The Padel Volley: Technique and Drills

The volley is a shot struck before the ball bounces on the floor, typically played at the net. It is one of the most important and frequently used shots in padel, determining rally control and court dominance.

What Is a Volley

A volley is a shot that makes contact with the ball before it touches the floor. It is most commonly played from the net position, when a pair controls the front zone of the court. Unlike tennis, where the volley is just one of many tools, in padel it is the foundation of the game: the pair holding the net position has a significant advantage in the rally.

The volley is used in the following situations:

• Applying pressure from the net. When you and your partner have taken the forward position and intercept balls before the bounce.
• Responding to low shots. When the opponent sends the ball at waist height or below.
• Finishing the rally. A precise volley into an open space or at the opponent’s feet often wins the point.
• Return after serve. The serve in padel is relatively slow, and the returner can frequently play a volley after the ball bounces off the back wall.

Ready Position

Correct preparation for the volley starts with the ready position:

• Grip: continental. It allows you to play both forehand and backhand volleys without switching grips. Imagine holding the racket like a hammer.
• Racket: in front of you at chest height, the head of the racket slightly above the wrist. Both hands on the racket (one on the handle, the other supporting the throat).
• Feet: shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, weight on the balls of the feet. Ready for a split-step before each opponent’s shot.
• Body: leaning slightly forward, eyes tracking the ball.
• Distance from the net: 1.5–2 metres. Closer and you risk being lobbed; further back and you lose pressure.

Forehand Volley

Forehand volley technique (right side for right-handers):

1. Preparation. From the ready position, perform a split-step. Once you determine the ball is coming to your right, turn your shoulders and take the racket back — short, no further than shoulder level. The backswing is minimal.

2. Step forward. Step with the left foot (for right-handers) forward and toward the ball. Transferring weight from the back foot to the front adds depth and control to the shot.

3. Contact. Meet the ball in front of you, at a height between shoulder and waist. The racket face is slightly open — this imparts a small amount of backspin and control. The wrist is firm; the shot is executed with the entire arm moving from the shoulder.

4. Follow-through. After contact, the racket continues a short motion forward and slightly downward. There is no need for a long follow-through — the volley is a compact, controlled shot.

5. Recovery. Immediately return the racket to the ready position in front of your chest.

Backhand Volley

Backhand volley technique (left side for right-handers):

1. Preparation. Split-step, shoulder turn to the left. The supporting hand on the racket throat helps guide the racket back. The backswing is even shorter than on the forehand.

2. Step forward. The right foot (for right-handers) steps forward to meet the ball. The body remains sideways to the net.

3. Contact. The contact point is in front of you, slightly to the left of the body’s centre. The racket face is slightly open. On the backhand, wrist firmness is especially critical — any “collapse” leads to loss of control.

4. Follow-through. A short motion forward. Do not rotate the body through — the backhand volley is executed with a compact, blocking motion.

5. Recovery. The racket returns to the position in front of the chest.

Slice Volley

The slice volley is a variation with pronounced backspin. It is used to control the pace of the rally and make the opponent’s attack more difficult.

Differences from the basic volley:

• Racket path: high to low and forward, with the racket edge “cutting” under the ball.
• Racket angle: more open, to create backspin.
• Result: the ball stays low after the bounce, “sticks” to the floor, and does not rise into the opponent’s comfort zone.
• When to use: when responding to low balls, to slow the rally down, or for a drop volley that lands just behind the net.

[EXPERT OPINION] The slice volley is the primary volley type in professional padel. Flat volleys are used far less frequently, as backspin provides better control and makes it harder for opponents to counter-attack.

Depth and Direction

Where to direct the volley is just as important as how to execute it. Key tactical principles:

• Deep volley toward the back wall. The primary target: at the opponent’s feet or deep toward the back wall. This forces the opponent to play from an uncomfortable position and keeps them on the defensive.
• Volley down the middle. A shot between the two opponents creates confusion over who should take the ball.
• Drop volley. A soft volley just over the net when opponents are far from it. Requires excellent touch.
• Volley into the side wall. A ball that hits the glass after bouncing off the floor creates a difficult-to-read rebound.

Drills

1. Volley-volley at the net. Two players stand on opposite sides of the net, 2–3 metres apart, exchanging volleys. Target: 30 shots in a row without an error. Start slowly and gradually increase the pace.

2. Forehand/backhand alternation. A partner feeds balls alternately to the right and left side. You respond with volleys, aiming at a designated zone. Series of 20 balls, then switch roles.

3. Volley with approach. Start from the service line and take a step toward the net with each volley. This develops the skill of approaching the net while maintaining ball control.

4. Volley under pressure (2 vs 1). Two players at the back wall send balls to one player at the net. The net player responds with volleys, choosing direction. The drill develops reaction speed and decision-making.

Video Tutorial

Common Mistakes

1. Backswing too long. The volley is not a groundstroke. A long backswing costs time and reduces control. The racket should “wait” for the ball in front of you, not swing back as if preparing a baseline drive.

2. Contact point behind the body. If the contact point ends up beside or behind the body, the shot loses power and accuracy. Always strive to meet the ball in front of you.

3. Loose wrist. During a volley, the wrist must be firm. A “soft” wrist causes the racket face to collapse on contact, sending the ball in unpredictable directions.

4. Dropping the racket between shots. Between volleys, the racket should remain at chest height. If it drops to waist level or below, you will not have time to prepare for the next ball.

5. Standing still. The volley demands constant movement: split-step, step toward the ball, recovery. A static position at the net makes you an easy target for a lob.