Padel39 Fall Sale. Join today and get $0 initiation fee + $100 Club Credit. Extended to 11/30. Learn more.
For advanced padel players, continuous improvement is all about fine-tuning precision, anticipation and tactical awareness.
Once you’ve mastered the basics, your training should focus on replicating match situations, enhancing reaction times, and sharpening shot placement under pressure.
The coaches here at Padel39 got together to chat about drills for those players who have been playing padel for a while, as it is important to avoid a plateau in your development. Here are seven drills that are especially suitable for the more experienced players. We hope that they are fun and help take your game to the next level.
Fast reflexes are essential at the net, where points can be won or lost in a split second.
Have a partner feed rapid-fire volleys to your forehand and backhand sides while you stay positioned close to the net. Keep your racket in front of you and focus on short, controlled movements rather than big swings.
The aim is to improve reaction speed and volley consistency in tight exchanges.
One of the biggest differences between intermediate and advanced players is the ability to vary overheads. Alternate between a controlled bandeja and a more aggressive vibora to build muscle memory and disguise your shots.
Have your partner lob balls to different zones so you can practice adjusting footwork, timing and shot angle.
Advanced opponents will target the corners relentlessly, so you need to be comfortable defending under pressure.
Have your partner hit fast-paced shots that bounce off the side and back walls. Focus on staying low, reading the rebound, and using a short swing to maintain control.
This drill will help you improve anticipation and turn defense into counterattack opportunities.
The best padel players know when to lob and when to attack.
In this drill, one player consistently hits deep lobs while the other practices smashes, bandejas or viboras. The goal is to improve decision-making and recovery positioning after attacking shots.
Switch roles frequently to strengthen both offensive and defensive instincts.
Moving effectively between the baseline and the net is a hallmark of advanced play.
Set up a drill where you alternate between defending deep and advancing to finish at the net. This helps train your ability to transition quickly, maintain balance, and choose the right moment to move forward.
Simulate match pressure by setting up competitive rally scenarios.
For example, start each point with a lob or a serve return and play to five points, focusing on maintaining consistency while under stress.
This drill enhances mental toughness, shot selection, and focus during tight moments in real matches.
Playing on your own against two opponents is a great way to push your limits.
The solo player must focus on placement, patience, and court awareness. Aim to hit deep shots to control rallies and force errors.
This drill is physically demanding but highly effective for building endurance and strategic vision.
As your experience grows and you spend more time on the padel court, you will find that the sport is as much about strategy and mindset as it is about technical execution. These drills will challenge both your physical and mental game. We hope that they will help you refine the small details that make a big difference on the court. Consistency, adaptability, and focus will set you apart from the competition.
Come and chat to any of the team if you want to explore any aspect of your game that you want to improve as we would love to help.
