Padel defence: stay composed and work your way forward

Let the glass help you

A ball that bounces on your court and then hits the glass remains in play. Return it before its second bounce on the ground. Prepare early and watch how far the rebound comes back into the court.

You do not need to chase every ball right up to the glass. A lively rebound may come towards you; a slow or heavily sliced ball may stay close to the wall. Adjust to the rebound you actually see. If space is tight, a compact stroke gives you a better chance.

Lob or chiquita: two ways to change the rally

A lob travels over the net players. With enough height and depth, it pushes them back and gives you time. Choose it when you can get beneath the ball with control. If you are stretching just to reach the shot, a steady low ball through the middle may be easier.

A chiquita is a slow, low ball towards the net players’ feet. If they must volley below net level, you may have time to move in. Treat that as an opportunity, not a promise: slow down before their reply and be ready for the next ball.

Use the middle before chasing the lines

The middle often offers more room than a sideline and leaves fewer sharp angles for the reply. A controlled shot towards the racket-side hip can also make a volley awkward; the aim is to restrict the swing, never to hit someone.

Change height or pace to solve a specific problem. After a short lob or a chiquita that sits up, recover together in defence instead of charging forward. A quick “stay” or “go” helps both players commit to the same decision.

Three drills that make defence rewarding

Start with gentle feeds and add open points once the task feels manageable. Look for better contacts and decisions as well as points won.

• Read the rebound, two players: From the opposite court, feed ten balls that bounce before reaching the back glass. The defender waits for the rebound and returns through the middle. Swap after ten; later vary the speed and angle.
• Lob with a purpose, four players: Start one pair at the back and one at the net. Play eight points with at most one lob per rally for the defending pair. Discuss whether it bought time. Swap ends, then remove the restriction.
• Chiquita and follow-up, four players: Begin with back-court players against a net pair. Try a chiquita and move forward under control only if it produces a low opposing contact. Play the point out and swap roles after six starts. Use slow, predictable feeds to make it easier.