The Padel Volley: Technique, Types and Common Mistakes
Why the volley matters
Quick take. Ready position with the racket above net height, a short and compact movement, contact in front of the body, a little slice for control, and a step with the foot opposite your racket hand. Aim deep, past the service line. Use a block against fast balls, a push to move opponents and a fizz to finish.
In padel the pair at the net usually wins the point, but only if they can volley consistently. Unlike tennis, a hard volley is often a mistake: it can bounce high off the back glass and come straight back.
The basics
- Ready position: knees bent, weight forward, racket head up in front of your chest, above net height.
- Short movement: a small turn of the shoulders, not a big backswing.
- Contact in front: meet the ball before it reaches your body.
- Slice: a slightly open face adds backspin, which keeps the ball low after the bounce.
- Footwork: step towards the ball with the foot opposite your racket hand (left foot for right-handers on the forehand).
Three types of volley
- Block: almost no swing. Use it when the ball comes fast, to absorb pace and stay in the point.
- Push: a firm, controlled volley to a corner or down the middle, moving opponents and keeping them back.
- Fizz: a faster, flatter volley aimed at the feet or the side fence when the ball is high and you are close to the net.
Aim for depth
A volley that lands deep, past the service line, pushes the opponents back to the glass and gives you time. A short, soft volley lets them attack, and a hard one in the middle often comes back off the wall.
Common mistakes
- Racket dropping below the net between shots.
- Swinging too much, like a tennis forehand.
- Hitting every volley as hard as possible.
- Standing too close to the net, which makes you easy to lob.
Practise it
Ask a coach for a feeding drill, or play "volleys only" for ten minutes in your warm-up. When opponents try a chiquita at your feet, a soft block volley is your best answer.
Find a game on the tournaments page and share your progress with the Bangkok Padel Community on Facebook.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
How do I hit a good volley in padel?
Keep the racket up above net height, use a short, compact movement, make contact in front of your body and step with the foot opposite your racket hand.
Should padel volleys be hit hard?
Usually not. Depth and placement matter more than power: a volley that lands past the service line keeps opponents back, while a hard volley that sits up in the middle comes back off the glass.
What is a block volley?
A volley with almost no swing, used against a fast ball: you hold the racket firm and let the ball's pace do the work, often to neutralise an attack.
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