Training defensive padel skills with Martin Di Nenno’s coach in Miami
The4Set channel takes viewers behind the scenes in Miami, where the creator embarks on a focused training session with Sarta, the renowned coach of Martin Di Nenno. Di Nenno is widely recognized as one of the world’s best defensive padel players, and this episode centers on learning the defensive fundamentals and the art of the lob from his perspective. The training aims to help the creator improve his own defense, aspiring to become as “rock-solid” as Di Nenno himself.
Key defensive principles inspired by Martin Di Nenno’s style
One of the standout qualities of Martin Di Nenno is his disciplined, consistent defense. The creator notes that Di Nenno is not as aggressive as some other top players, such as Franco Stupaczuk (referred to as “jangas” in the transcript), but excels in making very few mistakes and always opting for the simplest, most effective shot. The training session emphasizes that Di Nenno’s base shot is the lob, which he executes even under pressure, and rarely attempts risky or flashy plays.
The coach, Sarta, highlights the importance of keeping the racket open and focusing on the impact point when executing defensive lobs. The technique involves:
- Ensuring the racket face is open at contact
- Making contact behind the body for cross-court lobs
- Using shoulder rotation and leg drive for power and control
- Adjusting footwork to get close to the ball, especially when under pressure
This approach allows the player to maintain control and consistency, even when the opponent is attacking aggressively.
Technical breakdown of the lob: footwork, preparation, and execution
The training drills focus heavily on the cross-court lob from the backhand side, a shot that is deceptively simple but technically demanding. Sarta explains that the key is to keep the racket low and close to the ground, making it easier to lift the ball from below. The creator is challenged to hit a series of lobs, aiming for six successful shots to meet the coach’s standard.
Key technical points covered include:
- Keeping the racket head below the ball for easier upward motion
- Using the legs and shoulder rotation to generate lift
- Maintaining the correct distance from the ball to avoid cramped swings
- Adjusting the impact point depending on the desired direction (parallel, middle, or cross-court)
When the ball is particularly difficult, the player must get even lower and closer to the ground, emphasizing the importance of suffering and resilience in defense. The coach repeatedly encourages the creator to “get your butt down” and keep the racket on the floor, simulating the deep defensive positions often required in high-level padel.
Common mistakes and corrections in defensive padel play
Throughout the session, several recurring mistakes are addressed. The creator tends to let the ball get too close to his body, which limits shoulder rotation and results in weaker, less controlled lobs. Sarta advises maintaining space between the arm and the body, allowing for a fuller, more powerful swing. Another frequent issue is improper footwork—taking the wrong first step or failing to move the body toward the ball, which can lead to poor positioning and rushed shots.
The coach also stresses the importance of always preparing the racket in the same way, regardless of whether the player intends to hit a lob or a drive. This prevents the opponent from reading the shot and allows for last-moment adjustments. The mental aspect is highlighted as well: when under pressure, the simpler the shot, the better. Overcomplicating the preparation or execution increases the chance of errors, especially in defensive situations.
Insights into the mindset of elite defenders like Di Nenno
One of the most valuable takeaways from the training is the insight into Di Nenno’s mentality. According to Sarta, Di Nenno’s aversion to mistakes is a defining trait—he “hates making errors more than he enjoys winning points.” This mindset leads him to always choose the safest, most reliable shot, often giving the ball back to the opponent and waiting for another opportunity rather than forcing a risky winner.
The coach emphasizes that learning to “suffer” on court—accepting difficult defensive positions and focusing on survival rather than brilliance—is essential for aspiring professional padel players. The creator is encouraged to embrace this approach, prioritizing consistency and resilience over spectacular shots.
Key qualitative evaluations from the training session
- Defensive positioning: Improved ability to get low and close to the ball, especially under pressure
- Lob technique: Greater consistency and control on both forehand and backhand lobs, with better use of shoulder rotation and leg drive
- Footwork: Enhanced awareness of first-step direction and movement toward the ball
- Mental approach: Stronger focus on simplicity, minimizing errors, and maintaining composure in tough situations
- Preparation: More uniform racket preparation, reducing predictability for opponents
These improvements reflect the core principles of Di Nenno’s defensive game, as taught by his coach Sarta during the Miami session.
Final thoughts on training defense and the lob like Di Nenno
The4Set’s Miami training session with Sarta offers a rare look into the technical and mental demands of elite padel defense. By focusing on the fundamentals—precise footwork, consistent racket preparation, and a mindset that values error-free play—the creator moves closer to the level of top defenders like Martin Di Nenno. The episode reinforces that, in padel, mastering the basics and learning to “suffer” defensively are crucial steps on the road to professional play.
