Tips for scoring points against a pair that plays close to the net

Today we are going to talk about how to score points in padel against a pair that plays close to the net. One of the characteristics of these pairs is that they volley very well and are very agile at the net. In this game, if we dedicate ourselves to making them volley, we will be at a disadvantage, as they will have total control of the game.

High and deep lobs

The first thing to try to do when playing against a pair that tends to stay close to the net is to try to play high and deep lobs, as this way we manage to displace them from the net and we can get to the net as quickly as possible.

Hit strong balls at the body

Another option we can have, if they are perfectly positioned, is to hit a strong ball at their body. This prevents them from volleying comfortably, they hit a short ball, and they automatically retreat, allowing us to gain the net, or if they stay close, we have an easy ball to lob and definitively win the net. These two options are the simplest when playing with this type of player when we have a low or intermediate level.

When we have a more advanced level, we can use a wider variety of shots, depending on our opponents' position at the net. Let's consider two types of situations:

• The players are close to the net but open, leaving a small gap in the center. The way to execute this play is as follows: if the player has volleyed the ball to the center, we have the option to change the rhythm and hit a soft approach shot to the center. This prevents opponents from volleying comfortably over the net, forcing them to volley from below, lift the ball, and allowing us to get to the net and hit a winning volley.
• The players are close to the net but closed in the center, as they are covering the center extensively, leaving a gap on their sides. Watch out!! For the type of shot I'm about to explain, it requires a lot of technique and skill to be an effective shot, as there is a very high margin of error. This shot involves hitting a "chiquita," a soft shot close to the fence. Normally, if we execute this shot well, we will pass our opponents, making it practically impossible for them to return the ball.

In short, when playing against two opponents close to the net, we must keep in mind to play with high lobs to the back of the court and, especially if we have an advanced padel level, play with changes of pace.

Remember also that to execute a good lob, we must do it when a ball comes to us that we can return comfortably and easily, because if we hit a lob on a difficult ball, it can fall short and it could be the end of the point if our opponents hit it well from above.