Alex Ruiz’s offensive mindset and signature playing style
The channel Mejora Tu Padel begins its analysis by highlighting Alex Ruiz’s clear preference for an offensive style of play. Ruiz himself states that he identifies as a much more offensive than defensive player. This aggressive approach shapes the foundation of his most effective and recognizable plays on the professional padel circuit. Understanding this mindset is essential for players seeking to learn from or counter Ruiz’s tactics, as it influences his shot selection and court positioning throughout a match.
The parallel lob: a left-hander’s weapon to escape pressure
One of Ruiz’s most frequently used and successful plays is the parallel lob from the backhand side. As a left-handed player, he often finds himself targeted in the corner during defensive situations. Rather than opting for a cross-court lob, Ruiz prefers to launch a high, parallel lob along the sideline, aiming for the last panel of the glass. This shot allows him to reset the point and immediately transition from defense to attack.
The reviewer explains that this tactic is especially effective for left-handed players, as it exploits the angles and forces the opponents to respond from awkward positions. Ruiz’s execution of the parallel lob is not just about height and placement; it’s also about seizing the initiative. By moving forward after the lob, he puts pressure on the opponents and positions himself to dictate the next phase of play. The channel emphasizes that players facing left-handers like Ruiz should consider varying their shot placement to avoid predictable situations where this lob can be used repeatedly.
Coordinated net pressure after a teammate’s defensive lob
The second powerful play analyzed involves Ruiz’s movement following a defensive lob from his partner. Drawing inspiration from legends like Juan Martín Díaz and Fernando Belasteguín, Ruiz uses the extra time provided by his partner’s lob to charge the net and establish an aggressive position. The reviewer notes that this tactic requires excellent communication between partners—Ruiz’s teammate, often Momo González, must recognize when to lob and signal Ruiz to advance.
Ruiz typically positions himself to cover the parallel, while his partner covers the cross-court. This staggered, rope-like formation maximizes court coverage and puts immediate pressure on the opponents’ next shot. The channel points out that this strategy is more common at higher levels of play, where players can coordinate seamlessly and react quickly to shifting situations. If the lob is not well-executed, both players remain at the baseline, demonstrating the importance of shot quality and tactical awareness.
- Key elements: Partner communication, net rush timing, staggered positioning
- Influences: Juan Martín Díaz, Fernando Belasteguín
- Typical partners: Momo González
The disguised “rulo” and viper: mastering deception in attack
The third standout play in Ruiz’s arsenal is his use of the disguised “rulo” (curler) and the viper smash when attacking after a lob. The reviewer highlights how Ruiz’s left-handedness gives him a natural advantage, allowing him to generate unique angles and keep opponents guessing. Crucially, Ruiz employs the same preparatory gesture for both his curler and his powerful smash, making it nearly impossible for rivals to anticipate which shot he will deliver.
This ability to mask intentions until the last moment is a hallmark of top-level padel. Ruiz can hit a curler, a smash for three, or even a feint through the middle—all from the same setup. The channel underscores the importance of this deception, as it forces defenders to hesitate and often leads to errors or weak returns. When facing a lob in the middle of the court, Ruiz demonstrates his athleticism by jumping in suspension and striking decisively, further increasing his unpredictability.
- Shot options: Curler (“rulo”), viper smash, feint through the middle
- Key advantage: Identical preparation for multiple shots
- Left-handed benefit: Unique angles and shot trajectories
Practical takeaways for players facing or emulating Alex Ruiz
Throughout the analysis, the channel offers actionable advice for both players aspiring to use Ruiz’s tactics and those preparing to face him. For left-handers, mastering the parallel lob and transitioning quickly to attack can be a game-changer. For right-handed opponents, varying shot placement and avoiding predictable patterns are crucial to prevent Ruiz from exploiting his favorite plays.
Communication and coordination with a partner are repeatedly emphasized, especially when executing defensive lobs and net rushes. The importance of disguise in attacking shots is also highlighted—developing a consistent setup for multiple offensive options can make any player more dangerous and less readable on court.
- For left-handers: Use the parallel lob to escape pressure and attack
- For all players: Prioritize partner communication and tactical awareness
- For attackers: Practice disguising shot intentions to keep opponents off balance
Summary of Alex Ruiz’s most effective plays according to the channel
- Parallel lob from the backhand corner: Escapes pressure and initiates attack, especially effective for left-handers
- Coordinated net rush after a partner’s lob: Uses time gained to establish offensive positioning, inspired by top legends
- Disguised curler and viper smash: Employs identical preparation for multiple shots, maximizing deception and unpredictability
The reviewer’s breakdown of Ruiz’s tactics provides both strategic insights and practical tips for padel enthusiasts seeking to elevate their own game or better understand the nuances of professional play.
