Defending against smashes: movement and anticipation
Key takeaway from our Guru
When should I run forward to defend against a smash?
You must commit to the run the moment your opponent commits to their smash. If you wait to see where the ball goes, you will be too late to reach the net position.
What this lesson covers
Anticipating a smash requires reading the opponent and the game situation. If a partner hits a lob while pinned against the back glass, the player with more space must anticipate and move forward to cover the net. When both players are positioned neutrally, the player on the left side typically takes the initiative to run forward, as most powerful smashes exit the court on that side.
Successful defense relies on early movement. Players should take two or three steps forward as soon as they identify a potential attacking smash. Once the opponent commits to the strike, the defender must sprint toward the net position without hesitation. Pausing mid-run is the most common error that prevents reaching the ball in time. This approach applies to all levels, as the logic of reading the lob depth and opponent tendencies remains the same regardless of the speed of the game.
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Original video
Added on Apr 2, 2026
Expert Tips: How Pro Players Defend Against Powerful Padel Smash | ThePadelSchool.com
Description
Learn the advanced defence techniques used by pro padel players to defend against powerful smash. Discover padel smash defence strategy, tips, and training to improve your game and take it to the next level. Please follow this link for more information: www.thepadelschool.com. Knowing WHEN to start the run forward is often the reason you reach the ball... or do NOT! We have always said the reason the WPT padel players seem like lightning is that their anticipation is amazing (they actually move rapidly too)! And this is against players where anything is possible! The key is being aware of what is happening around you - the game, the opponent, your shot - these are all factors in whether you need to run forward! There are IMPORTANT STAGES to reading your opponent's movements and anticipating - check out these sections of the video: š Check out our podcast episodes at: https://podcast.thepadelschool.com. ā Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro 0:21 Who runs & when 2:42 Game situation & lob 5:19 Commit to the run (Videos from Paolo Cataleta - in Milan) Smash Defense Techniques Defending Against Powerful Smashes Winning Defense Techniques ā Subscribe To The Channel The Padel School To Improve Your Game: https://www.youtube.com/@ThePadelSchool ā Important Links To Follow: š The Padel School: https://thepadelschool.com/links/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=bio ā Stay Connected With Me. š Website: www.thepadelschool.com š Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepadelschool/ š Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/thepadelschool?_rdc=1&_rdr š TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thepadelschool š LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-padel-school/ ā For Business Inquiries: info@thepadelschool.com ============================= ā Recommended Playlists: š Padel Drills: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyakdKHsbnk&list=PLFotglr241m61RKBiY6ZHon88VKhhprDs š WPT Points Analysis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mQWYk8Elho&list=PLFotglr241m6lpLnG3YO4x1diXINqYl48 ā Other Videos You Might Be Interested In Watching: š Does Bandeja NEED Spin? Padel Tips! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ccz6ABNTGU š Are you a RIGHT SIDE PLAYER?? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXfAoP8CZ7g š Why you NEED the GANCHO! Padel Smash https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwA90i3ITTI š Find YOUR Padel Grip! Padel Technique! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Giq1P4T9mK8 š Correct VOLLEY DIRECTION - Easy Padel Tactic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CaeunCOekE ============================= ā About The Padel School. We help Padel players win more matches and improve their game! The Padel School is a channel dedicated to producing easy-to-understand videos about padel (or padel tennis) in English to help you improve your game and enjoy this amazing sport! We cover everything from the basics to advanced padel techniques/tactics and are driven by you guys, so please write in any of the comments if there's anything you need help with! Anyone can learn the game and improve their padel with the right advice! Make sure you hit Subscribe so you don't miss our weekly videos, coming out every Monday! For Collaboration and Business inquiries, please use the contact information below: š© Email: info@thepadelschool.com š Subscribe To The Channel The Padel School To Improve Your Game: https://www.youtube.com/@ThePadelSchool ================================= #strategy #smashdefense #proplayers #badmintontechniques #training #sports 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, Service line, Backcourt, Corner
Play style
Counter-attacking
Keywords
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