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Padel is fast, fun and full of finesse. Whilst you will pick up the basics very quickly, which is why it is such an accessible sport, mastering padel will take time and dedication.
Practice makes perfect and padel is no exception to this rule. You can absolutely have fun whilst practicing, so it should not be considered a chore.
We asked the Padel39 team about their top drills that they recommend to develop any player’s game. Here are five drills that will boost your skills and confidence on the court.
Skill focus: Control / timing / consistency
Foundation : Practicing against the back glass is essential in padel. Stand a few feet from the wall and rally the ball to yourself using forehand and backhand strokes alternately. Try to keep a steady rhythm without hitting too hard.
Progression: Increase distance from the wall to improve timing and shot preparation. Use a partner to alternate shots off the wall and keep the rally going.
Rodrigo’s tip: Be deliberate in your targets and keep your shots controlled - this simulates real match situations where control beats power.
Skill focus: Reflexes / soft hands / net control
Foundation : Have a partner feed balls toward you while you’re at the net. Your goal is to volley them back with control, not force. Alternate between forehand and backhand volleys.
Progression: Add movement side to side to simulate match conditions.
Rodrigo’s tip: Keep your racket up and stay on your toes. Quick reactions make all the difference at the net.
Skill focus: Defensive and offensive transitions
Foundation : This is a two-player drill. One player throws up lobs from the baseline, while the other practices overheads. After each overhead, the player recovers to the net position quickly.
Progression: Add variation by mixing in deeper lobs shots to challenge positioning.
Rodrigo’s tip: Focus on footwork after the overhead - getting back into position is just as important as executing the shot.
Skill Focus: Serve placement / transition to the net
Foundation : Start each point with a serve, then immediately approach the net and be ready for the first volley. This drill teaches you to serve and take control of the point from the start.
Progression: Alternate serving sides and add a returner to pressure your first volley.
Rodrigo’s tip: Aim for accuracy on your serve, not just speed, and aim the first volley to a different position. ie. If you serve wide, colley center. If you serve T, then volley back to the returner towards the glass.
Skill Focus: Placement / anticipation / control
Foundation : Work with a partner in one corner while you’re in the diagonally opposite one. Play only cross-court shots, aiming for consistent, controlled rallies.
Progression: Add movement by switching sides after every rally, or include or exclude lob shots to vary the drill.
Rodrigo’s tip: Use angles and height to keep your opponent on the move while staying balanced yourself.
Drills might not feel as exciting as match play, but they are the secret sauce behind every great padel player.
Incorporating just a few of these into your weekly routine can elevate your timing, control and on-court awareness in a significant way.
So next time you hit the court, go beyond warm-ups - drill with intention, and watch your game transform...
