Overhead training: technical practice and ball machines

BandejaJan 15, 2024

Key takeaway from our Guru

How can I improve my overhead technique effectively?

Use a ball machine or repetitive feeding to isolate your technique, focusing on no more than two specific elements at a time. Always return to your ready position after each shot to make your practice realistic.

What this lesson covers

Improving overheads requires repetition that game situations rarely provide. Basket feeding or using a ball machine allows for the necessary volume to isolate and correct specific technical flaws. Before starting, obtain professional feedback to identify one or two clear technical goals, such as raising the back arm for a bandeja or brushing around the outside of the ball for a vibora. Limit the focus to these specific points to ensure progress.

Set up the ball machine at the back of the court to replicate realistic lob trajectories. After every shot, return to the ready position at the net to practice footwork and court movement. Once the technique feels consistent, move to conditioned play, such as alternating between a bandeja and a volley to simulate match intensity. For attacking shots like the vibora or topspin smash, continue using controlled feeds to maintain accuracy.

Confidence remains essential during matches. Players often tense up after a single mistake, which ruins the fluidity of the swing. Approach match play with the same relaxed arm and movement practiced during training, prioritizing the execution over the immediate result.

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Original video

The Padel School

Added on Apr 2, 2026

My FAVOURITE Way to Train OVERHEADS | ThePadelSchool.com

Description

Both in person and online, we're helping a lot of players with their overheads. The overhead is a really difficult skill to practice during a game as you never really get the same overheads in order to practice that technique. In this video, we're going to describe the BEST way for you to train on your overheads - both the defensive and attacking ones! āœ” We now have a *7-DAY FREE TRIAL* on our online platform with a bunch of exclusive content! *SIGN UP NOW* and don't miss out on this limited opportunity to IMPROVE YOUR GAME! šŸ’» Website: https://www.thepadelschool.com šŸ” Check out our podcast episodes at: https://podcast.thepadelschool.com šŸ” Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepadelschool šŸ” Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepadelschool šŸ” TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thepadelschool *Chapters* 00:00 Intro 00:39 Technical Improvements? 01:01 Technical Advice 01:58 A Ball Machine 02:32 Make it Realistic 03:00 The Bandeja 04:23 The Vibora 04:49 Conditioned Play 05:26 Positioning a Ball Machine 06:15 Elements to Focus On 06:45 The Slinger 06:55 January Giveaway 07:09 Confidence Over Results #padelgame #padel #padelpractice #padeltechnique #padeltraining #padelskills #padeltennis #padeltips *Disclaimer:* We do not accept any liability for any loss or damage which is incurred by you acting or not acting as a result of listening to any of our publications. For all videos on my channel: This information is for general & educational purposes only. Always consult with an attorney, CPA, or financial professional for advice based on your specific situation. *Copyright Disclaimer:* Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational, or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use Ā© The Padel School

Good for

Skill level

Intermediate, High Intermediate, Advanced, High Advanced

Court position

Net

Secondary shot

Vibora

Keywords

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