Training Padel

This basket-fed drill allows a pair to improve their coordinated transition to the net after a well-executed lob in order to apply pressure on their opponents.

They work on synchronizing their move forward, as well as executing a solid volley block against the coach’s víbora to secure net position.

A variation is also proposed to create different game situations.

Setup:

Both players start in defense on their usual side of the court.

The coach positions at the net with a basket of balls, initially on the right side of the court in the diagonal of the right-side player.

Drill execution:

The coach feeds firm, deep volleys toward the back of the court, alternating randomly between the two defenders. The defenders must return every ball with a lob off the back glass.

At a certain moment, after a good lob, the coach gives a signal (for example shouting “top!”), and both players must move forward to the net together to apply pressure.

During their transition forward, the coach feeds a descending ball at their feet to simulate a bandeja or víbora. The players must block it with a controlled volley while completing their move to the net.

Players must be highly active and alert to react quickly at the moment of the block.

The main objective is to develop coordination when moving up to the net after a good lob. If one player moves forward while the other stays back, gaps will open and opponents can exploit them immediately.

Video credits: ENTRAINEMENTS TRÈS INTENSIFS AVEC MON PARTENAIRE THOMAS VANBAUCE ! (merci JT et Big Padel) – Julien Seurin – Padel – YouTube

Variation:

The coach now positions at the net in the diagonal of the left-side player.

He continues feeding deep, firm volleys that the players return with lobs.

When the coach calls “top” and the players move forward to block, he plays a rulo — a heavily kicked smash played very cross-court that rebounds off the diagonal side fence.

Two scenarios may occur:

• The diagonal player moving forward successfully blocks the ball at the net.
• Or the ball rebounds off the side fence and comes back into play. In that case, the right-side player can step in and play it. For this reason, in this variation, the right-side player remains slightly behind their partner to anticipate a kick rebound off the fence.

As the drill progresses, the coach varies his shots to prevent anticipation.

Players can also practice fast net transitions after a good chiquita (instead of a lob): defense → effective chiquita → both players move forward together and attack the next ball.