Crosscourt glass defence: turn or position
Key takeaway from our Guru
When should I turn to defend a crosscourt ball off the back glass?
Turn when you find yourself getting trapped against the back glass on a forehand. Unlike a forehand, you should step toward the ball rather than away from it to ensure you have enough space to swing.
What this lesson covers
Defending crosscourt balls that rebound off the back glass requires deciding between setting up for a forehand or turning to play a backhand. When playing a standard forehand, the player must step away from the ball's path early to create space. Following the ball too closely leads to getting jammed, as the ball rebounds into the body. Early racket preparation is necessary to ensure the contact point remains in front of the body.
Turning becomes the preferred option when a player finds themselves trapped against the back glass. Instead of a forehand takeback, the player initiates a backhand motion, moving around the ball to create a V-shape with their footwork. Unlike the forehand approach, the player should not give the ball too much space when turning; stepping toward the ball can actually provide more room for a clean backhand contact. Side spin from the opponent changes the rebound angle, causing the ball to kick toward or away from the side glass depending on whether the opponent is left- or right-handed. Consistent, early footwork and a fast racket takeback form the foundation for managing these rebounds effectively.
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Original video
Added on Apr 2, 2026
Learn When to TURN and When to NOT! | ThePadelSchool.com
Description
Understanding the back glass and getting yourself into a good position to hit is one of the more difficult areas of Padel! In this video we're going to cover a quite tricky shot - the one which goes cross court and rebounds off the back glass. We'll explain wether you'll need to *GET INTO POSITION* to hit or learn how to *TURN* in order to defend that type of shot. ā We now have a *7-DAY FREE TRIAL* on our online platform with a bunch of exclusive content! *SIGN UP NOW* and don't miss out on this limited opportunity to IMPROVE YOUR GAME! š» Website: https://www.thepadelschool.com š Check out our podcast episodes at: https://podcast.thepadelschool.com š Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepadelschool š Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepadelschool š TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thepadelschool *Chapters* 00:00 Intro 00:27 To Turn or NOT to Turn - That is the Question 01:18 The Exit Rebound 02:51 Give Yourself Space 03:48 Getting Trapped 04:29 Introducing the Turn 06:33 Sidespin 07:19 Left Handed Opponents 08:41 Preparation #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 Ā© The Padel School
Good for
Skill level
Intermediate, High Intermediate, Advanced, High Advanced
Court position
Both sides, Backcourt, Corner
Play style
Defensive
Secondary shot
Backhand
Keywords
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