Defensive training focus at the NOX Future Academy
The second day of the creator’s “Wings to Pro” challenge at the NOX Future Academy (NFA) began with a clear focus on defensive skills. After a prolonged break from padel—over 60 days without playing—the reviewer admitted to feeling physically off and struggling with timing. To address this, the morning session concentrated on defensive footwork and recovery from the corners, emphasizing quick movements, low posture, and precise ball placement.
The NFA coach structured drills to help the reviewer regain agility and confidence. The exercises included:
- Returning balls to the center with rebound
- Recovering the corner without using the wall
- Executing lobs under pressure
- Practicing exits from both forehand and backhand corners
Throughout the session, the importance of precision and consistency was highlighted. The coach stressed that even a meter’s difference in ball placement can change the outcome of a point, especially when executing lobs or defensive shots. The reviewer struggled most with controlling shots to the middle, noting a wide range in ball direction and a need for more practice to regain fine control.
Key technical adjustments and tactical insights
A significant portion of the training focused on lob technique and decision-making under pressure. The coach explained that the highest point of the lob should be just above the net, aiming for the ball to bounce near the baseline. The reviewer was encouraged to play lobs with margin rather than risking errors by aiming too close to the lines.
Another tactical insight involved understanding when to exit the corner by opening up the body versus rotating. The reviewer felt more comfortable opening up, as it allowed for better vision and control, but recognized that this approach can leave large spaces exposed. The coach reinforced the need to adapt positioning based on the opponent’s likely responses, especially when facing right-handed players and anticipating their natural shots.
These nuanced adjustments, such as waiting for the ball to come closer before executing a lob and using the feet to approach short balls, were repeatedly practiced. The reviewer acknowledged that while these concepts made sense in drills, integrating them into live play would require more repetition and internalization.
Physical conditioning: movement and jump training
After the technical session, the focus shifted to physical conditioning, a crucial aspect of the NFA program. The group, including players from various backgrounds, worked on lower body strength and movement patterns. The coach introduced the concept of “camicorro”—a hybrid between walking and running—designed to re-educate movement after injury and improve agility without overexertion.
Key physical drills included:
- Forward and backward “camicorro” runs
- Side-to-side “S” movements for lateral agility
- Change-of-direction drills using cones
- Progressive jump training, starting with landing mechanics and advancing to single-leg jumps
The coach emphasized the importance of learning to land safely before focusing on explosive jumping, as most injuries occur during landing. Players practiced absorbing impact with the entire foot and coordinating trunk and tibia angles for stability. These drills are directly applicable to padel, where players often jump and land on one leg while tracking overhead shots.
Match play against NFA players: adapting to real conditions
The afternoon brought a match against NFA academy players, with the reviewer teaming up with Manu Aragón and receiving tactical guidance from coach Luis. The conditions were challenging: windy weather and a damp court from previous rain, making the ball less lively and demanding more effort for offensive shots.
Key tactical points discussed included:
- Adjusting volleys to compensate for wind and slow court conditions
- Prioritizing control over power, especially on high balls affected by wind
- Modifying net positioning based on the quality of the volley—staying closer for defensive volleys and advancing only when the shot is strong
- Communicating effectively with the partner to avoid positional errors and forced mistakes
Throughout the match, the reviewer struggled at times with depth and direction on volleys, particularly when under pressure. The coaching team highlighted the importance of not advancing too quickly after a weak volley, as this can leave the team vulnerable to lobs and counterattacks. The reviewer also noted the challenge of adjusting to live play, where decisions must be made rapidly and positioning errors are quickly punished by skilled opponents.
First experience with pickleball: similarities and differences to padel
As part of the day’s challenges, the reviewer tried pickleball for the first time. The sport, which originated in the United States, shares elements with padel, tennis, and table tennis, but has distinct rules and equipment. The court is similar in size to a badminton court, and the paddle is solid with a hard plastic ball featuring multiple holes.
Some unique aspects of pickleball highlighted during the session:
- Serves must be underhand, with the paddle below the waist and wrist
- After the serve and return, both shots must bounce before volleys are allowed
- The “no-volley zone” near the net prohibits volleying within its boundaries
- Most of the play occurs at the net, as there are no walls or glass like in padel
The reviewer found that many padel habits, such as slicing and lobbing, were less effective in pickleball due to the smaller court and different ball behavior. The game favored flat, fast shots and quick reactions at the net. Both singles and doubles were played, with doubles being preferred for its tactical similarities to padel.
Key takeaways from day two at the academy
Day two at the NOX Future Academy provided a comprehensive mix of technical, tactical, and physical training. The reviewer’s main challenges were regaining precision after a long break, adapting to live match conditions, and integrating new movement and landing patterns. The experience in pickleball offered fresh perspectives on racket sports and highlighted the importance of adaptability.
- Defensive skills and footwork are foundational for effective padel play, especially after time away from the court.
- Technical precision, particularly on lobs and volleys, can dramatically influence point outcomes.
- Physical conditioning, including safe landing and agile movement, is essential for injury prevention and performance.
- Adapting tactics to weather and court conditions is crucial, as is clear communication with partners.
- Exploring other racket sports like pickleball can broaden understanding and reveal transferable skills.
The day’s training and match play underscored the demanding nature of professional padel preparation and the value of detailed coaching. With one day left in the challenge, the reviewer aimed to build on these lessons and continue progressing toward the goal of earning a professional contract.
