Improve Control and Hit Off the Back Glass
This padel drill is pretty straightforward to get started and can also be used as a warm-up. I recommend starting off being partners and then playing it out to 10 and switching up. Here is the explanation:
Positions: Player A will be at the net and Player B will start a meter behind the baseline (no lobs allowed) (see image below)
Roles:
- Player A: Play deep volleys that way player B can let it bounce on the glass and hit it back.
- Player B: Practice the after-the-glass shot and try to keep the ball not too high above the net.
Winning Tips:
- Player A: To make it really hard on the other player, try putting some slice on the volley and stay aggressive.
- Player B: Variation is key – Try to play some aggressive shots when you are in a good position or play a slow ball that dives into your opponent’s feet.
Drill #2
Improve Lateral Glass and Game Variation
This padel drill is a little bit more advanced and you will find it in many game situations. I recommend starting off slowly if you are not comfortable with the side glass yet. If you are an advanced player, feel free to practice it 10 minutes before playing it to 10 points. Here is the explanation:
Positions: Player A will start at the net. Player B will be a meter behind the baseline and 2 meters from the side glass diagonally across player A. (see image below)
Roles:
- Player A: Feed the ball deep cross-court so it can hit the side glass. Don’t feed the ball too hard because the goal for player B is to hit it before the backglass. Practice your forward-backward movement and positioning at the net. Then practice your shots cross-court to play the side glass all the time. You are allowed to hit ONLY 1 ball that will hit the back glass after the bounce (just to reposition your opponent and make the drill more realistic)
- Player B: Let the ball bounce on the side glass and hit it before the back glass. From there, play back cross-court with 2 options; (1) lob and (2) a ball that dives into the opponent’s feet.
Winning Tips:
- Player A: If your opponent is really causing you issues with its variations, try aiming so the ball hits the side fence.
- Player B: Try the special shot and hit it back to the side glass to redirect the ball cross-court. That will disturb your opponent, and create an extra spin on the ball.
Drill #3
Improve Double Glass Pivot
This padel drill is for players who have a good notion of anticipation and great agility skills. It is great to feed this exercise instead of playing the point out but if your skills allow you to, feel free to do so.
Positions: Player A will start at the net. Player B will be a meter behind the baseline and 2 meters from the side glass diagonally across player A. (see image below)
Roles:
- Player A: Feed the ball deep cross-court and hard enough so it can hit the side glass and then the back glass. Your goal for this drill is to hit the double glass at all times.
- Player B: Let the ball bounce on the side glass, then on the back glass. Your goal is to let your body follow the ball and pivot on yourself to hit the ball back. If you do not pivot, you will find yourself in a really awkward position where the ball will just come right at you and it will be almost impossible to hit it. If you are on the right side, you should pivot and hit a backhand, and if you are on the left side, you should pivot and hit a forehand.
Winning Tips:
- Player A: If your opponent is extremely comfortable at pivoting, try to keep accelerating your ball with some slices to keep it low.
- Player B: While pivoting, make sure your racket is following the ball and stay more or less at the same height as the ball. Don’t pivot without moving your feet, instead, pivot and adjust your positioning as needed.
Drill #4
Improve Bandeja and Vibora Accuracy
This padel drill is for everyone looking to improve their volley (bandeja or vibora). It is more a feeding drill than a playing drill but doable if you are an advanced player.
Positions: Player A will start at the net. Player B will be a meter behind the baseline and 2 meters from the side glass diagonally across player A. (see image below)
Roles:
- Player A: Hit 2 volleys (bandeja or vibora) deep cross-court, then 2 in the middle, and 2 down the line.
- Player B: Feed the ball high cross court or in the middle of the court.
Winning Tips:
- Player A: Practice your deep cross-court volley target variations between the back glass, side glass, and short side fence. On the middle volley target, try to aim mid-court so the second bounce hits right before the back glass.
- Player B: This is a feeding drill so switch roles whenever you like.
Drill #5
Improve Your Chiquita
This drill can simply be called “2 up 2 back” and is best to be played at 4 players. It is an excellent drill for both beginners and advanced padel players.
Positions: Players A and B will be at the net while players C and D will be at the baseline.
Roles:
- Players A and B: Feed the ball deep to start the point. Drop shots are NOT allowed in this game for them.
- Players C and D: Try to make the ball bounce in front of the opponent’s feet (also called a chiquita). If the ball bounces, then it is a point for your team.
Winning Tips:
- Players A and B: Try to vary your game, play in the middle first and then the double glasses to really put them in a tough position.
- Players C and D: An excellent strategy for this drill would be to lob them first to then drop a ball on the next shot
