Today, we had the opportunity to train with Hugo Cases at the Padel Hub, a renowned coach and content creator in the world of padel. With over 60,000 subscribers on YouTube and a history as a top player in Madrid, Hugo brings a wealth of experience to the court. In this session, we focused on enhancing my backhand volley and vibora techniques. Hugo Cases is a professional padel player who was ranked number one in Madrid and a four-time Madrid Champion from 2006 to 2009. Currently, he is involved with Palap, working on projects to help grow the brand in the competitive world of padel. His expertise and coaching style make him an invaluable resource for players looking to improve their game.
As I transitioned to the right side of the court, I expressed my desire to work on my backhand volley, particularly since my smash is not my strongest shot. Hugo agreed to help me with some control exercises to enhance my skills.
We began with a simple exercise aimed at hitting down the line and aiming before the glass. This warm-up was not only effective for control but also set the tone for the session. As we progressed, we moved to playing with the walls, which proved to be a challenging yet beneficial exercise for honing control.
During our practice, I noticed inconsistencies in my backhand volley, often hitting the ball onto the back glass. Hugo asked me about my sensations while playing, and I admitted that my technique felt off, particularly when my racket was too open.
Hugo provided several crucial tips to enhance my backhand volley:
Prepare Near Your Ear: One of the first adjustments was to prepare my racket closer to my ear. This positioning helps ensure that the racket face is higher than the ball, which is essential for better control.
Shorten the Swing: Hugo emphasized the importance of making the backhand swing shorter and more compact, especially when dealing with fast and low balls. This adjustment allows for greater control and the ability to accelerate through the ball when necessary.
Follow Through: He encouraged me to follow through more deliberately rather than just hitting downwards. This technique helps in placing the ball deeper and with more precision.
With these tips in mind, we practiced hitting the ball into the bottom right corner of the court. This strategy, inspired by advice from Sam Jones, a top player in the UK, aimed to develop my backhand volley into a reliable shot that could potentially win points.
After working on the backhand volley, we shifted our focus to the Vibora, which is one of my stronger shots. However, I realized I wasn't utilizing it enough on the right side.
We started with control exercises that involved volleying and then transitioning into the Vibora. Hugo highlighted the importance of using my left arm to coordinate the movement effectively. He demonstrated how to throw the ball with my left arm, which helped in creating a natural flow in the shot.
Coordinate Arm Movements: Hugo stressed the need to synchronize both arms during the shot. This coordination is crucial for generating speed and control.
Focus on Technique: He advised me to focus on the technique rather than speed. By letting my body do the work, I could achieve better results without overexerting myself.
Footwork: Proper footwork is essential. Hugo reminded me to move my feet and hit the ball in front of me, which would enhance my shot's effectiveness.
The session with Hugo Cases was incredibly insightful, providing me with practical tips to improve my backhand volley and Vibora. With his guidance, I felt a noticeable difference in my technique and consistency. A special thanks to my hitting partner, George, for his support throughout the training. If you're looking to enhance your padel game, consider these tips and practice regularly. Remember, small adjustments can lead to significant improvements in your performance on the court. Stay tuned for more training insights and tips in future sessions!