Adapted Padel Lob and Rush the Net

Adapted padel doubles built around the sport's key tactic: push opponents off the net with a lob, then move up and volley. Students practice the lob, the volley, and deciding when to attack.

How to play

1. 33 x 20 ft courts with cones and a low net, plus a cone volley line 10 ft from the net on each side. Groups of four (2 min).
2. Phase 1: one pair at the net, one in back; the back pair hits a high lob that lands behind the volley line. The net pair retreats and plays it after the bounce while the other pair moves up. Switch roles every 5 lobs (5 min).
3. Phase 2: games to 4. A point won with a volley in front of the line right after your own lob is worth 2 (9 min).
4. Waiting pairs tally how many times each pair wins back the net and rotate in every two games.
5. Wrap-up: each group explains when a lob paid off and when a low shot at the opponents' feet worked better (4 min).

Rules

• Volleys only in front of the volley line; from the back the ball must bounce first.
• No hard smashes at an opponent closer than 10 ft; place the ball into open space.
• Retreat for a lob by moving sideways or turned, never backpedaling blind.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: stay at the net as the volleyer while the partner covers the back.
• Shy students: let them pick partners and keep discussion within the group of four.
• Lower fitness: use a 26 ft long court and slower balls.

Learning goals

• Hit a high, deep lob that forces opponents back.
• Volley with a firm paddle and a short punch in front of the body.
• Decide as a pair when to attack the net or defend from the back.

Equipment for a class of 25

• padel paddles: 24
• tennis balls: 18
• low nets: 3
• cones: 30

Teacher tip

In padel the net is the winning position, so reward pairs who move up together. Watch the backward runs, where falls are most likely.

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