The objective of this drill is to develop variation in defensive play from the back of the court, by hitting each ball with a different pace and rhythm.
By alternating powerful flat shots, slower balls, sliced defenses, and chiquitas, players prevent the attacker from anticipating and work on creating opportunities to regain the net.
Setup
Both players position themselves facing each other down the line, one at the net and one in defense at the back of the court.
The coach stands in the free space on the court to observe the drill.
Drill progression
Players rally down the line, combining volleys and defensive shots from the back of the court, with the following instruction: the defender must vary the rhythm of their shots as much as possible on every ball.
The defender alternates between:
- very powerful flat defensive shots
- slower balls
- chiquitas
- more aggressive sliced defenses
The objective is that the player at the net never knows what to expect, preventing them from anticipating and putting the defender under pressure.
After playing a chiquita or receiving a floating volley from the opponent, the defender may also choose to move forward into the court to put pressure on the attacker and potentially regain the net.
In this situation, the player should avoid playing their transition shots too fast, because the faster the ball is played, the less time there is to move forward to the net.
The attacker should press their volleys in order to force the defender into an error.
Players then switch roles so that both can practice defense and volleys.
Technical tips
The defender should stay balanced during defensive shots and use short, compact swings to generate speed without an exaggerated follow-through.
In general, it is recommended to hit very firmly with a flat shot before the glass, in order to receive a higher and slower ball on the next shot.
Players should maintain high intensity with their footwork, using closed stances on each defensive shot (front foot ahead in a line perpendicular to the net — avoiding an open stance facing the net) to facilitate proper forward weight transfer during the stroke.
Video credits: Je pars en Catalogne pour un stage intensif de Padel (à la Pablo Ayma Academia) – Julien Seurin – Padel – YouTube