Defensive variation: changing pace and angles
Key takeaway from our Guru
How can I make my padel defense less predictable?
Hide your shot intention until the last second by using the exact same preparation for both hard shots to the body and soft shots to the feet. This forces your opponent to wait longer to react, giving you more control over the point.
What this lesson covers
Defensive play requires hiding the shot intention until the final moment. By using the same preparation for both hard shots to the body and soft shots to the feet, the player forces the opponent to react later. A key progression involves alternating between deep shots and soft touches to the feet, keeping the opponent guessing while maintaining control from the back of the court.
Footwork is the engine of this transition. When the ball is low, the player can move forward to the net, but high balls demand staying back to defend or hitting a lob to regain the net position. When under pressure, blocking the ball in front of the body is more effective than attempting a large swing. This approach turns a predictable defensive game into a controlled, varied strategy that neutralizes aggressive opponents.
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Original video
Added on Apr 2, 2026
This World Padel Tour LEGEND Transformed My Defensive Game in 40 Minutes.
Description
Please subscribe and hit the notification bell, let's get 60K subscribers this year! Ladies and gentlemen! Today I received one of the best lessons ever! It was an honor to share the the court with former WPT and world champion Willy Lahoz. Today we transform my boring defensive gaming into a very interesting defensive game. Willy gave some very interesting insights on how to defend in padel in this session. ~ Visit my online padel shop. Go to www.racketteam.com ~ 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, Advanced, High Advanced
Court position
Backcourt, Corner
Play style
Defensive
Secondary shot
Block
Keywords
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