Forehand volley technique: grip and body turn
Key takeaway from our Guru
How do I hit a forehand volley that stays low?
Keep your racket tip up and turn your body so you can cut underneath the ball from the side. Do not reach forward like in tennis, as you need to stay level with the ball to create backspin.
What this lesson covers
The forehand volley requires a continental grip with the racket head held high. Players maintain a ready position on the balls of their feet with the racket tip pointing upward. This setup allows the racket to travel downward behind the ball, creating the slice necessary to make the ball stay low after hitting the glass. Unlike tennis, the volley is played with the body turned and the racket positioned level with the side of the body rather than reaching forward.
Footwork adapts to the incoming ball path. When the ball arrives directly at the player, the right foot steps back to create space. For balls hit wide, the player steps right then left to transfer weight. If the ball arrives quickly, the player holds their position, turns the upper body, and sways the lower body to generate the necessary space for the swing. This lesson suits players looking to transition from tennis habits to padel-specific volley mechanics.
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Original video
Good for
Skill level
Beginner, Intermediate, High Intermediate
Court position
Net
Play style
Offensive
Secondary shot
Slice
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