The cross-court volley played toward the opposite side fence is a shot that is often underused by players, who mistakenly consider it very difficult. In this drill, we will see that when executed correctly, this shot is not as difficult as it seems and can prove decisive in many points.
The drill can be performed easily by one or several players.
Professional match clips are then shown to illustrate the effectiveness of the shot.
Drill description
The player(s) position themselves at the net on the side of the court they usually play.
The coach stands on the opposite side of the court with a basket of balls, initially positioned diagonally to the player(s). As the drill progresses, the coach can move around the court so the player works on different trajectories.
The coach feeds a series of balls to the player’s backhand volley.
Both the pace of the feeds and the number of balls per series should be adapted to the player’s level.
Depending on the incoming ball, the player adjusts and decides either:
Decision-making is crucial, as attempting to play the volley toward the fence when the ball does not allow it often leads to a direct error.
The coach then provides individual feedback and corrections.
Key technical points to keep in mind
The cross-court backhand volley toward the fence is slightly different from a standard volley.
As a reminder, the fundamentals of a successful volley (both forehand and backhand) are detailed here : Technical reminder on the volley (backhand and forehand): all the steps to a successful stroke.
Below are the specific technical keys for this particular shot.
Choosing the right ball
Selecting the right ball is essential to minimize risk and avoid unforced errors:
The closer the ball is to the side fence, the easier it is to find the sharp angle toward the opposite fence. Conversely, if the ball arrives too close to the middle of the court, the angle toward the opposite fence becomes very tight and difficult to access.
This shot requires good distance awareness, as the opposite fence is much closer than the back glass. Therefore, the ball must be hit with controlled pace so that it bounces before reaching the fence.
Racket preparation and positioning
During the movement, the right foot (for a right-handed player playing on the left side) should step forward, allowing the shoulders to become almost perpendicular to the net at impact.
The player uses a shorter backswing than on a standard volley, helping maximize control over the ball.
Contact point and racket path
The ball should be struck further in front of the body than on a traditional volley, meaning it is taken earlier, which is crucial for creating the sharp angle toward the opposite fence.
Reducing ball speed increases effectiveness: hitting too hard reduces slice and creates a higher rebound off the fence, giving the opponent more time to react. Instead, the player should slow the ball down and apply slice, so it drops quickly after hitting the fence, producing an unpredictable bounce that surprises the opponent.
Be careful not to slow the ball down too much: it is essential that the ball actually hits the fence. If the ball is too short and the opponent can play it before the rebound, the tactical advantage is lost.
Tactical insight
The main reason players underuse this shot is often mental. Players should not be afraid to aim for the fence when the ball allows it—it is less risky than many powerful attacking shots players tend to favor.
A volley played toward the diagonal fence is often highly effective and can frequently finish the point, as it pulls the opponent out of position and surprises them with an unpredictable rebound.
One final tactical note: when a player plays a volley toward the diagonal fence, their partner must shift toward that side to cover the open space and prevent an easy passing shot after the fence rebound.
Here’s a compilation video showcasing this shot in action by professional players like Fernando BelasteguÃn and Juan MartÃn DÃaz:
Video credits: Escuela de padel – Rafael Galvez Munoz – YouTube
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