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Defending from the back

Padel / Popular

Absorb the smash and rebuild the point from two-back.

What coaches agree on

  • Get all the way behind the ball so you strike it out in front of your body.
  • Once the ball comes off the glass, let it drop before you hit it. That extra half-second gives you more control and more options for where to put the shot.
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  • Watch the spin and contact your opponent used on their shot, then use that to read how the ball will bounce off the glass and get to that spot early.

Common mistakes

  • Waiting until the ball has already bounced off the glass to start the backswing, which forces a rushed, snatched swing with little control.
  • Leaving the racket up high while the ball is actually low, or the reverse, forcing a last-second scramble to match the height of the ball.
  • Standing too close to the back glass, which leaves no time or space to control the shot, especially on crosscourt balls that need extra room.