Transition tactics: controlling speed and depth

BandejaNov 22, 2021

Key takeaway from our Guru

How can I improve my transition from the back of the court to the net?

Stop moving before you hit the ball to ensure you have time to react. Focus on hitting the ball deep or at your opponent's feet with controlled speed rather than raw power to force a defensive shot.

What this lesson covers

Effective transition play relies on stopping in time to prepare for the next shot. Rushing the approach often leads to hitting the ball while still moving, which results in a weak, high contact point for the opponent. Instead of prioritizing speed, the player should focus on placing the ball deep or towards the opponent's feet to force a defensive, upward trajectory. This creates the necessary time to reach a stable net position.

When playing a bandeja or vibora from a defensive position, avoid hitting hard to the opponent's backhand, as this allows them to easily turn and counter-attack. Aiming for the opponent's feet or the middle of the court restricts their options and forces them to use the glass. By slowing down the tempo, the player gains the precision needed to dictate the rally. This approach is particularly beneficial for players who struggle with positioning during the transition from the back of the court to the net.

Keep learning in the app

Your Guru points you at the videos that fit your level and your last matches, and helps you find a coach to train with.

Original video

Otro Nivel Padel

Added on Apr 2, 2026

My 7 Padel Transitional Mistakes with German Schafer!

Description

Please subscribe, let's get 20K subscribers this year! This might be one of the things that the general padel player makes the most mistakes on: the transition. I felt like I was making the mistakes because of my “bad” footwork but it really came down to some other things as well. After spending 3 weeks in Spain I began to realise that the players use way more variation in their speed. They also know exactly where to place the ball. This lesson with German really helped me in a lot of aspects of the game. What transition mistake do you normally make? Let us know in the comments ⬇️ ~ 10% discount if you visit my online padel shop. Go to www.racketteam.com and use code: otronivel ~ 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/

Good for

Skill level

Intermediate, High Intermediate, Advanced, High Advanced

Court position

Net, Service line

Play style

Control

Secondary shot

Serve

Keywords

Support Otro Nivel Padel

Every lesson on this page is Otro Nivel Padel's work. If it helped your game, subscribe on YouTube and tell them.

Subscribe on YouTube

Related video lessons