Volley in Padel: Keys to Improve It
The volley in padel: how to improve it
At StreetPadel, we have set out to discuss the main strokes of our favorite sport and offer some tips for improving them. To begin, we want to talk about one of the most used shots in padel: the volley.
The main key to improving this shot is to take literally what technicians and any methodology manual or book usually explain: the volley in padel is the simplest shot in this fun sport. This is basically the problem because most people don't see it that way. How many amateur players we see volleying look like they're rushing to hit the ball?
Keep in mind that from where we hit to where the ball can bounce on the opposite court, there is usually no more than 10-12 meters. Therefore, with a short, simple backswing, always in front of the body, we will generate enough power for the shot. We must be aware that in the volley position, we will not always attack, as the volley in padel is not a definitive shot like a smash can be.
The three basic points for a good volley are:
- Backswing in front or, at most, at body height. This will make the movement faster and the shot more controlled.
- Continental grip or also called hammer grip: this grip will help us to cut the ball and we will not lose time changing grips when switching from a forehand volley to a backhand volley.
- And very importantly, body position. Like all shots, they should always be executed sideways, taking a step towards the ball with the opposite foot to achieve that good position with our padel rackets.
Some nuances to improve the volley:
When turning sideways, we will adjust our position relative to the ball with the opposite foot and with a step as long or short as necessary to reach the ball. Unlike at the back of the court, where the position is adjusted with short steps, to coordinate this movement better it is advisable, before moving the feet, to turn slightly at the waist towards the side from which the ball is coming. This way we transfer the weight to the foot we shouldn't move.
After that small turn to orient the body to the ball, we will lift the opposite foot to take that step and turn sideways, trying to step at the same time as we hit the ball. This forward movement will help us give the ball both control and a little more power.
A very important nuance in the volley is the follow-through of the shot. It has to be as natural as possible, both to give control and power to the ball, and to avoid injuries and overloads, very typical in backhand shots that finish with the arm and not with the shoulder or chest.
And to conclude this commentary, we offer another tip for that backhand that is so hard for us to generate power with. We should try to hit the ball by moving both the right and left shoulders and arms simultaneously, as if we wanted to clap behind our back.
Remember: the volley in padel should be the easiest shot to practice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ry1ss-aTc7U
