Suggest

Forehand groundstroke

Padel / Popular

Build a compact forehand with clean contact, depth, and direction changes.

What coaches agree on

  • As soon as you see the ball coming to your forehand, turn your shoulders and hips side-on and take the racket back in the same motion.
  • Transfer your weight from your back foot onto your front foot as you swing, pushing the racket forward through the ball, since that is what gives the shot its depth.
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  • Match your shot to the ball you are given — hit flat when it is coming fast or you are under pressure, and use slice or a touch of topspin on a slower, higher ball when you have more time to prepare.

Common mistakes

  • Players arriving from tennis carry over their old forehand's big backswing — winding the racket up high with a cocked wrist and letting the elbow drift away from the body — instead of taking it back short and close to the body.
  • Players, especially those coming from tennis, reach for slice or topspin more than the ball actually calls for, which lifts the shot and hands the net player an easy ball to attack.
The Padel Forehand
Beginner

The Padel Forehand

Coach's take: Clean, simple forehand breakdown - good for beginners.

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