Return technique: positioning and early preparation
Key takeaway from our Guru
How do I improve my padel return against fast slice serves?
Stand further back in the court to give yourself space and prepare your racket before the ball hits the ground. If you keep missing, stop stepping across your body and use an open stance to block the ball back simply.
What this lesson covers
Successful returns start with standing further back in the court. Many players stand too close to the side glass to protect it, which causes the ball to jam their body after the rebound. Standing one step behind the standard backcourt position provides the necessary space to let the ball come off the glass and execute a proper swing. Pro players consistently serve from the center or near the middle line, as extreme angles from the side actually make the return easier to read once the player understands the rebound.
Early preparation is the foundation for handling fast, low-sliced serves. The racket must be set before the ball bounces on the ground, not after it hits the glass. Avoid stepping across the body to reach the ball, as this makes recovery difficult and ruins court balance; instead, use an open or semi-open stance to maintain space. When the serve is low, keep the racket head low and open to block the ball back. Simplicity is the primary goal, as getting the ball into play is more valuable than attempting winners. If a specific serve continues to cause errors, adjust the starting position or focus more on early preparation rather than repeating the same mistake.
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Original video
Added on Apr 2, 2026
STOP MISJUDGING RETURNS! 7 Essential Padel Return Tips for Success | ThePadelSchool.com
Description
In the world of Padel, the *RETURN* is a *CRUCIAL MOMENT* that can make or break a point. In this video, we delve into the common mistakes players make off the return and how these errors can cost them points before they even begin. Fear not! We're here to help. In this video, we present 7 invaluable tips that will elevate your Padel return game to new heights. Don't let those return errors hold you back any longer. Join us in this comprehensive guide to master the art of the Padel return and take your game to the next level. Subscribe, like, and share this video with fellow Padel enthusiasts to help them up their game too! ✔ 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! 💻 Website: https://www.thepadelschool.com 🔍 Check out our podcast episodes at: https://podcast.thepadelschool.com 🔍 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepadelschool 🔍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepadelschool 🔍 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thepadelschool *Chapters* 00:00 Intro 00:44 Return Position 02:24 Reading the Server 03:53 Recognise Technique 04:47 Repetitive Serves 05:42 Early Preparation 07:23 Don’t Step Across 08:43 Simple - Block it Back 09:50 Bonus Tip #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 © The Padel School
Good for
Skill level
Beginner, Intermediate, High Intermediate
Court position
Both sides
Play style
Defensive
Keywords
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