The most common shots in padel are the forehand and the backhand. In padel, these shots are slightly different compared to tennis. The forehand is played from your dominant side, right side for right-handed players, while the backhand is played from the opposite side, left side for right-handed players. In this short article, you will learn how to hit forehand and backhand shots in padel quickly and easily.
The Forehand in Padel
The grip used for the forehand is the continental grip, also known as the hammer grip, the same grip used for the backhand. The first key element of a good padel forehand is the preparation. You take the racket back while stepping forward with the opposite foot. Contact with the ball is made at hip height and slightly in front of the body. After contact, the follow-through continues forward, with the racket finishing near the opposite shoulder.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Backhand in Padel
Embed from Getty ImagesThe backhand is very similar to the forehand. You start by taking the racket back, again stepping forward with the opposite foot, this time the right foot for right-handed players since the shot is played from the left side. During preparation, the non-dominant hand should hold the throat of the racket for better control. As the racket starts moving forward, you release the throat. Contact is once again made at hip height and in front of the body. The follow-through on the backhand is slightly different from the forehand. You finish the motion with your hitting arm opening high to your right side and your non-dominant arm opening to the left. At the end of the shot, it should feel as if you are spreading your wings, creating a smooth and complete movement.