Training Padel

The first volley after the serve is often decisive in setting the tempo and level of commitment of the rally.

Practised by Fede Chingotto and Momo González under the supervision of coach Gaby Reca, this drill simulates a serve followed immediately by an assertive first volley, with the intention of putting the opposing pair under pressure.

Description

Two players position themselves on the same side of the court: one at the net and the other in a serving position.

The “server” simulates a normal service motion without the ball and then immediately moves forward to join their partner at the net.

As the server moves forward, the coach feeds a ball to be volleyed on the move in an aggressive manner, with the objective of committing to the shot and immediately putting the opponent under pressure.

The player should preferably play the aggressive volley into the diagonal corner zone, which is difficult for the opponent to return. Changing direction on the first volley is possible but very risky, as it greatly reduces ball control and directional accuracy and increases the risk of making an early mistake in the point.

The roles are then switched so that both players can practise this first volley after the serve.

The goal of this drill is to improve players’ first volley after serving. This first volley should be firm but controlled, allowing them to take the advantage in the rally without committing an unforced error, and to solidify their offensive position at the net.

Variation

To increase the level of difficulty, the coach places markers in the back corners of the court, representing the target zones where the volleys must land.

Here’s a video demonstration of the drill by Chingotto and Gonzalez:

Video credits: Laura Clergue Padel – ENTRAINEMENT FEDE CHINGOTTO & MOMO GONZALEZ : CONSEILS GABY RECA, TRAVAIL EN EQUIPE – Laura Clergue Padel – YouTube