12 padel tactics drills for your next session
A good practice session should still feel like playing. Give each round one clear task and you start noticing which ball earns space and when patience pays off. These twelve games turn “we should work on tactics” into a plan you can take on court.
How to run the games
You need four players: one pair starts at the back and one at the net. A net player begins with an easy ball into the back court. Play six points per drill, swap the front and back roles, and share one observation. Different starting feeds are explained below. Any bonus is a practice rule only.
- Four players
- make decisions and move together
- Six points
- then swap front and back roles
- One focus
- learn one thing well at a time
1–2: Find the moment for a lob
1. One lob per point: The back pair may lob at most once, then the rally continues freely. Note whether that lob pushed the opponents back or bought time. Start with easy feeds; later remove the limit while keeping the thoughtful choice.
2. Push them back: The back pair starts with a lob. Aim to make the opponent reply near or behind the service line rather than force an outright winner. Play the rally out. Begin with a wide diagonal target; progress by adding a low opening ball before the lob.
3–4: Earn space with low balls
3. Move in without a lob: The back pair initially plays only low shots, trying to make the net pair contact below net height. Award a bonus for a controlled first volley after moving in. Later allow lobs again and compare the two routes forward.
4. Middle or feet: Before returning, the back player chooses a broad middle target or a slow ball to the feet. After the point, briefly explain the choice. Count six deliberate decisions. Progress by allowing the net pair to change position before the feed.
One decision, two useful tasks
These examples show the setup for two games from the guide. Targets and repetitions are adaptable practice rules.
- A–D: players
- Ball path
- Player movement
- Target area
Game 4: choose the middle deliberately
A has received a comfortable feed and chooses the broad middle here. A slow return to the feet is the alternative.
- A chooses before hitting and leaves clearance above the net and inside the lines.
- After the point, briefly explain why the middle or feet seemed suitable. Count six deliberate decisions.
- Later C and D may change position before the feed. The aim is an appropriate choice, not a fixed shot pattern.
Game 5: place the first volley calmly
A and B have advanced together behind a successful lob. The drawing starts with C’s reply.
- A volleys with control into the broad middle zone. The rally is then open.
- Advance only behind a lob that actually buys time. Be balanced and ready as the opponent hits.
- Swap roles after six starts. If needed, C makes the first reply particularly easy.
Top view: arrows show direction, not ball height or speed. Positions and target areas are examples; adapt them to the ball and your level.
5–6: Move forward and control the first volley
5. First-volley target: Start with a reachable lob from the back pair. Move in together if it succeeds. Place the first volley under control into a broad middle zone, then play freely. Swap after six starts. Make it easier by having the other pair feed the first reply cooperatively.
6. Ready for the opposing contact: Play normal points from the starting formation. Watch the player moving forward: can they time a small split-step to the opponent’s shot rather than still be running through it? Discuss after each point. Begin slowly, then raise the pace.
7–8: Read the flight and the glass
7. High or low: The back pair chooses between a lob and a low return on each shot. Play six points and identify one good choice after each. For an easier start, the net pair feeds steady balls; later it can add pressure.
8. Before or after the glass: Net players alternate shorter and deeper feeds. The defender chooses whether to return before the glass or after the rebound. Begin cooperatively through the middle and count ten controlled returns. Swap roles; progress to side-glass balls and open points.
9–10: Give overheads a purpose
9. Lob, bandeja, next ball: The back pair opens with a reachable lob. The net pair plays a controlled overhead and the back pair returns steadily low. Only then does the point become open. Notice whether the front pair has recovered well. Swap after six starts; later free up the placement of the third shot.
10. Hit or let it pass: Begin with alternating short and deep lobs from the back pair. The net player chooses an overhead or recovery behind the ball. Count appropriate decisions rather than hard smashes. Swap after six starts, then make the lob depth unpredictable.
11–12: Take the learning into a match
11. Two steady returns: The back pair first makes two controlled returns. It may then follow a suitable ball forward, but does not have to. Play six points and swap. Progress by removing the required count and deciding for yourselves when the opening is real.
12. Match with a goal: Agree on a goal, such as moving in together behind a good lob. Play normal points and record completed goals separately without changing the match score. Change the goal after four games. See whether your practice idea still works under scoring pressure.
Fit it into an hour
Allow ten minutes to warm up and rally, two 15-minute blocks for selected drills, 15 minutes for a match with a goal, and five minutes to review. You do not need to fit all twelve games into one evening.
Record one observation, such as how often both players were ready after following a lob. Next time change just one thing: feeding pace, target size or freedom of choice. That keeps progress clear and practice interesting.
Try it on court
Ready for your next rally? Find a club in Austria and take one idea from this guide onto the court.
About these tips and sources
This guide draws on the sources linked below. The relevant federation’s rulebook is the authority for official rules.
The drills are our own practice suggestions. Adapt the timing, scoring and difficulty to your level; a coaching session can provide individual feedback.
The date below records the latest editorial review. Figures and offers retain the dates stated alongside them.
View the sources usedSources and practice notes
FIP rules define legal ball and wall contacts. The linked coaching materials offer further background on shots and tactics. The drills here are our own adaptable practice suggestions; repetitions and targets are not official standards.
Editorially reviewed on 14 October 2026