram.com/svenboele/ Sven's tiktok➠ https://vm.tiktok.com/ZScj6vNr/

Good for

Skill level

Intermediate, High Intermediate

Court position

Left, Both sides, Service line, Backcourt

Play style

Counter-attacking

Secondary shot

Block

Keywords

smashcounterattackpositioningstrategydefense

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