Volleys at the net
How to volley in padel: a short, firm punch instead of a swing, and where to stand at the net so the ball comes to you.
What this episode covers
- Why a volley is a punch, not a swing
- Racket up and in front of you, before the ball arrives
- Where to stand: not on top of the net, not back at the service line
- Aiming volleys deep, and at the feet
The lesson
A volley is any ball you hit before it bounces, and at the net it's most of what you'll play. Keep the continental grip from episode one and keep the stroke tiny: the racket moves forward a short way, like a punch, and stops. The pace comes from the ball, not from you, so a big swing at the net only sends it into the back glass.
Get the racket up early. Between shots it sits in front of your chest with the head above your hand, so you're ready for a ball on either side without lifting it first. Meet the ball in front of your body, slightly to the side, with the face a little open so it rises over the net.
Where you stand matters as much as the stroke. Too close to the net and any lob goes over your head; too far back and the ball dips at your feet. Most players settle about two metres from the net, roughly halfway to the service line, and step in or back from there with each shot.
Aim long, not hard. A volley that lands deep pushes your opponents onto their back glass and keeps you in charge of the net, while a short one sits up for them to attack. When the ball comes in low, play it back at their feet instead of trying to win the point outright.