Key fundamentals for improving the forehand volley in padel
The channel El chini consejo takes viewers directly onto the court for a focused lesson on the forehand volley in padel, guided by coach Maxi Sepúlveda. The session targets both correcting ingrained habits and building a solid technical base, making it valuable for players of all levels. The reviewer emphasizes that even after years of play, technical refinement through professional instruction can yield significant improvements.
Understanding the ball trajectory and racket positioning
Coach Maxi highlights the importance of reading the incoming ball before executing the volley. If the ball arrives with an upward trajectory, players should raise the tip of the racket. The height of the ball determines the shot selection:
- If the ball is higher, a flat volley is recommended for control and simplicity.
- If the ball is lower, apply a slight slice by pushing forward with the center of the racket, moving from high to low.
Maxi demonstrates that the racket face should finish forward and slightly downward, especially when slicing, to maintain control and direction. This nuanced adjustment helps players avoid common mistakes like swinging too much or pulling the racket back excessively.
Footwork and body orientation for better court coverage
Proper footwork is essential for effective volleying. Maxi instructs players to always point the racket tip toward the opponent and to align their body so that the step and shot are coordinated. When playing cross-court, the player should close the middle and step forward, aiming the volley toward the opponent’s position.
For parallel volleys, Maxi advises a quick adjustment of stance and shoulder rotation. The player must be ready to either attack or redirect the shot, depending on their comfort and the ball’s placement. This adaptability is crucial for exploiting openings and maintaining pressure during rallies.
Target selection and tactical decision-making
Maxi encourages players to think strategically about where to place their volleys. For high balls, aim for the sides or feet of the opponent. For lower balls, a cut volley directed to the middle or at the opponent’s feet can be particularly effective. The coach stresses that shot selection should be based on both ball height and player positioning, not just power or speed.
He also notes that while it’s tempting to hit hard and fast, consistency and placement are more valuable. The goal is to force errors or create opportunities, not just to finish points quickly.
Drills and consistency challenges for technical improvement
To reinforce these concepts, Maxi runs the player through a series of 12-ball and 15-ball drills, challenging them to make at least 10 or 14 successful volleys per set. The focus is on maintaining technique under pressure, with the coach providing immediate feedback on footwork, racket position, and shot execution.
- For high balls: Play flat, aiming for the sides.
- For low balls: Use a cut volley, targeting the middle or feet.
- Always step forward and finish the shot with the racket face angled appropriately.
Mistakes are analyzed in real time, with Maxi correcting issues such as stepping incorrectly, failing to rotate the shoulders, or not finishing the shot forward. The drills are designed to build muscle memory and reinforce correct habits, with penalties like push-ups for excessive errors to keep focus high.
Common mistakes and corrective tips from the session
Throughout the lesson, several recurring mistakes are addressed:
- Not raising the racket tip when the ball is low.
- Failing to step forward or using the wrong foot, leading to poor balance.
- Opening the racket face too much or swinging back instead of pushing forward.
- Neglecting to rotate the shoulders when changing direction for parallel volleys.
Maxi’s corrections are practical and actionable, such as reminding the player to impact the ball in front of the body and to always be ready to move after the shot. Emphasis is placed on flexing the knees and maintaining a dynamic stance, especially when under pressure or when the ball is played wide.
Final thoughts on the value of technical training in padel
This on-court session with Maxi Sepúlveda, as presented by El chini consejo, demonstrates the tangible benefits of focused technical training for the forehand volley. The combination of reading the ball, precise racket positioning, disciplined footwork, and thoughtful shot selection forms the foundation for consistent, effective volleys in padel.
Players of all levels can benefit from revisiting these fundamentals, whether to break old habits or to build a strong base from the start. The reviewer’s experience reinforces that improvement is a continuous process, and that even experienced players can unlock new levels of performance through targeted coaching and deliberate practice.
