Unit 7: High shots

Generic preparation options for power strokes.

Definition: expert players must have a generic preparation for power strokes (Smash, Tray, Viper), which allows them to modify or change the type of stroke to perform.

When we say generic (versatile), we mean to prepare with a short and fast movement to a neutral position where you can access these three variants of shots and can also more easily change the type of stroke to deceive the opponent.

This preparation is also convenient and practical when playing outdoors, with wind or sun in the face, where the player, when uncomfortable, can change the type of stroke.

The continental grip allows to execute all these variants of shots and in case of playing a shot with more spin, being able to turn to the backhand side even more the or make a wrist adjustment in the preparation of the movement.

The waiting position: the posture for these demanding strokes is with the legs slightly bent, the body a little more upright than for a volley, the elbows close to the body and the paddle with the head at chin level,

Stroke progression:

Preparation:

• Quick and straight.
• With a half portion of movement.
• Turning the waist
• Placing the body perpendicular to the net (more or less profiled depending on the type of stroke).
• With the left hand on the right side (more or less high depending on the type of stroke).

Support of the feet: the player steps back with side steps, he/she will stand quickly behind the ball, he/she will hit with the legs apart if he/she hits tray or viper with a separation of legs wider than the width of the shoulders.

When hitting in suspension he should bring his legs together if he decides to perform a smash or a passed lob.

The chaining of the stroke is continuous, with the variation of the portion of the movement depending on the type of smash you decide to perform.

The point of impact will vary according to the type of shot the player decides to make and the direction he/she chooses to aim.

Tray: leave the ball between the left shoulder and the center of the body, slightly above the head.

Vibora: leave the ball between the left shoulder and the center of the body, slightly higher than for the tray to reduce the risk and have more angle.

Smash and its variations

Smash straight and fast, point of impact with the ball more forward and low looking for speed, depth and little rebound, launching the shot forward and finishing the movement on the left side of the body.

Smash to bring to the own court, point of impact with the ball above the head and high looking to hit down with force and with “top spin” effect, bouncing the ball on the top of the glass. the ball on the top of the back glass of the opponent’s court and looking for the ball to return high to our court or out of reach of the rival couple.

Smash out by 3 meters (lateral), point of impact with the ball on the left side of the head, with the body a little more back to the net looking to hit diagonally, downward, with force and top spin bouncing the ball off the top of the back glass of the opponent’s court, closer to the side wall (about 3 meters) looking for the ball to leave the court due to the effect and power.

The line of the finish ends more towards the apex of the opponent’s court and the wrist makes an outward gesture to give the ball lateral rotation.

Smash to the fence (lateral) point of impact with the ball above the head slightly oriented towards the left shoulder, with the body slightly back to the net looking to hit diagonally, downward with power, cross court, flat or top spin bouncing the ball on the ground, as close as possible to the bottom of the fence. The wrist makes an outward gesture to give the ball lateral rotation so that the ball comes down after hitting the fence.

The finish is more cross-court than normal.

The tray

To perfect the game of our players in the attacking zone we must teach them the variations of trays and when to use each one of them.

Variants of tray shots:

Defensive Tray

Definition: it is the one that the player uses when he is hitting away from the net approximately 5 or 6 meters away. In this situation the player usually hits the ball behind the body because of the depth of the lob.

The continental grip allows all variations of trays to be executed without changing the grip by simply adjusting the wrist in preparation for the stroke.

Waiting position: the posture for these demanding strokes is with the legs slightly bent, the body a little more upright than for the volley, elbows close to the body and the paddle with the head at chin level.

Stroke progression

Quick, straight, and short preparation (half portion of movement), turning the waist and placing the body perpendicular to the net and the left hand on the right side.

Foot support: the player steps back with side steps. If he is able to position himself quickly behind the ball, he will hit with a leg separation greater than shoulder width, and if he receives a faster and deeper lob, he is propelled to hit in suspension (in the air).

Generally, due to the demanding situation, the player hits without being able to transfer the weight of the body to the left foot.

The chaining of the stroke is discontinuous due to the depth of the balloon and with a shorter preparation, being able to use only a scarce termination (forearm and wrist). wrist).

The point of impact in this situation is more delayed (between the center of the body and the back shoulder), varying a little depending on the direction of the tray.

The termination of the defensive tray has a medium or short length.

It is used in extreme situations where the player only hits using the forearm and wrist as the termination of the stroke.

Technique: requires constant adaptation of the movement depending on the location and difficulty of the opponent’s lob (forced, very demanding, very arched).

The preparations and terminations are related to the demands of the play.

The player should try to hit with the body as balanced as possible, despite the degree of difficulty of the play.

It is a stroke that requires physical dexterity and a lot of coordination.

Tactics: the player must apply tactics in each execution, taking into account the following:

• Its location on the court at the time of hitting.
• The quality of strokes available in that situation (technical resources).
• The solution at your disposal (tactical resources).
• The direction of the delivery you must choose depending on the position of your opponents.

the degree of effectiveness of his stroke in that situation.

In very compromised situations, the player should only try to put the ball into the net looking for the tray to have flight or depth to try to regain a more advantageous position and progressively get closer to the net.

Generally in this situation he does not have control of the play and in many cases because of the depth of the opponent’s lob he will decide NOT to serve and let the ball pass, give the net and play back court. the net and play from the back of the court.

Angled and control or precision tray

Definition: it is the one that the player uses when he/she is hitting at a medium distance from the net (approximately 4 meters). In this situation the player generally hits the ball to the center of the body for the average depth of the ball.

The continental grip allows one to execute all the variations of trays without changing the grip, just by adjusting the wrist in the preparation of the movement. the preparation of the movement.

Waiting position: the posture for these demanding strokes is with the legs slightly bent, the body a little more upright than for a volley, the elbows close to the body and the paddle with the head at chin level.

Stroke progression

Fast, straight and medium preparation, turning the waist and placing the body perpendicular to the net and the left hand on the right side.

Feet support: the player steps back with side steps, stands behind the ball hitting with a separation of legs wider than shoulder width, transferring the weight from the right leg to the left.

The chaining of the stroke is continuous due to the depth of the balloon, the preparation is wider being able to use the completion in its entirety.

As it is a control tray, the arm has a medium muscle tone to adjust the stroke and avoid lifting the ball before or after the rebound. The point of impact in this situation is more between the center of the body and the front shoulder, varying a few centimeters depending on the direction of the tray.

The end of the control tray has a medium length, using the execution in favorable situations, being able to adjust the depth of the deliveries with the angle of the shoulders.

Technique: the control tray allows a fluid and balanced stroke, combining the technical gesture, the transfer of the weight of the body and an average speed of the stroke. seeking precision.

Each stroke also requires a constant adaptation of the movement according to the location of the opponent’s lob.

The player should try to hit with the body as balanced as possible.

Tactics: in this situation where the player begins to dominate the opponent with his tray, he must be demanding with the quality of the stroke, applying the tactic to each execution looking for:

• Locate the tray to avoid losing control of the play.
• Look for depth with or without rebound
• Direct the shot to the opponent’s weak point.
• Move to the sides or to the center of the court.
• Create new free spaces.
• Directing the layup to the fence.
• Make the opponent retreat in defense of the rebound with side wall or back and side.
• Make them hit the ball early
• Generate plays to use the counter wall.
• Hit the tray with more speed when the defending players are close to the backcourt glass or cornered.

This favorable tactical situation allows the play to progress by the quality and tactics of the execution for the definition of the point.

In this situation the player begins to dominate the play.

Power tray

Definition: it is the one that the player uses when he/she is hitting close to the net at approximately 3 meters when receiving a ball at medium height, not having time to prepare a smash by opting for this shot.

The continental grip allows you to execute all the variations of trays without changing the grip, just making a wrist adjustment in the preparation of the movement. 

Waiting position: the posture for these demanding strokes is with the legs slightly bent where the body is a little more upright for a volley, elbows close to the body and the paddle with the head at chin level.

Stroke progression

Quick, straight, and wide preparation, turning at the waist and placing the body perpendicular to the net and the left hand on the right side a little more forward than in a control stroke.

Foot support: the player should adjust the distance to the ball with side steps, placing himself behind to hit the ball firmly to the ground with legs wider apart than in a control stroke, transferring the weight from the right leg to the left.

Chaining the stroke: due to the shallow depth of the opponent’s lob, the player will be able to make a quick and wide preparation, accelerating the movement and generating the synergy of the shoulder, elbow and wrist.

The point of impact in this situation is more advanced than that of a control shot, varying a few centimeters depending on the direction of the tray. The termination in the power stroke is long in totality with a more lax muscle tone in search of swing speed and power.

Technique: the attacking tray has a technical gesture with:

• A wide preparation.
• Greater body weight transfer.
• Greater swing speed.
• Power with precision.

Tactical: in this situation the player has the mastery of the play and is able to play a powerful tray and even a smash.

Before making the move, the player must evaluate what decision to make.

• Use the attack tray if the opponent is behind and with the balance of the body backwards or a control tray.
• Know how deep to hit the shot.
• Know where to place the stroke: at the opponent’s feet or to the side or with rebound.
• Look for the opponent’s weak point.
• Create new free spaces with this stroke by the displacement of the defending player.
• Direct the tray with force to the fence to get an uncertain rebound.
• Make the opponent turn with the speed of the layup.
• To make him hit the shot with an early bounce
• To make the opponent block the shot with the volley.

The power layup is a stroke that does not define the point in a single execution, it may require several strokes or combination of strokes to close the point.

Physical considerations prior to the tray shot

It is important to know before hitting the trays:

• How to arrive positioned with the body for the execution according to the quality of the lob received.
• With what posture to hit. If they are well positioned they can be more offensive.
• At what height they hit the ball.
• Where the ball is located at the moment of impact, distance from the body: on top, to the side, on the left side.
• How is the balance of the body when hitting, tipped forward, balanced or fallen backwards.

Viper

It is the most difficult shot of the High Shots and for this reason it is advisable to teach it to players with at least an intermediate level of play.

Moment of use: when the ball is short and at half height as a result of a bad lob of the rivals (near the net) and in front of the player’s body.

Definition: the viper belongs to the group of attacking strokes, the characteristic of this stroke is that it has speed and cut effect generating in the rivals a greater difficulty in the defense.

It should be used in specific situations, since, if the player uses it when he is out of distance, or with the body fallen backwards, it becomes a double-edged sword. The ideal moment for its use is when the lob is short or halfway to the net, leaving the ball in front of the player’s body.

The grip is continental or slightly passed to the backhand side, to be able to hit the ball on its right side, generating a cut effect. Waiting position: the posture for these demanding strokes is with the legs slightly bent and open with a good base of support, the body a little more upright than for a volley, the elbows close to the body and the paddle with the head at chin level.

Stroke progression

Fast, semicircular and longer preparation curled behind the back of the neck, turning at the same time the waist and shoulders, placing the body perpendicular to the net and the right hand on the right side of the body a little further back (at the level of the left shoulder) and the paddle behind the head. 

Foot supports: the player must adjust the distance with side steps, placing himself behind the ball, to hit seated to the ground, legs apart, transferring in a coordinated way the weight of the body from the right leg to the left leg in the course of the execution. 

The chaining of the stroke: the player should make a quick and wide preparation, to be able to have a small pause, allowing to achieve a synergy with the shoulder, elbow and wrist during the stroke.

The point of impact in the viper is a little lower than in a power smash, leaving the ball to the side of the body, at the height of the left shoulder, varying a few centimeters, depending on the direction used (parallel or cross).

The end in the viper is by directing the arm towards the intended target, finishing the stroke on the left side of the body, at waist level.

At the end of the execution, try to keep the toe of the back right foot gripped to the ground to generate an anchor and a better balance of the body.

Technique. The viper requires a coordinated and semicircular technical gesture similar to a cut smash, looking for speed and precision in the delivery.

When the opponent’s lob comes deeper, the vibora can be hit jumping, in suspension. In all cases it is important that the player’s body falls forward at the end of the blow to achieve control.

Tactics. This shot is used when the opponents are at the back of the court (in defense), making them hit the ball with a quick bounce or after the wall rebound, taking advantage of the fact that the viper has spin and speed, generating a quick and low rebound.

The first and safest option is to hit cross court, taking advantage of the diagonal of the court.

In case of hitting the viper in parallel, the player should use a smaller portion of preparation and completion because it is a shorter distance of flight of the ball.

The viper should be played deep, with speed and conviction as it is a very risky shot.

It is a stroke for advanced players as they will have to coordinate very well the technique of the stroke with the leg work and the enveloping action of the back.

Players who have more control and mobility will be able to use the vibora as a power stroke.

Professionals use it in ideal situations due to its difficulty of execution.

Considerations prior to the vibora:

• How to arrive positioned with the body for the execution according to the quality of the balloon they receive.
• With what posture to hit (if the player manages to position himself well, he will be able to be more offensive).
• At what height to hit the ball.
• How far from the net to hit.
• If he will be able to control the execution.
• With what degree of difficulty the ball is coming.
• Where the ball is located at the moment of impact (distance from the body, on top, to the side, on the left side, far to the right)
• Where the opponents are located.

Smash

 Definition: the smash is the most powerful stroke in Padel and is used when the ball is high, close to the net and in front of the player after a short lob from the opponent.

It can be played over the body of the opponents, strong and deep, so that the ball comes out fast and low for those who are not at a very advanced level.

If the students have more level, power and technique, they can lift the ball a little and hit it more down and forward to try to bring the ball higher to your side. side.

Professionals when hitting crosscourt, usually take the ball out of the court by 3 or 4 meters after the bounce on the back wall due to the use of the wrist and the lift effect.

This stroke has its variants since the ball is not always left to define with the power smash and that is where you must adjust the technique and generate other options or variants of smash:

• Smash to bring to his own field.
• Smash to serve for 3 meters.
• Smash to the fence or fence.
• Smash with a double wall.
• Smash fast to the opponent’s feet.
• Smash cut or viper
• Smash in suspension.
• Smash and feint.

The grip: continental or slightly passed to the backhand side to be able to hit on different sides of the ball and print different effects or even to hit flat. flat.

Beginner students have a grip slightly rotated to the right very close to the continental grip and should progressively adjust it. In the event that the student spontaneously grips the continental, the student continues with this grip.

Waiting position: the initial position for these strokes is with the legs slightly bent, the body a little more upright, elbows close to the body and the paddle with the head at chin level.

Progression of the smash power stroke

Quick preparation: bring the paddle back over the head, turn the waist and shoulders at the same time, place the body perpendicular to the net, place the right hand high pointing to the ball (forming a W with the hands and head).

The right shoulder and hips rotate, participating in the stroke in search of the point of impact.

Footwork: the player should adjust the distance with side steps to get under the ball, bring the legs together to propel himself upwards to hit the ball at a high point and transfer in a coordinated way the weight of the body from back to front.

The heel of the right foot is lifted due to the transfer of the body weight.

Chaining of the stroke: the player should make a quick preparation in order to have a small pause when bringing the paddle back, allowing a synergy with the shoulder, the elbow and the wrist during the stroke.

The point of impact in the power smash is high, with the ball located above the head and varying a few centimeters the point of impact forward or backward depending on the direction crossed or parallel. 

The termination is directing the arm towards the intended target, placing the blow to the left side of the body, at waist level and at the end of the execution the right side passes from back to front generating the transfer of body weight.

It has a semicircular ending in the left pocket.

Technique: the smash requires a technical gesture coordinated with acceleration, looking for power, speed and precision in the execution.

When they receive a deeper ball, they can hit the smash jumping or in suspension.

In all cases it will be important that the player’s body falls forward at the end of the stroke, to resume the correct position depending on the play.

Tactics

This stroke is used:

• When the opponents are at the back of the court (in defense). . To look for the definition by bringing the ball forward. 
• Bringing it out 3-4 meters.
• Looking for the fence.
• Making the opponents hit the ball with a bounce soon or after the rebound from the wall.

The safest option when the player receives a passed lob is to hit cross-court, taking advantage of the diagonal of the court. In case of hitting a parallel smash, the player should use a smaller portion of preparation and finishing because it is a shorter distance of ball flight.

Smash variations:

Smash to bring to own court.

The player should:

• Impact the ball when it is high.
• Accelerate the arm and at the same time break the wrist downward.
• Give the ball power and spin (rotation).
• Make the ball hit the ground at a medium distance in the opponent’s court so that the rebound on the top of the backglass makes the ball take height to be out of the opponent’s reach and reach their own court.

We suggest using a continental grip or slightly overhand to the backhand side.

Smash to get the ball 3 meters down the sides of the court.

This smash is often used by backhand players (right-handed) or right-handed players (left-handed).

The right-handed player must:

• Stand under the ball.
• Hit the ball at a high point.
• Look for the ball to be placed on the left side of the head with the body slightly crossed (with the back of the head slightly to the net).
• Arch the back.
• Generate a diagonal line of stroke.
• Accelerate the forearm and wrist from the top outwards.
• Generate a lateral lift effect so that when the ball hits the back glass, it accelerates and takes height deflecting out of the court.
• In this stroke the finish ends on the right side of the body as the ball is taken out of the court with a different gesture than the power smash, the ball goes outward by the diagonal lift effect (rotation).

We suggest that you use the handle passed to the backhand side.

If the rebound of the ball on the back wall is very close to the side wall, the ball will hit the upper side wall and will remain inside the court, and if the rebound is very centered on the back wall, it will remain inside the opponent’s reach.

The forehand player (right-handed) also has the option of: smashar to bring the ball back to his own court, to serve it 3 meters crosscourt or to lift the ball and serve it 3 meters to the parallel.

To serve the ball 3 meters cross court, the player must hit the ball from the right side when it is high, enter with the body a little more forward with respect to the net and fall with the body on the right side of the ball. the net and fall with the body diagonally.

The ball should bounce on the top of the back glass about 3 meters from the side wall looking for it to rise and go out of the court.

Smash to the fence

This type of smash is a move used by all players both backhand and forehand (right or left-handed).

The right-handed players who occupy the backhand position or the left-handed players on the forehand side can, by means of a good technique, perform vertical executions, giving the smash strength and lift effect, achieving an uncertain and irregular rebound on the fence.

The right-handed player should be placed under the ball impacting it at a high point looking for the ball to be located on the left side of the head with the body a little crossed (barely turning his back to the net), arching his back and generating a diagonal line of blow. You should accelerate the forearm and wrist from the top outwards generating a lateral lift effect so that when the ball hits the net it comes out downwards or backwards.

In this stroke the finish ends on the right side of the body.

The ideal is to achieve with the smash that the ball hits as close to the fence and at the bottom, this will ensure that the rebound does not come out high preventing the opponent’s counterattack.

It is suggested to use the handle passed to the backhand side.

Double wall smash

The double wall smash is a precision shot that allows the smasher to gain time to get back on the court to a more favorable position, to make the opponent play further back on the court looking to hit a counter wall or making him turn, placing him in an uncomfortable position in the last meter of court.

If the execution is very strong, it will generate a lot of rebound allowing the defending player to counterattack.

The right-handed player should position himself under the ball, impacting it at a high point, looking for the ball to be located on the left side of the head with his body slightly crossed (with his back to the net and generating a diagonal line of hit. 

You should look for the rebound to hit the start of the side wall.

The finish of the stroke should follow the line of the target, carrying a lift effect so that when the ball hits the second wall it slips and falls.

In this stroke the finish ends on the left side of the body.

We suggest that you use the grip a little too far to the backhand side.

Quick smash to the opponent’s feet

This variant of the fast smash is used especially when the defending players are standing in the last meter of the court (at the back) or when the opponents volley the smash.

This alternative smash makes the opponent has to defend with three alternatives:

1. With an early bounce.
2. With a volley from the back of the court.
3. After the rebound.

The result of this fast and deep smash is a fast and low rebound that is difficult to defend.

The right-handed player should be placed behind the ball impacting a little lower than in the smash to bring to the own field, looking for the ball located in front of the head, with the body sideways and slightly tilted forward generating the line of the blow to the target.

The termination of the stroke should end towards the intended target.

This smash is strong and flat, finishing the movement with the arm on the left side of the body.

We suggest that you use the continental grip for this stroke.

Smash cut or viper

We have seen this smash in the technical data sheet of the viper.

Suspension smash

This variant of smash is used when the opponent’s lob is deep or over the net and the player is ahead of the net, making an extra effort to go back, jump, hit and fall forward with the body to recover the attacking position (net).

It is a gesture that requires a lot of coordination and power in the legs for the jump.

The right-handed player must position himself quickly behind the ball, making a quick and short preparation, impacting the ball over the head looking for depth with the stroke, so that it allows him to recover the attacking position.

The body should be positioned while backing up prior to the jump, sideways or slightly forward depending on the direction you want to give to the delivery.

The safest direction for this stroke is cross, trying to play the opponent who is further back.

The finish of the stroke is medium, finishing towards the intended target.

We suggest that you use the continental grip for this stroke.

In case the opponent’s lob goes very deep, the player can choose to use the tray or let the lob pass and go out of the wall.

Smash and feint

This variant of smash requires coordination, technical skill, average preparation and decelerating the stroke during the execution, deceiving the opponent into believing that they will perform a power stroke.

Once executed, the opponent will be faced with a slow stroke and placed parallel, to the center or cross.

The right-handed player must position himself quickly behind the ball, make a quick and medium preparation, hit the ball over the head looking to decelerate through the

impact, achieving depth and little rebound with the stroke, deceiving the opponent. In this way the player will be ahead of the line to defend a long and high rebound when thinking that a power smash is coming, meeting with the feint (a slow and medium depth stroke). half-depth stroke).

The body should be placed prior to the jump to the side or slightly forward depending on the direction you want to give to the delivery.

The completion of the stroke is medium, finishing towards the intended target.

The muscle tone should be higher to avoid acceleration.

We suggest using the continental grip for this stroke, or a little more towards the backhand side.

The player should analyze prior to the stroke and according to his ability and the playing position of the opposing partner, the most convenient type of smash for each play, considering how he will reach the ball standing, if he can control the execution, how far from the net he will hit, with what degree of difficulty the ball is coming and where the opponents are located.

You should also take certain physical considerations into account:

• How he arrives positioned with his body for the execution according to the quality of the lob he receives.
• With what posture he hits, if he manages to position himself well he will be able to be more offensive.
• At what height he will be able to hit the ball
• Where the ball will be located at the moment of impact, distance from the body: above, to the side, on the left side, far to the right…

Due to the demands of the professional circuit, a competitive player or a player with projection must have a large part of this repertoire of smash variations.