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In padel, the backhand is one of the most important shots to master.
Whether you’re defending against a fast volley or setting up an offensive play from the back of the court, a reliable backhand gives you balance and control on the court.
The backhand may not feel as natural as the forehand for most players, especially new players, but you can turn your backhand into a powerful and consistent weapon with the right technique and practice.
Here are some thoughts from Rodrigo to help master the backhand - please don’t hesitate to chat to any of our team if you would like to focus on this aspect of your game as we will be very happy to help.
A strong backhand starts with your feet.
Good positioning allows you to hit the ball cleanly and with confidence. Move quickly into place so the ball is slightly in front of your body at contact. Keep your knees bent, weight balanced and take small adjustment steps as the ball approaches.
Proper footwork ensures you don’t reach or lean awkwardly, which often leads to weak or mistimed shots.
One of the most overlooked aspects of a solid backhand is the role of the non-dominant hand.
On preparation, the left hand (for right-handed players) should help guide the racket back and maintain shoulder alignment. As you swing through, the non-dominant arm extends backward, keeping balance and rotation smooth.
This added stability makes your backhand more consistent and less tiring over long rallies.
For some players coming from tennis, the use of a double-handed backhand can be used for groundstrokes.
Like any skill in padel, repetition is key.
Practice drills such as cross-court backhands, where you hit diagonally across the court to improve accuracy and consistency.
Another useful exercise is alternating forehands and backhands against the wall, which sharpens reflexes and forces quick grip adjustments.
Partner drills where one player feeds only to your backhand side can also accelerate improvement.
Join one of our padel clinics if you want help structuring some backhand drills.
Backhands aren’t just for baseline play. Being able to volley confidently on the backhand side is crucial whilst you are at the net.
Keep the racket face slightly open, use short punchy movements, and let the ball’s pace do the work.
By practicing both defensive and attacking backhands at, or near, the net, you’ll cover more angles and become a tougher opponent to beat.
Many players tense up on the backhand, which limits fluidity and power.
Focus on staying relaxed in your shoulders and arms. A smooth, controlled motion often produces a cleaner strike than trying to muscle the ball.
Over time, confidence in your technique will allow you to execute strong backhands even in high-pressure moments.
Developing a strong backhand in padel takes patience, practice and attention to detail.
By working on your footwork, grip, swing mechanics, and mental approach, you’ll transform what many see as a weakness into one of your greatest strengths.
With consistency and confidence, your backhand can open up new tactical options and make you a more complete padel player.
