Returning serves can be particularly challenging on the left side of the court, especially since it often involves your backhand. In this guide, we will explore strategies for returning both easy and difficult serves against the glass, tailored to different skill levels. The primary goal when returning serves is consistency; getting the ball in play is essential to avoid giving your opponents an advantage.
The first and foremost objective when returning serves is to ensure that the ball goes in. Making a mistake on your return can provide an easy point for your opponents. Therefore, focus on getting that return in play before attempting any advanced tactics.
When faced with an easy serve, such as a second serve that lands in the middle of the box, your primary goal should be to take control of the net position with your partner. Here are some strategies for handling easy serves:
Lob the Ball: If you receive an easy ball, the best option is often to lob it over your opponents' heads. This allows you to advance to the net with your partner, putting pressure on your opponents.
Play a Chiquita: If you notice a gap, especially if the server has not approached the net, consider playing a Chiquita or directing the ball down to their feet. This can create opportunities for you and your partner to take control of the point.
When it comes to more challenging serves, the approach will vary depending on your skill level. Let's break it down:
At this level, players often hit the ball with spin that can rebound unpredictably off the glass. Here are some tips:
Give Yourself Space: Ensure you position yourself away from the glass to avoid mishits.
Opt for a Lob: If you find it difficult to play the ball down to the server's feet, consider lobbing it instead. This can be a safer option to ensure you get the ball in play.
As you progress to a high intermediate level, your ability to direct the ball improves:
Block the Serve: Instead of lobbing, focus on blocking the serve back towards the server. Aim to direct the ball down to their feet or at waist height, as this minimizes the damage they can do with their volley.
Keep Technique Simple: Maintain a compact technique and aim for a large target area to increase your chances of success.
At the advanced or pro level, you can reintroduce the lob into your strategy:
Accurate Lobs: If the serve is particularly good, you can hit an accurate lob back. This requires confidence in your lob technique.
Block with Precision: Continue to block the ball back to the server's feet, ensuring you take some pace off the ball to make it more challenging for them to return.
Regardless of your skill level, becoming comfortable with the glass is crucial. As you advance, servers will become more accurate, and you need to be prepared to handle those shots effectively. Here are some practice tips:
Practice with a Ball Machine: Set up a ball machine to fire balls into the glass, allowing you to get used to the rebound.
Work with a Partner: Practice returning serves with a friend who can serve to the glass, giving you real-time experience in handling difficult returns.
Improving your returns from the left side in padel requires a combination of consistency, technique, and practice. By understanding how to handle both easy and difficult serves at various skill levels, you can enhance your game significantly.