Forehand technique: flat versus topspin

What this lesson covers

Flat forehands provide better disguise at the back of the court. A flat contact allows a player to choose between a fast drive, a chiquita to the opponent's feet, or a lob from the same preparation. Topspin is rarely effective in padel because it causes the ball to kick up off the glass, making it easier for experienced opponents to attack. Avoid topspin on high balls above chest height, when forced into a defensive position, or when the ball is moving away from the body after hitting the back glass.

When using topspin to force a dip, avoid the large tennis-style swing. Instead, keep the backswing compact and close the wrist slightly at the moment of contact. This creates enough spin to drop the ball at the opponent's feet without generating the kick that gives away the net position. Players transitioning from tennis should prioritize mastering the flat forehand before introducing any spin to avoid bad habits. A closed racket face can also be used on low balls near the side fence to angle shots away from opponents recovering their net position.