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In padel, the return of serve is one of the most critical shots. While the serve initiates the point, your return determines whether you’ll take control of the rally or find yourself on the back foot. For beginners and intermediate players, learning to return effectively can elevate your game, making you feel more confident and competitive on the court.

In this article, our head coach shares expert tips on how to return like a pro, with insights on footwork, positioning, and shot selection. Let’s break it down.

Why Is the Return So Important?

The return in padel is your first opportunity to turn defense into offense. A weak return gives your opponents control of the net, but a well-placed return can immediately put them under pressure.

Here’s why the return matters:

• Sets the tone for the rally: A strong return forces your opponents to react quickly, putting you in a position of advantage.
• Controls the pace: A well-placed, thoughtful return can slow down the game or speed it up depending on your strategy.
• Puts pressure on your opponents: If you return deep or with placement, your opponents may struggle to maintain their court positioning.

Head Coach Tips: How to Return Like a Pro

1. Focus on Positioning
   Proper positioning is crucial for a successful return. Your goal is to be in the best spot to anticipate the serve and respond with control.
   • Where to Stand:
     • For a regular serve, stand a few steps behind the baseline. This will give you time to react to the ball’s bounce, especially if it’s a fast or deep serve.For a lob serve, move slightly forward to catch the ball at its highest point before it drops low, allowing for an easier return.
     Pro Tip: Always stay light on your feet. Good footwork and quick adjustments are key to reacting to your opponent’s serve.
2. Use a Continental Grip for Control
   The continental grip is ideal for both forehand and backhand returns. It gives you versatility and control over the ball without needing to switch grips between shots. This grip allows for both power and finesse, helping you react quickly, no matter how the ball comes at you.
   • Pro Tip: Practice the continental grip until it feels natural, as it will help you with various return types, including slices and soft shots.
3. Prioritize Placement Over Power
   Many beginners and intermediate players make the mistake of trying to hit the return too hard. However, in padel, placement is more important than power. Focus on returning the ball deep into your opponents’ court, ideally near the back glass or towards their feet. This makes it harder for them to gain control of the net.
   • Key Areas to Aim for:
     • Deep cross-court: This forces your opponents to move, potentially creating gaps in their defense.At their feet: A well-placed low shot can force them into a weak defensive return, giving you the upper hand.
     Pro Tip: Vary your returns between deep and soft to keep your opponents guessing. This will prevent them from anticipating your next move.
4. Stay Low and Balanced
   Maintaining a low center of gravity helps with both your balance and reaction time. Bend your knees and stay low, especially during your return stance, which will allow you to move quickly and respond to different types of serves.
   • Footwork Tips:
     • Move side to side: Quick lateral movements are essential for returning serves that go wide or near the sidelines.
     • Stay light on your feet: Avoid being too flat-footed, as this slows down your ability to react to unexpected serves.
5. React to Different Types of Serves
   There are various types of serves you may encounter in padel, and knowing how to react to each one will help you return more effectively.
   • Types of Serves:
     • Fast and Low Serves: For a low serve, you’ll want to use quick, soft hands to absorb the speed and place the ball back into play without over-hitting it.Lob Serves: For a high lob serve, move forward and aim to return the ball with a high volley or smash, if possible.Spin Serves: Spin serves can be tricky, but the key is to stay low and allow the ball to come to you. Focus on controlling the direction rather than hitting with too much force.
     Pro Tip: Practice returning against different types of serves during training sessions to become more comfortable with each variation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Standing Too Close to the Baseline
   This leaves you vulnerable to deep serves. Give yourself enough space to react and adjust.
2. Overhitting the Return
   Don’t try to win the point outright with your return. Focus on getting the ball back into play and positioning yourself for the next shot.
3. Neglecting Footwork
   Footwork is just as important as racket technique. Quick, agile movements ensure you’re always in the best position to hit a solid return.

Practice and Improve with Our Coaching Program

Ready to take your returns to the next level? Join our Total Padel coaching program, where our expert coaches will help you master not only your returns but also other essential aspects of the game. Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate player, our tailored coaching sessions are designed to help you play like a pro.

Book a padel court today at one of our partnered facilities and start practicing these techniques! For more tips on improving your game, check out our other Total Padel Tips.