How to get a perfect padel return?
The return is the start of the point, so do not fall at the first hurdle in the point by making a silly mistake. If you can learn to be really consistent with your returns you stand a much better chance of being able to break your opponent's serve! In this video, Sandy gives you some tips for the perfect return.
The chiquita
The chiquita is a shot that top professional players often use on the return. It is a soft shot played down towards the feet of your opponents. The type of spin used is less important than the placement and control.
The return
The main objective of the return is to keep you in the point. If you make a mistake in your return, you have already lost that point. So the first objective of your return is simply to get it in. If you get an easier ball you can be a bit more aggressive. Keep in mind that you have to play within your capabilities and be consistent.
Where to aim
You want to aim your return down to the feet of the server. They have a bigger gap in front of them than their partner. There are also some players that are going to watch their serve and get stuck in No Man's Land. The chiquita or another soft shot down to the feet is ideal if it is on a ball that you can play. When you find the chiquita difficult to play or the server comes aggressively to the net, you can play a high lob.
Common errors
There are also some common errors on the return, like:
- Going for too much, which can turn the return into a gift for your opponent.
- Using the chiquita when it is beyond your current capability, on a difficult serve or when the opponents are already close to the net.
.jpg)
