In this post, we will explore three common errors that players often make while volleying and provide practical solutions to improve your technique. Let's dive into these mistakes and how to correct them.
The first mistake many players make is related to their setup before hitting the ball. A common issue is having a long setup when there is ample time to prepare. This can lead to difficulties in making solid contact with the ball.
When preparing to volley, it is essential to keep your setup short and efficient. A comprehensive setup means that your paddle should be positioned correctly behind your head, allowing for a more controlled and powerful hit. Lidia demonstrates this by adjusting her position and ensuring her paddle is set up properly before making contact with the ball.
Short Setup: Always aim for a shorter setup to improve your timing and contact point.
Practice Under Pressure: Train in conditions that mimic competition, where the ball may not come to you perfectly.
The second error involves the use of the wrist when trying to impart spin on the ball. Many players mistakenly rely on their wrist to generate spin, which can lead to inconsistent shots.
Instead of using your wrist, focus on the trajectory of your hand. The goal is to hit the ball with a downward motion, which will help you control the spin better. Lidia shows how to avoid relying on the wrist and instead use a more stable arm movement to achieve the desired effect.
Avoid Wrist Movement: Use your arm and hand trajectory to control spin rather than relying on wrist action.
Find Your Speed: Train at a speed that allows you to maintain accuracy and reduce errors. Aim for a training success rate of at least 80% to prepare for competition.
The final mistake we will address is hitting the ball with blocked shoulders. This often results in a lack of power and control, as players fail to utilize their body effectively.
To correct this, it is crucial to allow your shoulders to rotate during the shot. Lidia demonstrates how turning her shoulders not only improves her contact point but also enhances the fluidity of her movement. By rotating her shoulders, she can generate more power and maintain better control over her shots.
Rotate Your Shoulders: Ensure your shoulders are engaged and rotating to improve shot quality.
Focus on Body Movement: Use your body to generate power rather than relying solely on your arm.
Improving your volley in padel requires awareness of these common mistakes and a commitment to practicing the correct techniques. By focusing on a short setup, avoiding wrist movement for spin, and ensuring proper shoulder rotation, you can enhance your performance on the court. We encourage you to reflect on which of these errors you struggle with the most and to incorporate these corrections into your training. For further learning, consider downloading our free ebook that covers various plays and techniques in padel. Thank you for joining us in this tutorial, and we hope to see you on the court, volleying like a pro!