Your Barcelona padel session: The return: calm over risk
Set aside half an hour in Barcelona for two practice themes: The return: calm over risk and Working with the back wall. Start without scoring, then test the same decisions in a short doubles game.
Set aside half an hour in Barcelona for two practice themes: The return: calm over risk and Working with the back wall. Start without scoring, then test the same decisions in a short doubles game.
The first five minutes
One venue for this session is The Padel Box Les Corts. When booking, make sure your group has a court together. Start with short, gentle rallies and decide who will feed the first ball before you begin scoring.
05–13 · The return: calm over risk
Choose a position from which you can reach both deeper and shorter serves. Keep the racket ready and watch contact. Compact preparation is especially useful when reaction time is short.
Start by returning under control to a large zone. A calm, low return can make the first volley harder. A lob makes sense with enough time and a stable contact point; under heavy pressure it quickly becomes too short.
Practice · Play six points only as far as the return. Count a deep, controlled return as a success, then swap serving and receiving roles.
13–21 · Working with the back wall
First observe how deep the ball bounces and how much energy it carries to the back wall. Not every ball rebounds far. Decide early whether to play before the wall or use the rebound.
When using the wall, turn sideways and leave appropriate space. Do not wait with your back against the glass. Follow the ball with small steps and find a calm contact point in front of your body after the rebound.
Practice · Feed a soft ball that bounces on the ground and then off the back wall. Let it come clear and return it calmly towards the middle. Swap after five attempts.
21–30 · Nine minutes with a score
Play the last few minutes as doubles. Choose one of the two themes and remember a point where it worked. After the last ball, describe the moment before the shot: where were the opponents, where was the space and which decision would you repeat?
A question players ask
How can we practise with mixed abilities?
Ask the more consistent player to feed a controlled ball. Count good decisions together at first. Move on to open play once both pairs can repeat the pattern.
