Padel drills for kids: building coordination and fun

What this lesson covers

These drills prioritize teamwork and engagement by pairing children together rather than relying on coach-fed balls. The progression begins with hand-eye coordination exercises, such as catching balls thrown from high to low on both the forehand and backhand sides. Once comfortable, the children incorporate the fence to learn how the ball reacts off different surfaces, using a point-based system to maintain motivation and focus.

Technique is introduced gradually by moving from hand-catching to using the racket for floor rallies. The exercises evolve to include wall usage, where players learn to track the ball off the glass with soft, controlled shots. Movement drills follow, requiring players to hit a ball and immediately navigate around an obstacle, such as a chair, to prepare for the next shot. This emphasizes racket preparation and follow-through. The final stages involve transition work, moving between the back of the court and the net to practice volleys. Throughout, the focus remains on keeping the heart rate up and maintaining a positive environment to foster a love for the game.