Padel technique: the two shot families

What this lesson covers

Padel technique simplifies into two distinct families based on the trajectory of the ball relative to the net. Family one includes all shots played from down to up, primarily used during defensive phases at the back of the court. This group encompasses forehands, backhands, and sidewall shots, all sharing a consistent grip, shoulder rotation, and preparation. Because these shots move upward to clear the net, the player controls depth and height to avoid hitting the glass or the net. This unified approach allows the player to disguise intentions, such as choosing between a chiquita, a standard drive, or a lob from the same initial movement.

Family two consists of shots played from up to down, where the net is not a barrier. This category includes volleys, bandejas, viboras, bajadas, and serves. By maintaining a consistent preparation for these shots, the player can vary speed, direction, and depth to keep opponents guessing. While the rulo and smash also fall into this family, they involve an additional arm extension phase before the downward motion. Mastering these two families allows a player to focus on tactical deception rather than worrying about individual stroke mechanics.