Volley technique: adapting from tennis to padel

What this lesson covers

Padel volleys require a shift from the flat, aggressive punch used in tennis to a controlled approach that uses spin and accuracy to build a point. The primary adjustment involves the ready position. Players should keep the racket head in a vertical position rather than extending the arms forward. This vertical orientation allows for a quicker reaction time and makes it easier to brush around the outside of the ball to generate slice.

Controlling the tempo is just as important as the mechanics. Many tennis players make the mistake of hitting every volley fast and flat, which causes the ball to bounce off the back glass and sit up for the opponent. Instead, the goal is to apply a light slice to keep the ball low and force it to die near the back glass. Rather than aiming for the lines, players should target areas shorter than the service line to maximize the effect of the glass. The most effective way to transition is to play a full set using only controlled, soft volleys directed into the corners to frustrate the opponent rather than attempting to finish the point immediately.