Where do you usually hit the padel return?
Much depends on the level of the player and their capability at dealing with the serve.
But the principles are:
- If it is a good serve against the glass (and therefore a difficult return) you should keep the shot simple and aim to block the ball back to the server.
- If it is a good serve down the “T” then you often need to buy yourself time to get back into the point, so often the lob is the best option. Advanced players could also use the shot soft down to the feet of the server.
- If the serve is easier and more central, you can be a bit more aggressive with the return, either hitting down to the feet of the server or immediately going for the lob and trying to take the net position!
The point examples in this video show how a good return at a high level can mean you start the point in a neutral position. At an advanced level that could be all you can hope for with the return.