Training insights from a session with Gaston Malacalza at Cepac Academy
The channel’s latest video offers a rare look into a padel lesson with Gaston Malacalza, former world number three, at the renowned Cepac Academy in Madrid. The reviewer shares his experience training under Malacalza’s guidance, focusing on tactical drills, shot selection, and the nuances that separate amateur from professional play. The session is structured around practical exercises, with Malacalza providing real-time feedback and technical corrections.
Core drills: bandeja, lob, and net approach
The training begins with foundational shots: the bandeja (tray shot), paloneto (lob), and their integration into point construction. Malacalza emphasizes the importance of maintaining rallies without forcing winners, encouraging the player to mix up shots and keep the exchange alive. The exercises focus on:
- Alternating between lobs and bandejas to build point patience
- Identifying the right moment to approach the net after a well-placed lob
- Practicing combinations that allow for offensive transitions
Malacalza highlights that a slow or short ball from the opponent is an opportunity to take initiative, either by advancing to the net or executing a strategic lob. The lesson reinforces the value of recognizing these openings and capitalizing on them with confidence.
Defensive strategies: using the glass and anticipation
One of the session’s focal points is defending against aggressive shots, particularly when pinned near the back glass. Malacalza demonstrates how to use the side and back walls to maintain control and avoid getting trapped. He instructs the player to “surround” the ball, moving around it to create space and time for a quality return.
Anticipation is key, especially when facing fast-paced shots like the víbora (snake shot). The coach stresses the importance of preparing the racket early, keeping it in front, and reading the opponent’s intentions. If the defender can’t control the ball off the glass, Malacalza suggests using a bote pronto (half-volley block) as a backup resource, especially against low-bouncing or rapid shots.
Variety and unpredictability in shot selection
Throughout the lesson, Malacalza insists on the necessity of variety. He notes that predictable play makes it easier for opponents to anticipate and counter. By mixing shots—sometimes playing to the feet, sometimes lobbing, and other times aiming for the middle—the player keeps the opponent guessing. The coach demonstrates how to disguise intentions by preparing the same way but changing the direction at the last moment, either to the center or down the line.
This approach not only increases the chances of winning points but also conditions the opponent to remain uncertain, which is a hallmark of advanced padel strategy.
Handling fast balls and building defensive resilience
Malacalza addresses a common challenge: managing fast balls, particularly to the forehand side. He explains that defending against speed requires both technical skill and mental composure. The solution involves:
- Using the lob to neutralize aggressive play and regain control
- Anticipating the opponent’s attack and preparing the racket position early
- Employing the glass when possible, but being ready to block or half-volley if necessary
He reminds the player that even when under pressure, there are always options—slowing down the game, moving, and choosing the right shot for the situation. The difference at higher levels, Malacalza notes, is the ability to consistently select the optimal response even from less-than-ideal positions.
Mastering the víbora and parallel shots
A significant portion of the session is dedicated to the víbora and its variations. Malacalza demonstrates both cross-court and parallel versions, explaining when and why to use each. He encourages practicing the kick (rulo) and parallel víbora, noting that these shots are particularly effective for players on the drive side. The lesson covers:
- Adjusting contact point and height for different víbora trajectories
- Using the same preparation to disguise direction
- Employing touch and spin to control ball speed and placement
Malacalza also references top-level players, such as Ginier from the “Super Pibes,” who excel at using body rotation and technique to generate powerful and precise parallel smashes.
Smash technique and tactical considerations
The session concludes with a focus on the remate plano (flat smash). Malacalza provides detailed advice on where the ball should bounce on the opponent’s side—ideally in the last meter before the back glass—to maximize the chance of winning the point or forcing a weak return. He notes that the ideal contact point and angle depend on the player’s height and position on the court.
For cross-court smashes, Malacalza demonstrates the importance of full-body rotation and using the entire body to direct the ball. He points out that while some players naturally generate topspin, the key is to differentiate when to hit flat versus when to apply spin, adapting to the situation and court conditions.
Key takeaways from the Gaston Malacalza lesson
- Variety in shot selection keeps opponents guessing and opens up more opportunities to win points.
- Defensive skills—especially using the glass and anticipating fast balls—are crucial for handling pressure.
- Technical consistency in executing the víbora, lob, and smash allows for effective transitions between defense and attack.
- Physical positioning and timing are as important as shot technique, especially when approaching the net or defending against aggressive play.
- Mental flexibility—the ability to adapt and choose the right shot in any situation—distinguishes advanced players from the rest.
The reviewer concludes that training with a former world-class player like Malacalza provides invaluable tactical and technical insights, helping to elevate both the mental and physical aspects of the game.
