Key volley mistakes addressed at the Gustavo Pratto Academy
The reviewer visits the renowned Gustavo Pratto Academy, where world number one Arturo Coello trains, to focus on improving their volley technique. Under the guidance of Alejandra Alonso, one of the top padel players, the session centers on correcting common volley mistakes and understanding the tactical nuances of this crucial shot.
Understanding volley direction: diagonal, middle, and parallel choices
A primary lesson from the academy is recognizing when to play volleys diagonally, down the middle, or parallel. The coaches emphasize that, when positioned about three and a half meters from the net, the ball will typically arrive on a diagonal. Players are encouraged to practice returning these diagonal balls and to adjust their shot selection based on the difficulty of the incoming ball.
If the ball is challenging, the advice is to play at half speed, aiming for the opponent’s half volley or softly into the corner. When the ball is easier, players can opt for a cut spin to the middle or hit harder toward the back wall, making it difficult for opponents to respond with a lob. The coaches stress that choosing to cut to the middle obliges the player to prevent a lob, often by taking a step forward and maintaining pressure.
Shot selection based on ball difficulty and position
The creator highlights the importance of adapting volley technique to the quality of the incoming ball:
- Difficult balls: Play diagonally, often at half speed, and avoid forcing aggressive shots.
- Intermediate balls: Target the middle with cut spin, ensuring the ball is not easy for the opponent to lob.
- Very easy balls: Consider switching the racket top to generate more damage against the wall or play a powerful shot that does not return.
Switching to a parallel volley is only recommended when the ball is high or slow. Attempting parallel shots with normal or difficult balls often results in weak returns that lack impact. The coaches repeatedly remind players to read the ball quickly and make decisions based on its speed, height, and trajectory.
Technical corrections and positioning for effective volleys
Throughout the training, the reviewer receives detailed feedback on body positioning and racket preparation. One key correction is to avoid closing the angle too much, which limits the ability to aim diagonally and reduces shot quality. Instead, players should position themselves to easily direct the volley diagonally, keeping the racket prepared and finishing the hit smoothly without rushing forward.
Blocking is another essential skill, especially when facing hard-hit balls. The block should be executed so the ball does not bounce off the back wall, minimizing the opponent’s opportunity to lob. When the ball comes slower, advancing slightly and cutting to the middle is advised, but only if the player has time to execute the shot properly.
Reading the opponent and adapting during rallies
The session includes practical drills where players must quickly assess whether to block, cut, or attack based on the opponent’s shot. The coaches instruct players to:
- Target the opponent’s feet rather than open spaces, making it harder for them to attack or lob.
- Maintain patience during long rallies, resisting the urge to finish points prematurely.
- Recognize that aggressive positioning near the net can backfire, as it often makes players more vulnerable to lobs and reduces reaction time.
Players are encouraged to imitate Ale Alonso’s calm and controlled approach, focusing on placement and shot selection rather than sheer power or speed.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them in match situations
The reviewer’s experience at the academy highlights several recurring mistakes among intermediate players:
- Approaching the net too quickly, which limits options and exposes the player to lobs.
- Failing to differentiate between forehand and backhand volley technique, leading to inconsistent returns.
- Trying to force parallel volleys from poor positions, resulting in weak or ineffective shots.
- Rushing to finish points instead of maintaining pressure and waiting for the right opportunity.
Coaches stress the importance of patience, reading the game, and making conscious decisions with each volley. The length of the rally is often more important than trying to end the point quickly, especially against opponents who defend well and return difficult lobs.
Final takeaways from the world-class volley masterclass
The training at Gustavo Pratto Academy, as documented by the channel, offers a clear set of priorities for improving volleys:
- Adapt shot selection to the difficulty and height of the incoming ball.
- Prioritize positioning and racket preparation over aggressive movement toward the net.
- Use blocks and cut spin to control the pace and direction of the rally.
- Target the opponent’s feet to limit their attacking options.
- Exercise patience, trusting that consistent pressure will eventually lead to errors from the opponent.
This focused approach, modeled by elite players like Alejandra Alonso and Arturo Coello, underscores the importance of tactical awareness and technical precision in padel volley play. The reviewer’s experience demonstrates that mastering these fundamentals can transform a player’s effectiveness at the net, turning common mistakes into reliable strengths.
