Padel: Stroke Technique and Positioning
A padel lesson focused on the basic strokes (forehand, backhand and volley), a simple back-wall shot and how partners position themselves on the court. Students work on stroke technique, coordination and doubles tactics.
How to play
- Paddle warm-up: bounce the ball on the ground and up in the air, alternating paddle faces (3 min).
- Forehand and backhand after the bounce in pairs: one tosses by hand and the other hits at waist height, finishing toward the net; 10 hits and switch (6 min).
- Volley at the net: paddle out front and a short blocking stroke with no backswing; a partner tosses from the back (5 min).
- Back-wall shot: toss the ball against the back wall, let it bounce and come off, then turn and hit a forehand as it drops (6 min).
- Explain positioning: partners are both at the net or both at the back at the same time, moving side by side as if tied by a rope (2 min).
- Doubles games to 7 points with an underhand serve after a bounce, applying the positioning; four players per court and rotate partners (6 min).
- Wrap-up: when it pays to move up to the net and which stroke was hardest (2 min).
Rules
- Keep a safe distance from other players' paddles, especially on backhands.
- Pick up balls only when play has stopped.
- Wear the paddle's wrist strap if it has one.
- Serve underhand, below the waist and after bouncing the ball.
Variations
Easier
Cooperative rally with no wall, counting how many hits in a row the pair can keep.
Standard
Doubles games applying net and back-court positioning.
Harder
Add the lob to get past opponents at the net and defend with back-wall shots.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: allow two bounces and play from the back of the court, closer to the wall.
- Visual impairment: use a larger, brightly colored ball and cooperative rallies with a verbal cue before each hit.
- Fitness level: use a light paddle and lower-pressure balls for students with less control.
Learning goals
- Perform the forehand, backhand and volley with basic technique.
- Use the back wall in a simple shot.
- Understand and apply doubles positioning.
Equipment for a class of 25
- padel rackets: 25
- padel balls: 40
Teacher tip
If there's no padel court, a handball or racquetball wall with a line on the floor as the net works fine. The usual mistake is partners drifting too far apart, so cue them to move 'together.'
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