Cool, you’ve defended the lob. The ball bounces off the back glass, and suddenly, you’ve got a chance to turn defense into attack.
So naturally, you rush the shot, swing with your arm, and send the ball straight to… the net :(
Sound familiar?
The bajada is one of padel’s best opportunities to take control of a point. But if you’re struggling to get enough power, keep the ball down, or consistently hit your target, the problem might be your technique.
Thanks to this quick video from Coach Enzo, here’s how to stop making life harder than it needs to be:
❌ DON’T:
Contact the ball beside or behind your body.
Hit with a stiff, straight arm instead of using your body rotation.
Try to generate power with your wrist.
Face the net instead of turning sideways to prepare the shot.
✅ DO:
Prepare early by taking your racket back and turn your body sideways as soon as you recognize the opportunity.
Get into position by moving back close to the glass and setting your weight on your back foot. Give yourself room to let the ball rebound and prepare your swing.
Transfer your weight from your back foot toward your front foot as you rotate your body forward. Let your body generate the power instead of relying on your arm alone.
Strike the ball in front of your body, around shoulder to head height. A late contact point makes it much harder to control the shot.
Finish the swing with a controlled follow-through, closing the racket face through the end of the motion. Let your momentum carry you forward, then recover your position for the next ball.
➡️ TLDR, a good bajada starts well before you hit the ball. Prep early, create space, rotate through contact, and get back into the point. You don’t need to smash every bajada. Just make your opponent uncomfortable and give yourself the advantage.
Want more recent upskilling advice? We got you covered:
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See you next week & keep smashing those volleys 🎾