Padel is addictive, isn't it? It's a social sport, it gets you in shape, and the fun is immediate. But let's be honest: at first, we all feel a bit clumsy. It's not just about running after a ball and returning it with a racket. Behind this sport lies a technique that, when mastered, makes all the difference in every match.
And it all starts with the basic strokes : the set of fundamental movements that every player must learn to enjoy the game, gain confidence and evolve on the court.
That's why at Padel Storage we want to break down the main padel shots, how they are executed and what function they fulfill within a match, without so much science, so that you can shine from the first challenge.
Before hitting it: grip, stance and positioning on the court
Before you can pull off a Galán bandeja or a Coello smash, you have to start from the beginning: how you stand on the court and how you hold the racket. If you don't have that down, your shots will go all over the place.
- The Grip: Most instructors will tell you to use the "continental" or "hammer" grip. Imagine you're hammering a nail with the edge of the paddle. Like this. It's the most versatile because it works for forehands, backhands, and volleys without having to constantly twist the paddle.
- The Posture: Forget about playing stiffly. The ready position is with your knees slightly bent, your weight forward (on the balls of your feet), and the paddle in front of you at chest height. You have to be ready to react.
- Court Positioning: Your "home" is behind the service line. From there you defend. Only when you hit a good shot (a deep shot or a lob) do you move to the net to pressure your opponent.
For that continental grip, it's vital that your paddle doesn't slip. Make sure you have good accessories , like a grip or overgrip in good condition; it's the difference between a controlled shot and smashing the paddle into the fence.
A deep hit: how to get it over without giving away points
These are the shots you make after the ball bounces in your court, usually when you're at the back of the court. They're your bread and butter.
The Right (or Drive)
It's the most natural stroke and the first one you learn. You perform it when the ball comes towards your dominant arm. It's the most frequently used stroke. The key is to rotate your shoulders (turn "sideways" to the ball), prepare the paddle behind you, let the ball bounce, and hit it in front of your body. Follow through with the stroke; don't just swish it around. This helps keep the ball in play, control the rhythm, and avoid mistakes.
The Reverse
This shot is used when the ball lands on the opposite side of your dominant arm. Many people find it difficult at first, but it's essential. Just like with the forehand, the key is to position yourself sideways and prepare quickly. You can do it with one or two hands, whichever gives you more confidence. It's useful for returning balls in awkward or crosscourt situations.
Typical mistakes in the groundstroke and how to correct them
We've all been here. Check if you're doing this:
- Mistake 1: Trying to smash the ball. You hit it with all your might, and it goes into the glass, the net, or the court. The solution is simple: control over power. Your goal isn't to win the point, it's to avoid mistakes. Think about "getting the ball over," not "smashing" it.
- Mistake 2: Not moving your feet. You wait for the ball standing still, and it always ends up either too far away or too close. Padel is a dance. Take short steps (adjustment) before each shot. Move, anticipate.
- Mistake 3: Hitting only with your arm (the "arm swing"). Your whole body is involved. Rotate your shoulders and hips. Your arm is the whip, but the force comes from your body's rotation.
The volley: how to take advantage when you're at the net
The volley is a shot played close to the net, without letting the ball bounce . It's the quintessential attacking shot. The movement is short, like a block or a push. Don't bring the paddle too far back (or you'll hit it hard). Hit firmly, in front of your body.
What's it for? To pressure your opponent, take away their time, and win points. It's ideal for finishing. A good volley is one that goes to the feet, the corner, or the fence to put them at a disadvantage. Don't focus on power, focus on placement.
Where to put the shovel and how not to "kill" your partner
The terror of balls in the middle. When you're at the net, your paddle should always be held high, at chest or face level. If you lower it, you'll be late for every volley. And the most important thing to avoid hitting your partner is to communicate: shout "Mine!" or "Yours!" If both of you stay silent... watch out for those powerful shots.
The bandeja: the shot everyone wants to make but few execute well.
This is the signature shot in padel. It's an overhead shot, but (and this is key) it's not a powerful smash . It's executed when you're at the net and your opponent hits a lob (a high, looping ball) that goes over your head.
It's a defensive-offensive shot. The goal is NOT to win the point, but to maintain control of the net . You hit it with spin (slice) so that, when it bounces off the back glass, the ball "dies" and makes it difficult for your opponent to return it, giving you time to move back up the net.
Tips to prevent your device from going offline
The number one mistake is trying to hit it like a tennis smash. The bandeja is more lateral, like throwing a frisbee. Lean on your non-dominant arm (your left if you're right-handed) pointing at the ball; this helps you position yourself sideways and judge the distance. Hit the ball to the side of your body; don't let it land on your head.
The serve: how to start the point with an advantage without overcomplicating things
The serve in padel isn't about hitting an "ace" like in tennis. It's simply about putting the ball into play and (if possible) starting with an advantage. The rule is clear: you have to bounce the ball behind the baseline and hit it, after the bounce, below your waist. Your only goal is to get it in. A double fault is the worst mistake you can make.
Don't skimp on the balls. Playing with Penn balls that are already worn out ("depressurized") makes the bounce very low and your serve (and the whole game) becomes very difficult.
Basic first serve that anyone can master
- Stand sideways, behind the service line.
- Bounce the ball (don't throw it, just let it drop) to the side of your body.
- Prepare the back of the shovel with a short movement.
- When the ball is rising or at its highest point (always below the waist), hit it gently and with control.
- Aim diagonally at your opponent's side glass. It's the safest and most effective serve. Move up to the net afterward.
Accessories that help you train these punches without driving yourself crazy
The technique is repetition, but having the right equipment makes things much easier. Practicing with just anything is not the same as practicing with equipment designed for this purpose.
- The Paddle: Choosing the right paddle is the first step. If you're a beginner, look for a round one that gives you control.
- Shoes: Don't play in running shoes! You'll hurt yourself. You need padel shoes with a herringbone (clay) sole for turns and stops.
- Padel bags and backpacks: To carry your racket, balls, water and shoes to the court, you need backpacks or a padel bag that protects your equipment.
- Clothing: Comfort is key when playing. Wear clothing designed for padel, something lightweight and breathable to keep out of the heat.
Frequently asked questions about basic strokes
Here we answer the questions everyone has when they start playing.
How long does it take to master the basic padel strokes?
Honestly, it depends on how "hooked" you are. If you play a couple of times a week and (highly recommended) take some lessons, in about two or three months you'll feel like you have much better control over your forehand, backhand, and volley. The bandeja and the wall shot take a little longer. But it's all about patience and repetition.
Which paddle is right for me if I want to focus on control at the beginning?
To start, a control racket is ideal. Definitely look for padel rackets designed for beginners . They are usually round, with a low balance point (towards the handle) and a very large sweet spot. This means that even if you don't hit the ball exactly in the center, it will still be well-directed. You'll sacrifice some power, but at the beginning, power is your worst enemy.
Can I improve just by playing pickup games, or do I need to train separately?
Pick-up games are the most fun and give you experience. The problem is that in a pick-up game, you just want to win, and it's easy to pick up bad habits just to get the ball around. It's definitely worth taking lessons or at least hitting a few balls with a friend, practicing just one shot (e.g., 20 minutes of nothing but lobs). An instructor will correct your technique in ways that no one will point out in a pick-up game.
Is it a good idea to copy the pros' hitting style?
Watching the pros play is a masterclass, but be careful! It's good to watch them to understand the tactics (where they stand, how they move, when they attack), but don't try to copy their three-meter spike on your first day. They have a technique honed over years and the physique of athletes. It's better to focus on mastering the basics: control, posture, and footwork.
How often should you change the grip to avoid losing traction?
As soon as you feel the racket slipping or twisting slightly when you hit the ball, change your Head overgrip (or your favorite brand's) every 3 or 4 matches. If your hands sweat a lot, it might last longer. But it's an inexpensive accessory that helps prevent elbow injuries, since you don't have to grip the racket as tightly.
Master the basics and level up
There you have it. These are the basic padel strokes explained simply. As you can see, it's not about hitting the ball with all your might, but about understanding when and how to use each stroke. Power will come later.
The key is patience and repetition. Don't get frustrated if your bandeja gets stuck in the net at first, or if your backhand doesn't go over. The most important thing is to enjoy the process and, above all, to have the right equipment to facilitate your learning.
Now that you have the theory, at Padel Storage we help you with the practice: check out our promotions or browse the 2025 collection to find the newest and best equipment to get started on the right foot.
See you on the court!
