Understanding the context of a comeback in padel matches
The channel Mejora Tu Padel opens the discussion by addressing a familiar scenario for many players: finding themselves unexpectedly down by 3-0, 4-0, or even 5-0 early in a match. The creator emphasizes that these situations are not uncommon and can leave players feeling trapped in a negative cycle. The focus of the video is to provide practical, tactical strategies—described as “safety rings”—to help players regain control and potentially turn the match around.
Before diving into the tactics, the reviewer highlights the importance of understanding the type of match being played. Whether it’s a friendly game or a competitive tournament, the mindset and approach may differ. However, the advice is primarily geared toward competitive settings where both pairs are eager to win. The strategies are not “magic bullets,” but rather proven approaches that can offer structure and renewed focus when things are not going well on court.
First strategy: win the net and target the corners
The first tactical recommendation is clear: fight to reach the net as soon as possible and, once there, hold your position. The reviewer notes that while it’s possible to win points from the back of the court, the majority of decisive exchanges happen at the net. Securing this position is crucial for shifting momentum.
Once at the net, the creator advises consistently playing shots into the corners, especially targeting the diagonal. There are several reasons for this:
- The diagonal offers a longer trajectory, providing more margin for error and space to place the ball.
- Balls that bounce in the corners often spin and create difficult angles for opponents to return.
- The net is slightly lower on the diagonal, making it easier to clear and increasing the chance of a successful shot.
Targeting the corners not only disrupts the rhythm of the rivals but also helps the struggling pair regain positive sensations and confidence. The reviewer points out that even top professionals, such as Chingotto in a recent Barcelona Masters final, can make mistakes when defending in the corners. This reinforces the value of this approach at all levels of play.
Having a simple, repeatable plan—like “win the net and play to the corner”—serves as a mental anchor. It helps players stay focused and gives them something concrete to execute, which is especially valuable when under pressure.
Second strategy: attack your opponent’s backhand volley
The second tactical tip is to direct shots to the opponent’s backhand side at the net. The reviewer acknowledges that this may sound basic, but it is highly effective. In their experience, most players are less comfortable volleying with the backhand compared to the forehand. While there are exceptions—such as elite players like Arturo Coello—the majority of opponents will struggle more on this side, especially if the ball is played high or with pace.
By repeatedly targeting the backhand, players can force errors or weak returns, creating opportunities to regain control of the rally. The reviewer suggests experimenting with this tactic for a few points to gauge its effectiveness. If the opponent handles it well, it may be time to adjust, but in most cases, this approach will yield positive results.
Additionally, the creator notes that many players have technical limitations on the backhand, particularly when they are forced to play without using the wall. This can lead to mishits or defensive errors, providing a valuable opening for the pair trying to mount a comeback.
Third strategy: use high lobs to the middle in defense
The third and final strategy focuses on defense: throw high lobs into the center of the court. This approach is especially useful when playing outdoors or in indoor courts with a sufficiently high ceiling. The reviewer shares personal experiences where this tactic has helped both as a player and a coach, particularly in matches where the team was under heavy pressure.
There are several advantages to lobbing high and to the center:
- It reduces the angles available for the attacking pair, making it harder for them to finish the point.
- The ball is more likely to rebound off the back wall, giving the defending team more time to recover and reposition.
- It can disrupt the rhythm of the opponents, especially if they are accustomed to attacking from the sides.
The reviewer cautions that the lob must not fall short, as this will invite an easy smash from the opponents. The goal is not necessarily to lob over the rivals, but to send the ball high enough that it drops deep in the middle, forcing awkward returns and increasing the chance of regaining the initiative. This “simple” strategy can be a lifeline, allowing the defending pair to reset and potentially transition into attack by moving forward and connecting with the first strategy—winning the net and targeting the corners.
Key qualitative evaluations of the suggested tactics
- Winning the net and targeting corners: Provides more margin for error, disrupts opponents, and helps regain confidence.
- Attacking the backhand volley: Exploits a common technical weakness, often resulting in forced errors or weak returns.
- High lobs to the middle: Effective for breaking the opponent’s rhythm, especially when under pressure, and creates opportunities to reset the point.
Each strategy is presented as a practical tool rather than a guaranteed solution. The creator emphasizes the importance of adapting to the specific match situation and being willing to try different approaches when things are not going well.
Integrating tactical discipline into your padel game
In closing, the reviewer encourages players to continue studying padel tactics and to use these strategies as reference points during difficult matches. Having a clear plan—whether it’s winning the net, targeting the corners, attacking the backhand, or defending with high lobs—can provide the structure and confidence needed to stage a comeback. The channel also recommends further resources for those interested in deepening their tactical understanding, highlighting the ongoing value of learning and adaptation in padel.
