How to Play Off the Back Glass in Padel
The wall is your friend
Quick take. When the ball is heading for the back glass, turn side-on early, move back with small steps, let the ball come off the glass and hit it low to high before it bounces again. You don't need pace: control and getting the ball over the net matter most.
Every Bangkok player who comes from tennis or squash has the same first instinct: hit the ball before it reaches the wall. In padel the back glass is there to help you. A ball that comes off the glass has slowed down and gives you more time. Learning to wait for it is one of the biggest steps from beginner to improver.
Get ready early
- Ready position, racket up. Between shots keep the racket in front of you at chest height. You can't prepare early if the racket is hanging by your knees.
- Turn side-on as soon as you see the ball pass you. Shoulders to the side wall, racket back. Early preparation is the whole secret.
- Small, quick steps. Move back with the ball rather than running to the glass and waiting.
Read the ball
Watch where the ball bounces on the floor. A ball that bounces close to the glass will come off it low and near the wall; one that bounces in the middle of the court will come off higher and further out. For slow balls stand a little closer to the glass; for fast ones give yourself more room, because they come back further.
Hit it
- Get low. Bend your knees so you are at the ball's height, rather than bending your back.
- Swing low to high. Contact in front of your body, with the racket coming up through the ball.
- Hit before the second bounce. You have until the ball lands again on your side.
- Keep it simple. The ball already has pace from the glass. Aim to clear the net, usually with a lob over the net pair or a slow, low ball to their feet.
A drill for your next session
Ask a partner at the net to feed slow, deep balls that bounce and hit your back glass. Play ten off the forehand, then ten off the backhand, then mix them. Count how many clear the net. When that feels easy, ask for faster feeds. Ten minutes a session for a few weeks makes a big difference.
Pair this with our bandeja guide and you have the two shots that win most club points. A coach can speed things up: see our coaching page.
Ask other players for their favourite glass drills: join the Bangkok Padel Community on Facebook.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Should I hit the ball before or after the back glass?
If the ball will come off the glass, it is usually easier to let it. The rebound slows the ball and gives you time. Hit it after the glass and before it bounces a second time.
Where should I stand when the ball goes to the back glass?
Turn side-on early and move back with the ball, staying a racket's length or more from the glass. For slow balls stand a little closer; for fast ones give yourself more room.
Do I need to hit hard off the back glass?
No. The ball already has pace from the rebound. Focus on control and clearing the net, usually with a lob or a low, slow ball to the other pair's feet.
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