Brittany Dubins reveals her strongest padel shot and what sets her apart
In a revealing segment from Padel Smash Academy, Brittany Dubins—a former University of Miami tennis scholar and current Pro Padel League player—shares insights into the shot she considers her greatest weapon on the court. According to Brittany, her best shot is the by three (also known as “por tres”), a powerful offensive move that sends the ball over the side wall and out of the court. She notes that this shot is not only her favorite, but also a distinguishing feature of her game compared to many other female players.
Brittany explains that executing the by three consistently is a challenge for most, especially at the women’s level. She points out that many players struggle to generate the necessary power and technique to make this shot a reliable part of their arsenal. This ability gives her a tactical edge, particularly when facing opponents who are less accustomed to defending against such aggressive plays.
Transitioning from tennis to padel and mastering the by three
The channel highlights Brittany’s background as a competitive tennis player and how it influenced her padel development. She describes the transition from tennis to padel as a natural progression, especially when it comes to overhead shots. The biomechanics of serving and smashing in tennis—using a strong leg drive, back bend, and explosive upward motion—translated well to padel’s aerial game.
Brittany emphasizes the importance of leg strength and aggressive movement when performing the by three. She recommends players focus on bending their knees deeply and “jumping up” into the shot, using their whole body to generate power. This approach, she says, makes the shot feel more instinctive for those with a tennis background, but it still requires dedicated practice to master the nuances of padel’s unique angles and court dimensions.
She also mentions that her early padel experience involved playing on the left side, where she relied heavily on smashes. Over time, as she learned more about the sport’s tactical demands, she diversified her aerial game and eventually moved to the right side of the court.
The ongoing challenge of perfecting the lob in padel
When asked about her weakest shot, Brittany is quick to clarify that it’s not a glaring weakness, but rather an area she’s determined to improve: the lob. She acknowledges that while her lobs are functional, she wants to make them deeper and more accurately placed into the corners. For her, the lob is a deceptively simple shot that is often underestimated, yet it plays a crucial role in controlling rallies and resetting points.
Brittany stresses the importance of the lob in high-level padel, describing it as “so huge” and “underrated.” She believes that consistently executing high, deep lobs can disrupt opponents’ rhythm and create opportunities to regain the net. This is an aspect of her game she works on daily, always striving to refine her placement and depth.
Key takeaways and advice for aspiring padel players
The creator distills Brittany’s insights into actionable advice for players looking to elevate their own padel skills. For those transitioning from tennis, she recommends leveraging existing strengths—such as overhead power and footwork—while adapting to padel’s unique tactics. Mastering shots like the by three requires not just raw strength, but also attention to timing, positioning, and body mechanics.
On the defensive side, Brittany’s focus on improving her lob serves as a reminder that even professional players have aspects of their game that require constant attention. She encourages players at all levels to identify their own “work-in-progress” shots and dedicate time to refining them, especially those that can shift the momentum of a match.
Brittany Dubins’ self-assessment: best and worst shots rated
- Best shot: By three (por tres) smash – Brittany rates this as her strongest and most distinctive shot, giving her a competitive edge, especially among female players.
- Worst shot (area for improvement): Lob – While not a weakness, Brittany identifies this as the shot she is most focused on improving, aiming for greater depth and precision.
This candid self-assessment from a Pro Padel League competitor offers valuable perspective for players seeking to analyze and develop their own strengths and weaknesses on the court.
Why Brittany’s approach resonates with the padel community
The channel’s interview with Brittany Dubins stands out for its practical, honest look at the realities of high-level padel. Her willingness to discuss both her signature strengths and ongoing challenges provides a relatable model for players at every stage. By highlighting the importance of both offensive weapons and defensive consistency, Brittany’s approach underscores the well-rounded skill set required to succeed in modern padel.
For enthusiasts and aspiring competitors, her journey from tennis to padel—and her continued commitment to improvement—serves as both inspiration and a roadmap for personal development within the sport.
