Rulo technique: generating spin with a high elbow
Key takeaway from our Guru
How do I hit a rulo in padel?
Keep your elbow high and your wrist loose, with the racket weight resting on your thumb. Focus on brushing up the back of the ball, moving your racket up and out to generate spin rather than speed.
What this lesson covers
The rulo is a tactical shot designed to create irregular rebounds off the side fence. It is not a finishing shot but a way to make the ball awkward for opponents to return. The shot is most effective when played from the second or third post, aiming to force the ball to roll into the fence after hitting the ground. If an opponent consistently blocks the ball before it hits the fence, the player should switch to a different shot shape toward the glass.
Technically, the player prepares with a continental grip and a high elbow position. The ball should be taken over the left shoulder for a right-handed player. A loose wrist is essential, with the racket weight resting on the thumb to allow for a fluid motion. The player turns their body sideways, showing their back to the opponent, and uses a slight leg bend to coordinate the movement. At contact, the racket moves up the back of the ball, traveling up and out rather than around the body. This motion generates spin rather than raw speed, ensuring the ball kicks off the fence unpredictably.
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Original video
Added on Sep 19, 2026
Teach the Rulo in Padel | When, Why & How to Use It
Description
In this video, I break down the rulo by focusing on: • What the rulo actually means • The tactical outcome of the shot • Where on court it should be played • Why it is not a finishing shot • How it creates irregular rebounds off the fence • The technical execution needed to generate roll rather than speed I also covers the key technical points: • Ready position and preparation • Elbow height and racket face position • Loose wrist and thumb reference • Contact point behind the head • Use of the legs and body rotation • Continental grip requirements • Racket path: up and out, not around This video is aimed at padel players and coaches who want a clearer understanding of when to use the rulo and how to teach it properly within the overhead game. 00:00 Introduction 00:08 What the rulo means 00:26 Tactical outcome of the rulo 00:37 Why the rulo is not a finishing shot 00:59 Irregular fence rebounds 01:08 Defenders trying to block the rulo 01:21 When to change the shape of the shot 01:29 Why not to play the rulo down the middle 01:37 Ideal target area for the rulo 01:39 Playing the rulo from further back 01:56 Technical execution overview 02:01 Ball position over the left shoulder 02:10 Ready position and reading the play 02:27 Upper body turn and racket lift 02:38 Elbow height and racket face position 03:02 Body rotation and sideways position 03:38 Spin vs speed explanation 04:24 Contact point and rolling the ball 04:44 Thumb reference and relaxed grip 05:11 Wrist looseness and racket path 05:50 Using the legs effectively 06:28 Grip requirements (continental) 06:54 Body position reference 07:15 Full movement sequence 07:53 Wrist acceleration and roll 08:25 Teaching summary 09:08 Racket path: up and out 09:31 Closing #padel #padelcoaching #padeltraining #rulo #padeltactics #padeltechnique #padelcoach #padeloverhead #thecoachstation
Good for
Skill level
Intermediate, High Intermediate, Advanced, High Advanced
Court position
Left, Net
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