Defensive positioning: handling full stretch shots
Key takeaway from our Guru
How should I play a ball when I am at full stretch?
Use soft hands to guide the ball down to the opponent's feet or play a high, vertical lob. These choices neutralize the pressure and give you time to recover your position.
What this lesson covers
When reaching a ball at full stretch, players often commit three common errors. Attempting a difficult angle shot like in tennis usually fails. Popping the ball directly to a net player provides an easy volley winner. Hitting the ball fast at the net player allows them to block it back into open space. These mistakes occur because the player fails to anticipate the next phase of the point while sprinting.
To neutralize the point and regain court position, use soft hands upon arrival. Aiming a soft ball down to the opponent's toes acts like a chiquita, forcing them to play from ankle height. Alternatively, play a high, vertical lob. When sprinting forward, remember that momentum and proximity to the net increase the risk of hitting the ball into the back glass. Prioritize height over distance to keep the ball in play. These options buy time for both you and your partner to recover your defensive structure.
Keep learning in the app
Your Guru points you at the videos that fit your level and your last matches, and helps you find a coach to train with.
Get the Padelguru app
Original video
Added on Apr 2, 2026
HOW You Can DEFEND BETTER! | ThePadelSchool.com
Description
Do you know what you SHOULD BE doing, when you’re at full stretch and defending a ball or do you MAKE IT EASY for your opponents? We’ll discuss THREE COMMON ERRORS that we often see and we’ll explain where you should be hitting that ball in order to get an ADVANTAGE in the point! ✔ We 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 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 00:18 Common Errors 01:15 Anticipating Points 02:24 Height of Your Shot 03:27 General Guide #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
Backcourt
Play style
Tactical
Secondary shot
Lob
Keywords
Support The Padel School
Every lesson on this page is The Padel School's work. If it helped your game, subscribe on YouTube and tell them.
Subscribe on YouTube