Forehand footwork: mastering the neutral stance

What this lesson covers

The forehand in padel relies on maneuverability rather than the power generation typical of tennis. While open, semi-open, and closed stances appear in high-level play, the neutral stance serves as the foundation for beginners and intermediates. In this position, the player places the lead leg directly in front of the back leg, aligning the body side-on to the glass. This setup facilitates a natural weight transfer from the back leg to the front leg and promotes a consistent horizontal swing path.

Adopting a neutral stance simplifies movement around the back glass and double glass. It allows for small adjustment steps that keep the player behind the ball, preventing contact from occurring too far behind the body. Furthermore, this position offers a wider range of shot options, including lobs, flat shots, and chiquitas, while providing better disguise. Players who struggle with consistency or timing off the glass benefit most from practicing this specific footwork pattern before experimenting with more advanced open-stance variations.