Training Padel

This drill, taught at the iconic M3 Padel Academy, focuses on developing the víbora through a high training volume, using series of six overhead shots.

Technical advice is also provided by Fernando Poggi to help players master the correct execution of the shot.

Drill description

The player positions himself on the side of the court he usually plays on, starting in a volley position.

The coach stands on the opposite diagonal side of the court with a basket of balls.

The coach feeds six consecutive overhead balls, allowing the player to hit six víboras in a row.

From the initial volley position, the player moves back, hits the víbora, then recovers to the volley position. This sequence is repeated for all six shots.

Between each series of six balls, the coach provides technical feedback and corrections.

Here’s a video demonstration of the drill:

Video credits: 24h en UNA de las MEJORES ACADEMIAS de PADEL del MUNDO – M3 Padel Academy – xTRES Padel – YouTube

Technical tips

The víbora is an attacking overhead shot characterized by a brushed, whipping spin that is very specific to padel.

As the player moves back to hit the ball, the shoulders should open and become perpendicular to the net in order to generate maximum hip rotation during the forward movement. The shot should not be produced by the arm alone, but by a full-body rotation.

To facilitate this hip rotation, Fernando Poggi recommends stepping one leg slightly out of the shoulder line, creating a wider stance with the feet parallel and facing the net at the moment of contact. This positioning helps the player commit forward into the rotation.

Note: These specific positioning tips are adapted for a right-side player. For a left-side player, the shoulder and foot positioning will be slightly more closed and more perpendicular to the net at the end of the víbora motion. All other technical recommendations from Fernando Poggi remain fully applicable to left-side players.