Flat shot technique: grip and body rotation
Key takeaway from our Guru
How do I hit a flat shot in padel?
Use a neutral continental grip to ensure the racket face stays square. Create tension in your chest by using your non-dominant hand to pull the racket back, then release that energy into the ball instead of using your arm to force the power.
What this lesson covers
The flat shot provides consistency and weight to the ball by minimizing spin and friction. Players often struggle with inconsistent backhands due to excessive slicing, which stems from an incorrect grip or a lack of body tension. A neutral continental grip serves as the foundation for hitting flat, ensuring the racket face remains square at impact. To generate power efficiently, the non-dominant hand pulls the racket back to create tension in the chest, which is then released into the shot. This method reduces the need for excessive arm effort, allowing for a more controlled and sustainable stroke.
Maintaining an open stance facilitates better shoulder rotation and prevents the player from crossing their feet, which often leads to loss of control. The timing of the impact point determines the direction of the ball. Hitting the ball earlier allows for cross-court shots, while hitting it later directs the ball down the line. By adjusting the timing rather than using the wrist to steer the ball, the player maintains a stable racket position. This approach applies to various situations, including volleys, back glass shots, and the bajada.
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Original video
Added on Apr 2, 2026
The most important SHOT in padel: FLAT SHOT
Description
The flat shot is one of the most important fundamentals in padel. A clean, direct flat shot allows you to generate pure forward energy, control tempo, pressure your opponent, and play like a pro. In this video we break down what a flat shot is, why it matters, and how you can add it to your padel game today. The Padel Doctor is back. Season 2 begins — this time in Jakarta, where we’re building our own padel academy with one mission: develop Olympians for the 2032 Games. In Chapter 1 of Season 2, we sit down with Arie — actor, pro drifter, and padel player for 5 months. He came to the clinic searching for help with his backhand… and The Doctor quickly found the issue: he wasn’t hitting flat. In this episode you’ll learn: • How to execute a proper flat shot • When and why to use it • What makes it so powerful • How it can instantly change your game If you want to improve your padel, win more points, and hit like a pro — this is the video you needed. 00:00 Introduction 01:14 Arie 02:08 Warm up 02:35 Grip 05:06 Preparation 08:38 Flat shot 10:13 Forehand/backhand balance 13:27 Why flat shots are so important? 14:49 Open stance 15:31 Family 1 and Family 2 16:59 How to direct the ball 19:15 Thank you! As always, thank you so much for supporting us! My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danihoyo_padelcoach/
Good for
Skill level
Beginner, Intermediate, High Intermediate
Keywords
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