Mastering Padel Groundstrokes: Tips for Beginners

How to build points from the back of the court — and when to come forward

While the net is where you win points in padel, the baseline is where most beginners spend the majority of their time. And that’s fine — what matters is making the most of that position. Strong padel groundstrokes for beginners aren’t about power. They’re about consistency, depth, and knowing when to play safe versus when to push forward.

This guide covers the two core groundstrokes (forehand and backhand), the shots you’ll build from them, and the tactical decisions that turn defensive baseline play into point-winning opportunities.

The Forehand Groundstroke

Grip and Stance

Use a continental or semi-western grip — similar to what you’d use in tennis but with a slightly more relaxed hold. Padel rackets are shorter and lighter, so you don’t need to grip as tightly. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, racket in front of you.

The Swing

1. As the ball approaches, turn your shoulders so your non-racket shoulder faces the net.
2. Take the racket back to roughly hip height — not above your shoulder. Padel requires a shorter backswing than tennis.
3. Step forward with your front foot as you swing.
4. Contact the ball at waist height, slightly in front of your body.
5. Follow through forward toward your target, finishing with the racket at shoulder height.

The key difference from tennis: keep the swing compact. A big, looping tennis forehand loses control in padel because the racket face is solid (no strings to generate spin) and the court is smaller. Think controlled and compact, not big and sweeping.

The Backhand Groundstroke

Most beginners dread the backhand, but in padel, it’s often the more reliable shot. The two-handed backhand is the safest choice for beginners:

1. Both hands on the racket, non-dominant hand providing most of the power.
2. Turn your body so your racket-side shoulder faces the net.
3. Swing forward and contact the ball in front of your body.
4. Follow through over your opposite shoulder.

One-handed backhands work well in padel too, especially for sliced returns off the glass wall. But start with two hands for consistency, and explore the one-handed slice once your basic backhand is reliable.

💡 Smash & Glass Tip: Tennis players switching to padel: resist the urge to generate topspin. The solid racket face doesn’t spin the ball the same way strings do. Focus on flat or slightly sliced groundstrokes — they’re more effective and more consistent in padel.

Five Shots You’ll Build from Groundstrokes

1. The Deep Drive

A firm, flat groundstroke aimed deep into the opponents’ court. This is your bread-and-butter shot from the baseline. The goal is to keep the ball low and deep, preventing your opponents from attacking. Aim for the back third of the court every time.

2. The Defensive Lob

When you’re under pressure at the baseline and your opponents are at the net, lift the ball high and deep over their heads. A good lob lands near the back glass and forces them to retreat. This gives you time to recover and potentially take the net yourself.

3. The Chiquita

A soft, low shot aimed at the feet of the net player. It’s essentially a dipping groundstroke that bounces just past the net and forces the opponent to volley upward. This is one of the most effective shots in padel for breaking down a net position.

4. The Cross-Court Angle

A groundstroke hit with angle toward the side wall. When executed well, the ball bounces on the ground, hits the side glass, and changes direction — making it very difficult to return. This is an attacking shot from the baseline that can create openings even when you’re not at the net.

5. The Counter-Attack Drive

When your opponents hit a weak shot from the net, a firm drive straight down the middle or at the body of one player can catch them off guard. The middle is often the most effective target because both opponents think the other will take it.

The Tactical Decision: Drive or Lob?

Every time the ball comes to you at the baseline, you have the same core decision: do I drive it or lob it? Here’s the simple framework:

• Lob when: Both opponents are at the net and in good position. The lob pushes them back and potentially lets you take the net.
• Drive when: One or both opponents are out of position, transitioning, or have left a gap. A firm drive can exploit the opening before they recover.
• Chiquita when: The net player is standing too close to the net. A soft, dipping shot at their feet is almost impossible to volley cleanly.

When in doubt, lob. It’s the safer option and keeps the rally going. Beginners lose far more points from mistimed drives than from safe lobs.

Groundstroke Drills

• The 20-ball depth drill: Partner feeds 20 balls to your forehand. Your goal: land every shot past the service line. Repeat for backhand. Track your score each session.
• Lob vs drive decision drill: Partner alternates between standing at the net and standing at the baseline. You must choose the correct shot based on their position — lob when they’re at the net, drive when they’re back.
• The chiquita challenge: Partner stands at the net. Hit 10 chiquitas, aiming to land the ball between the net and the service line. Count how many bounce before the net player can volley them.

Want to dominate the net once you get there? Read our guide to mastering the padel volley.

Looking for the right racket for groundstroke play? Round-shaped rackets with soft cores excel at controlled groundstrokes. See our best padel rackets for beginners.