Training Padel

When the opponent smashes or plays a fast víbora, players will often find themselves in a position to play a blocked volley, especially when they have moved up to the net after following their lob. This shot requires quick reaction speed and sharp reflexes.

This session works on the block through four different drills, aiming to develop players’ reflexes and improve their confidence when holding position at the net.

Players will need to remain alert and focused throughout, as the blocked volley is demanding and the incoming balls will be struck with power.

Drill 1

Improving reaction speed on the blocked volley

The goal of this drill is to develop quick reactions for blocking at the net.

Players position themselves about one meter behind the net—one on the left, the other on the right—on the same side of the court.
The coach stands on the opposite side with a basket of balls.

The coach feeds each player five powerful smashes aimed at the player’s body.

The player’s job is to block the ball by simply placing the racket in front, without any racket preparation or volley swing. This is purely a reflex movement to return the fast, powerful ball.

The ready position should have the racket in front of the chest, allowing for a quick switch to forehand if the ball comes to the right side, or backhand if it comes to the left or directly to the body.

Players should avoid the bad habit of trying to return a forehand-side ball with the backhand.

The coach adapts the smash power according to the players’ level, slowing down if needed to avoid overwhelming them.

Video credits: 👉 CLASES DE PADEL · Aprende Bloqueo 🎾 | Padelarte.com – YouTube

Drill 2

Match-play simulation – transition from defense to attack

This drill moves closer to a match scenario, practicing the transition from defense to attack.

Both players start at the back of the left side of the court, taking turns in the sequence. The coach stands on the opposite side to feed balls.

The sequence is as follows:

1. The coach feeds a deep ball to the middle, which bounces off the back glass. The player hits a high, deep, cross-court lob toward the glass corner.
2. The player follows the lob to the net to close the space, and the coach immediately sends a powerful smash that the player must block at the net.

Here, the player applies the blocking technique practiced in Drill 1.

Drill 2-bis

The same exercise is repeated from the right side of the court.

In this variation, the lob will usually be a backhand lob (for right-handed players), still high, deep, and cross-court toward the corner glass.

Drill 3

Staying solid at the net against an opponent’s counterattack

This drill focuses on maintaining net position and blocking multiple shots in a row to handle an opponent’s counterattack.

Players position themselves on the right side at the net, taking turns.
The coach stands on the opposite side with a basket of balls.

While advancing toward the net, the coach feeds four consecutive, powerful low balls at high speed to the player at the net, who must block each one.

The key is not to fear the pace and not to step back during the sequence. If the player retreats while blocking, the opponent will have more space and time to reach the net and take control of the rally.

The player must remain solid at the net, staying active on the legs with small, quick bounces.

Drill 3-bis

The same drill is repeated from the left side of the court.

Drill 4

Increasing leg activity to enhance reaction speed

Players start on one side of the court and take turns performing the sequence.

The player sets up in volley position with their back to the net.
They remain active on their feet, bouncing lightly, until the coach gives the signal.

At the signal, the player quickly turns around, and the coach immediately sends three fast, low balls in succession, which the player must block.

This forces players to stay mentally sharp and physically active, pivoting quickly to be ready to execute the block.