Racket preparation: matching the ball height
Key takeaway from our Guru
Where should I position my racket for low balls?
Keep your racket head at the same height as the incoming ball. If the ball is low, your racket and elbow must be low before the bounce to avoid last-second changes.
What this lesson covers
Effective preparation requires aligning the racket head with the incoming ball height before the bounce. When the ball arrives low, the racket must start low to avoid last-second adjustments. Keeping the elbow low during low-ball defense reduces reaction time and simplifies the stroke. Using the non-dominant hand to guide the racket into this low position helps maintain the correct height.
For volleys, a shorter, more compact swing generates more slice and control. Instead of swinging high to low, keep the racket head stable and accelerate through the ball. Positioning the shoulder toward the side glass helps keep the elbow in front, creating a tighter preparation. This technique is particularly effective when opponents use the glass, as the added slice makes the ball difficult to return. These adjustments suit players looking to stabilize their defense and add bite to their volleys.
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Original video
Added on Apr 2, 2026
This Is Why The Racket Preparation Is The Key! #PadelTips
Description
Please subscribe, let's get 20K subscribers this year! Today we focus on Noah’s backswing in the volleys and in defense. With and without the wall. This is so important! I cannot say it enough. If this is correct you are going to play with less mistakes and more confidence! Try it, and let me know how it went in the comments below! Vamoss🔥🔥 ~ Would you like to learn more? Become a Otro Nivel channel member or special member, support us and become better! 👊🏼 Click & join ➠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrMuJTshdLiaUmbYJy8lSkA/join ~ Also find us on: Our Facebook group ➠https://www.facebook.com/groups/padeltips Our Facebook page ➠https://www.facebook.com/0tronivel 👊🏼 Become a supporter ➠https://www.facebook.com/becomesupporter/0tronivel ~ Our instagram page ➠https://www.instagram.com/0tronivel/ Sven's instagram page ➠https://www.instagram.com/svenboele/ Sven's tiktok➠ https://vm.tiktok.com/ZScj6vNr/ ~ Best playlists: Padel Tips https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpEMQGAKiBXu0t3SreOefrFD4X9Gd7Ex_ Padel Tests https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpEMQGAKiBXvckqPCb18a7UMCctv0j2MC
Good for
Skill level
Beginner, Intermediate, High Intermediate
Court position
Net, Backcourt
Play style
Defensive
Secondary shot
Slice
Keywords
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