Padel backhand

Unlike tennis, the backhand in padel is not a power shot. It is a controlled stroke that buys you time - because the movement is shorter and more compact. "When played correctly, the backhand is very effective." The aimis to return the ball in a controlled manner. 

"The backhand should bring calm into the game and buy you time. As with the forehand, you can strategically decide how to play the ball with the backhand. This also requires a short, compact movement" says Lana, a professional padel player. A confident backhand brings calmness and variety to the game. It gives you time and confidence to reorganize your game. The backhand is often the shot that allows you to switch from reacting to acting. 

Padel is played in a confined space - with lots of flat, fast balls. The reaction time is short. This makes early preparation all the more important: "In padel, you often have to react quickly to make the right decisions. That'swhy it's important to play with the right footwork and compact movement. This allows you to play in a controlled manner and decide quickly whether to play with or without a glass." 

 

That's what matters:

• Turn your upper body to the side early on. 
• Bring the racket in front of your body. 
• Keep your distance from the ball.

 

"The earlier you are prepared, the smoother and more controlled your shot will be," emphasizes Lana. "With good preparation, you have better control of the impact point and can decide whether to play with or without a glass." 

The movement of the backhand remains short and compact. This means that there is no large sweeping movement. Lana explains: "The racket stays close to the body and is guided calmly forwards - control is moreimportant here than speed." Pay particular attention to a controlled forward lead. As with the forehand, the expert also emphasizes: "Stability is more important here than speed. A calm movement gives you confidence. This is the prerequisite for a good game and strategic strokes." 

"A calm backhand takes pressure off the game. It not only takes the pressure off you, but also your partner. The ball stays in play, you gain time for better positioning - and that's exactly what strengthens your team game," says Lana. So you can remember that the backhand has a calming effect on the game. That's why it's worth working on your backhand. 

Reliability is the key to a good game. "If you play confidently, you have more time, more options - and the game automatically feels more relaxed." This is exactly what makes them so valuable. Less hectic means moretime, more options - and a much better playing experience. Incidentally, this applies not only to winning points, but to every good match. 

"When you realize that you're no longer rushing from the backhand, your whole game changes," emphasizes Lana. To put this into practice in the game, the expert recommends: "Think about the basics of your backhandduring the game. You'll notice: The better you play with your backhand, the more confidence you'll have in your game and you'll be able to be active and offensive yourself." 

👉 Start the video now and work on a backhand that gives you confidence. 

Do I have to score points with my backhand?
No. The main purpose of the backhand is to control and calm the game.

 

Why does the backhand often feel unsafe? 
Because there are a lot of balls in a small space and little time. Good preparation creates calm.

 

What is more important: speed or control? 
Control. Speed comes automatically later.