Adapted Padel: Let It Go and Hit Off the Back Wall
A progression to learn the back-wall return, padel's signature shot. Students learn not to rush, to turn their shoulders, and to hit the ball once it's already coming back out.
How to play
- Explanation and demo: why it often pays to let the ball go by in padel; three keys: turn your shoulders, move toward the wall, then follow the ball forward (3 min).
- Toss and catch: in pairs, one tosses underhand so the ball bounces and hits the wall; the other turns, follows and catches it with the free hand after the rebound (5 min).
- Forehand off the wall: same toss, then a soft hit over the net into the partner's box. Ten reps, then switch (8 min).
- Backhand off the wall with the same routine (7 min).
- Point play: the feeder starts the ball toward the wall and the point is played out; a back-wall return that lands behind the opponents' service line wins double (7 min).
Rules
- No one stands between the hitter and the wall.
- Always hit forward and below the shoulder after the wall, never with your back to the net.
- If the ball comes in tight against the wall, let it go: it's a lost point, don't force the swing.
Variations
Easier
Catch after the rebound and throw by hand over the net.
Standard
Back-wall return with a soft hit, then point play.
Harder
The feeder mixes forehand and backhand tosses without warning, and the return must be a deep lob.
Adaptations
- Low vision: always toss at the same height with a neon ball and call out "bounce, wall, now."
- Wheelchair users: the partner tosses closer to the wall and a second bounce is allowed.
- Hesitant students: stay in the catching stage until they get five in a row before using the paddle.
Learning goals
- Understand why and when to let the ball go by in padel.
- Perform a controlled forehand and backhand back-wall return.
- Choose between a deep or a defensive return depending on the situation.
Equipment for a class of 25
- padel paddles: 30
- padel balls: 30
- cones: 20
- badminton net: 2
Teacher tip
Use a smooth schoolyard or gym wall as the back glass and set a low badminton net about 6 m from it. Common mistake: rushing forward to hit before the wall; keep repeating "the wall is your friend."
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