Padel forehand and backhand: control before extra spin.
Groundstrokes become more reliable when preparation, spacing and target work together. Start with simple feeds and add speed or spin once you can repeat comfortable contact.
Start here
Train both sides with a large target and calm feeds. Adjust spacing first, placement next and pace or spin last.
- Compact
- preparation
- Both sides
- balanced practice
- One goal
- per practice block
A repeatable starting position
Keep the racket ready and turn toward the hitting side early enough. Make room for a comfortable swing instead of letting the ball crowd your body.
The free hand supports preparation and balance. Fixed hand or knee cues do not automatically fit every body or contact point.
Separate forehand and backhand practice
Begin with five slow feeds to one side and five to the other. Aim for a controlled return into a large zone rather than the biggest possible swing.
Later let the feeder alternate sides. If you become late, reduce pace and recover spacing and preparation.
Flat, slice or topspin?
Begin with little added spin so you can judge direction and depth. Spin is a variation with a purpose, not a mark of quality by itself.
Compare the rebounds from different options on calm feeds. Avoid forcing a wrist flick; discuss technical changes with a qualified coach.
Drill: same direction, different depth
Mark two large target areas, one medium and one deeper. Alternate ten calm shots between them and record whether the intended depth is achieved.
Progress to choosing your own depth. Keep one hitting side before mixing forehands and backhands randomly.
Transfer into rallies
Rally cooperatively in an agreed diagonal and restart calmly after errors. A useful block contains repeatable control, not just one impressive shot.
Then play short points while observing one behaviour. Use the glass guide for work after a wall rebound; this page focuses on direct groundstrokes.
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