Practise the padel return: start reliably and read the glass.
A return need not win the point immediately. Build a reliable start against varied serves and decide deliberately whether to play before or after the side-glass rebound.
Start here
Prepare early and leave room for the ball. Start with a large return target and raise difficulty only once the response is reliable.
- Early
- preparation
- Space
- around the ball
- Control
- before tight angles
Avoid the opening error
Choose a target with room above the net and inside the sideline. A difficult serve is not a reason to force a perfect winner.
After several returns, notice the pace and rebound the server actually produces.
Before or after side glass?
Assess whether an early contact is comfortably reachable or the glass provides more time and space. Decide from flight and rebound rather than a fixed rule.
Start practice with announced feeds. Let the server alternate without warning only once both options are controlled.
Handling spin
Do not expect every serve to rebound identically. Keep preparation compact and adjust spacing with small steps to the flight you observe.
After a try, describe only what happened: stayed low, came out or stayed near the wall. Avoid inventing a technical explanation too quickly.
Drill: ten controlled returns
The server begins with one known target area. The returner aims for ten legal responses into a large agreed zone, then both swap roles.
Progress to two service targets. Count controlled returns separately from points won so risky inconsistency does not become the benchmark.
From return to open point
Start with the return and next shot, then play a complete point. A useful response can create time; a weak one calls for stable defence.
With four players, the partner must read the situation too. Review whether the pair stayed organised, not just who won.
Try it on court
Put the theory into practice. Find a padel club in Austria or check current court availability.
How to use this guidance
Our explanations summarize the sources linked below. Consult the relevant federation for binding playing rules and the provider for current prices, dates and entry conditions.
Drills, repetitions, timings and scoring formats are adaptable practice suggestions. They are not official match rules or a replacement for personal instruction. Adjust difficulty to your experience and control.
The review date records an editorial check of this guide, not continuous verification of every linked fact. Sources may cover different periods; use their stated dates for time-sensitive information.
View the sources usedCoaching foundations and sources
The sources explain coaching foundations. These drills, timings and scoring formats are our own adaptable practice suggestions, not official match rules or reproduced course lessons.
Editorially reviewed on 13 October 2026