Slice or flat volley in padel?

Some players try to add as much slice to a volley as they can and make mistakes. Other players hit it flat and give the opponent space for an easy ball back. It is important to know when to play which ball.

When to play it flat?

If you are hitting a volley flat, it means the ball will come up higher after it hits the back glass. So if you are going to hit it flat, make sure you hit the ball hard enough. Otherwise your opponent will have enough time to come forward and play an easy ball.

A good time to use the flat volley is when your previous volley was deep into the corner and your opponent is near the back glass. Another good time to play the flat volley is when your opponents are approaching you. You can play the flat volley towards the body or feet of your opponents.

When to play it with slice?

If you are playing your volley with slice, it means your volley will stay close to the ground. One disadvantage compared to the flat volley is that you can hit it less hard.

A good time to use the slice volley is as a setup volley. So when you want to force your opponent to the corner at the back glass and you want an easy ball back. You can also use it as a way to finish the ball. It is usually played towards the fence or the back glass.

When it comes to playing a slice volley, you should be looking at what kind of ball you get and where your opponents are on the court. Based on this, you can choose to hit it as a setup volley or as an aggressive volley.

Bonus tip

The speed of your volley is more important than the spin. If you try and set up the point you should go for the slower volley and if you’re going to finish, you will probably go for the faster volley. Beginners often think that every volley should be played with a lot of speed but a slow volley down the middle can be even more effective