Volley technique: decision-making and shot selection
Key takeaway from our Guru
How can I improve my volley consistency and net pressure?
Stop trying to attack every ball and focus on blocking when you lack time. Keep your elbows in front of your body to maintain a stable, compact position that allows you to absorb pace rather than swinging too much.
What this lesson covers
The coach identifies that the player's volley struggles stem from poor decision-making rather than technical flaws. The player often attempts to attack balls that should be blocked, resulting in late contact and floating shots. When the opponent hits with pace, the coach instructs the player to use a compact block with minimal backswing. Keeping the elbows in front of the body acts as a defensive shield, allowing the player to absorb speed and control the ball effectively.
Shot selection follows the natural swing path. Forehand volleys should generally target the corners, while backhand volleys are most effective when directed toward the middle of the court. The coach emphasizes that players should not force attacks on difficult balls. Instead, they must accept the need to block and reset the point. Committing to a position at the net and avoiding unnecessary movement back toward the glass prevents the opponent from finding gaps. This session is for players who struggle to maintain net pressure and often lose points by over-hitting their volleys.
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Original video
Added on Apr 2, 2026
Pro Coach Germán Schafer FIXES My Volley Technique
Description
Please subscribe and hit the notification bell, let's get 75K subscribers this year! In this video, I train with Germán Schäfer, one of the top padel coaches, to fix my volley technique. He helps me improve my preparation, timing, and shot selection — three key aspects that completely changed how I play at the net. I realized that most of my mistakes weren’t about technique, but about decision-making. Germán showed me how to stay balanced, shorten my preparation, and control the speed and size of my movements to play smarter and more efficiently. If you struggle with volleys, watch this session carefully — every point Germán makes can help you make better choices and dominate the net. ~ 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
Right, Net
Play style
Tactical
Secondary shot
Block
Keywords
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