Mastering the Padel Volley: Tips for Beginners

The net is where points are won — here’s how to own it

If there’s one thing that separates good padel players from everyone else, it’s their net game. The volley is the foundation of winning padel — the team that controls the net controls the point. Yet most beginners avoid the net because volleying feels rushed, awkward, and unpredictable.

These padel volley tips will change that. Volleying isn’t about fast reactions or athletic ability — it’s about positioning, preparation, and keeping things simple. Master these fundamentals and you’ll feel confident at the net within weeks.

Why the Net Matters So Much in Padel

In tennis, you can win from the baseline. In padel, you almost can’t. The team at the net has a massive advantage: they’re closer to the opponents, they cut off angles, and they can hit down into the court. The team at the back is always defending, always trying to find a way to push the net team back and take their position.

Every point in padel revolves around this dynamic. Getting to the net and staying there is the single most important tactical objective. And the volley is how you maintain that position once you’ve earned it.

The Ready Position: Where Everything Starts

Before any volley technique matters, your ready position must be right:

• Stand 2–3 metres from the net. Not right on top of it (you’ll get lobbed) and not too far back (you’ll lose the angle advantage).
• Racket up in front of your chest. The head of your racket should be at eye level or slightly above. If your racket is down by your waist, you’ll be late on every volley.
• Knees slightly bent, weight forward. Stay on the balls of your feet, ready to move in any direction. Think ‘alert cat’, not ‘standing in a queue’.
• The split step. Every time your opponent is about to hit the ball, do a small hop and land on both feet simultaneously. This resets your balance and loads your legs for explosive movement in any direction. It’s the most important micro-movement in padel and most beginners skip it.

Forehand Volley Technique

1. Start with your racket up and in front of you, continental grip (like holding a hammer).
2. When the ball comes to your forehand side, step forward with your opposite foot (left foot for right-handers).
3. Push the racket forward to meet the ball — don’t swing. The motion is a short, punchy push, not a full swing.
4. Contact the ball in front of your body, not beside or behind you. If you’re reaching sideways, you’ve moved too late.
5. Keep the racket face slightly open (tilted upward) to give the ball a bit of lift over the net.
6. Follow through briefly toward your target, then return to the ready position immediately.

Backhand Volley Technique

The backhand volley is mechanically simpler than the forehand because your arm naturally crosses your body, giving you stability. The technique is identical except:

1. Step forward with your racket-side foot (right foot for right-handers).
2. Your elbow leads the swing slightly, with the racket head staying above your wrist.
3. Many players find the backhand volley easier and more consistent than the forehand — if that’s you, position yourself slightly to your forehand side at the net so more balls come to your backhand.

💡 Smash & Glass Tip: The most common volley mistake is swinging. A volley should feel like you’re catching the ball and redirecting it, not hitting it. If your follow-through is longer than 30 centimetres, you’re swinging too much.

Where to Aim Your Volleys

Placement matters more than power on every volley. Here are the three targets that win the most points:

• At the feet of your opponents. If they’re at the baseline, aim low so the ball bounces at their feet. This forces them to hit up, giving you an easy next ball.
• Into the gaps. Aim between the two opponents. Indecision about who should take the ball is one of the biggest point-winners in doubles.
• Short angles. If you’re at the net and the ball is floating, angle it sharply crosscourt so it bounces twice before the opponent can reach it.

Volley Drills for Beginners

Drill 1: The Wall Volley

Stand 2 metres from a wall and volley the ball continuously against it. This builds the compact, punchy volley motion without needing a partner. Aim for 50 consecutive volleys.

Drill 2: The Partner Volley Rally

Both players at the net, volleying back and forth. Count consecutive volleys. Once you can do 30, start adding lateral movement — one player directs the volley left or right, the other must adjust.

Drill 3: The Feed and React

Player A feeds balls from the baseline at varying speeds and angles. Player B volleys from the net. Start with slow feeds and increase pace as confidence builds.

Next up: Learn how to build points from the back court with our guide to mastering groundstrokes, or add power to your overhead game with our smash technique guide.