You hit a decent serve, charge the net, and promptly hit your first volley right back to your opponent. Then they lob you and take the net. Now, you’re scrambling to defend.
Sound familiar?
In reality, it might be that you’re treating your serve and first volley as two separate shots instead of the opening moves of a single tactical sequence.
In this 8-minute video, Coach Gonzalo of Padel Drive collabs with former World No. 31 Hugo Cases on how to use those first two shots to take control of the rally.
If you’re serving from the left side, try serving toward the glass. A backhand return from your opponent will often come back toward your body, making it easier for you to cover the middle while your partner takes the next ball. If your opponent is pulled wide, you can also use your first volley to target the open space or play a drop shot while they’re recovering.
The key is to make your serve and first volley work together. A good serve forces a difficult return, while a good first volley takes advantage of it.
But here’s where things get interesting: not every serve creates the same opportunity!
If you serve down the T, your opponent might have a better angle to return the ball toward the open court, putting you under serious, unnecessary pressure. That doesn’t mean you should never serve there (after all, mixing up your serves will only help you). Rather, you need to recognize what that serve gives your opponent and adjust your positioning accordingly.
And when you get a weak return, don’t waste it. If your opponent is reaching for a low ball, a short volley or drop shot can be much more effective than blasting the ball deep.
The tough pill to swallow is that serving and volleying your way into the net doesn’t automatically mean you’re in control of the point. If your first volley gives your opponents an easy ball, you’ve essentially handed them the advantage right back.
➡️ Next time you’re on court, try this: Grab a partner and spend 10 minutes practicing only serves and returns. After every serve, think about where the return is likely to go and what your first volley should be.
Experiment with different serve directions, volley angles, and drop shots. Don’t worry about winning the drill. Focus on understanding the options.
You might be surprised how much easier the rest of the point becomes once you start prioritizing those first two shots.
Suerte che!
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See you next week & keep smashing those volleys 🎾