This is something that so few players do and it can probably have the most impact on your game! If you haven’t seen yourself play a padel match…you MUST!
When it comes to giving individual lessons, I regularly use video feedback to show them what they are actually doing. Because no matter how much verbal feedback I give about a certain aspect of the technique, it is much more powerful to SHOW the player what they are doing! The same applies for your padel matches, if you record them and watch them back, you get a much better picture of the overall game.
Recording padel technique
This is more powerful for a few reasons; firstly, if you can show a video of the padel shot and illustrate exactly on the video then the player can see exactly the part of the technique you are talking about in slow motion (or stills). This is very different from them “feeling” it with the shot or trying to watch their own wrist for example on contact. Secondly, the player can visualize the padel shot and associate it with the feeling. For example, if you are correcting a late take back, the player can see the late take back causes a rushed shot and late contact. So they know that if they want to have more time with the shot they really have to take the racket back earlier.
The amount of times I have said “your arm is too bent on the bandeja take back” and the player has said “it is as straight as I can make it”…then we look at the video and almost instantly the player is able to change it.
Recording padel matches
Watching your own padel games is also a very valuable way to see how you are playing tactically. You can see how and where you are moving on the court, notice how you are working with your partner and see how your opponents are winning points. Players are quite often not aware of this when they are playing. If you are wondering how to analyse the padel matches, we have a whole playlist of analysis of recreational matches that could hopefully give you some ideas.
If you are watching your matches and not sure what the tactics should be, the Intermediate Roadmap gives you structured tactical training you can use as a reference when reviewing your matches.
How to record your padel matches
Modern smartphone cameras are more than capable of recording a padel match. Place the phone securely behind the court, make sure you have enough battery and storage, and use a position that captures the whole playing area. An action camera with a wide-angle lens can also work well where space behind the glass is limited.
A tripod or flexible mount can make it easier to position the camera securely and consistently.
Once you’ve recorded the game, take the time to watch it properly, take notes and save sections that show repeated patterns. You do not need to produce a full edited analysis. The value comes from identifying recurring technical, tactical and positioning habits.
When it comes to placement of the camera, you basically want to get the whole court in the frame and if possible to be at a height that you can also see your opponents. It is better to be too wide and then you can crop it than to be too small and you end up missing half the points that go into the corners.
If you are placing the camera for technique, then the full court is not necessary, you can shoot from the net post position. This should be done on the “open” side of the technique – for example on the forehand/forehand volley/bandeja this is from the net post that can see your chest (not your back).
Reviewing your own footage regularly is a simple way to make your training more objective and track whether the changes you are working on are appearing in real matches.
