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If you're new to padel, one of the biggest tactical adjustments from other racquet sports is learning how to use the walls.
This opens up a huge range of tactical possibilities, both defensively and offensively. For beginners, however, it can be disorientating. Should you wait for the rebound? Should you take the ball before or after it hits the wall?
The key is anticipation and positioning.
Here are some thoughts from the Padel39 team about how to embrace, rather than fear, the walls in padel.
When you're under pressure and the opponent is dominating the net, using the back wall can give you an opportunity to change the rythmn of the point and/or a vital second chance to stay in the point.
Instead of rushing to hit a fast-paced shot on the first bounce, let it travel to the back glass. This extra time allows you to reset your position, assess the court, and play a more controlled shot.
Rodrigo’s tip: Try to stay low with your racket ready, and watch the trajectory of the ball closely. The ideal moment to strike is just after it rebounds off the wall and starts to descend again.
Side walls add another layer of complexity - and opportunity.
For example, when returning a cross-court shot that hits the side wall, you’ll often have a better angle to attack from behind the ball. On defense, letting the ball hit both the ground and side wall can also help you redirect pace and play a slower, more thoughtful return.
Rodrigo’s tip: Practice moving laterally while staying balanced. Anticipating the angle at which the ball will come off the wall is half the battle.
One of the most daunting situations for new players is when the ball hits both the back and side walls in quick succession.
It may look like a lost cause, but with proper footwork and timing, it’s possible to return these shots effectively - especially if you're positioned near the back of the court.
Rodrigo’s tip: Keep calm, stay low, and don’t overcommit. The ball often loses pace after double rebounds, giving you more time than you think.
Once you're confident defending with the walls, it’s time to go on the offensive. Experienced players use the walls to wrong-foot opponents or create impossible angles.
A classic example is the bajada shot, where the player allows a lob to bounce and rebound off the back wall before attacking it - catching the opponent by surprise with the added pace and angle.
Rodrigo’s tip: If your opponent is hugging the net, consider an angled wall shot to make them move laterally to reset the point and regain control.
Not every ball should be played off the wall.
Sometimes, hitting the ball before it reaches the glass is the better option - especially when it’s a soft shot or a low bounce. Being too reliant on the wall can slow down your reaction time or give away opportunities.
Rodrigo’s tip: Trust your instincts. If you’re well-positioned and confident, take the shot before it hits the wall.
The walls in padel can be intimidating at first, but they’re also one of the game’s greatest assets.
Learning to read and react to wall bounces - and then using them to your tactical advantage - is what separates casual players from serious competitors.
So next time you're on the court, don’t just play the ball - play the wall. With time and practice, the glass won’t be your enemy. It’ll be your best friend.
As always, come and have a chat to the Padel39 coaching team if you would like to ask about lessons to learn how to master the walls, or any other aspect of padel that you are struggling with. We will be more than happy to help.
