Return tactics: crosscourt, body, and lob strategies
Key takeaway from our Guru
What are the best tactics to improve my padel return?
Aim your crosscourt return toward the server's knees to force them to volley upward. If you are stuck deep against the glass, avoid slow shots and prioritize a high lob over the net player instead.
What this lesson covers
Effective returns require choosing the right trajectory based on court position and the server's movement. Aiming crosscourt to the middle forces the incoming server to volley from below net height, preventing them from creating sharp angles. When the server rushes the net, a quick return directed at their body limits their reaction time and forces a defensive response. Avoid playing slow returns when pinned against the back glass, as this gives the net player too much time to dictate the point.
Lobbing is a tactical tool, but it must be directed over the net player rather than the server, who is already positioned to smash. If the serve forces you deep against the glass, a lob is often the safest choice. Conversely, when you are closer to the service line, a soft, angled return toward the fence can disrupt the rhythm of opponents who rely on power. Down-the-line returns serve as a pressure tactic against Australian formations, forcing the net player to cover significant ground. These strategies are most effective for players looking to transition from a defensive return position into a neutral or attacking phase.
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Original video
Added on Apr 2, 2026
The 7 Best Return Strategies (No One Told You) | OTRONIVELPADEL
Description
Please subscribe and hit the notification bell, let's get 75K subscribers this year! 🎯 Struggling with your return? You're not alone. In this video, we break down the most common return mistakes in padel and show you 7 powerful tactics to win more points — starting from the very first shot. Whether you're returning against power serves, tricky angles, or just trying to stop giving away free points... this video is packed with practical tips, real match footage, and elite-level breakdowns. 🧠 What you'll learn: Why most returns fail (and how to fix them) Where to stand and how to position yourself How to turn defense into attack — fast 7 return tactics that actually work in matches Bonus mindset tip to stay calm under pressure 📹 Featuring in-match examples, slow-motion breakdowns, and tactical explanations. 💬 Got a favorite return tactic? Share it in the comments 👇 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications if you want more elite padel tactics every week. Intro 00:00 - 00:51 Lob return 00:52 - 01:21 Opening the court 01:22 - 02:06 Passing shots 02:07 - 02:23 Slow returns 02:24 - 02:37 Lobbing 02:38 - 03:06 Cross middle 03:07 - 04:21 Quick body 04:22 - 05:32 Soft cross 05:33 - 06:50 Lob return 06:51 - 08:21 Fast to server 08:22 - 09:34 Contra cross 09:35 - 11:11 Down the line 11:12 - 12:17 High BH 12:18 - 13:32 #Padel #ReturnTactics #PadelTips #PadelMatch #OtroNivel ~ Use code " otronivel5 " on justpadel.com to get 5% discount! ~ 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/otronivelpadel 👊🏼 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/
Good for
Skill level
Intermediate, High Intermediate, Advanced, High Advanced
Court position
Left, Right, Service line, Backcourt
Play style
Tactical
Secondary shot
Lob
Keywords
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