Padel strokes resemble tennis, but they are a little different: the racket is shorter and solid, you play off the walls, and control matters more than power. This guide shows you how to hit each basic stroke cleanly.
Never played before? Start with your first time playing padel. The rules are in how to play padel.
Grip and stance
Use the continental grip (hammer grip) for everything: hold the racket like a hammer. That lets you play forehand, backhand and volley without switching — exactly what you need in fast rallies. Bend your knees, weight on the balls of your feet, racket in front of you.
The forehand and backhand
Keep the motion compact: short backswing, hit the ball in front of you, and brush low-to-high for control. As a beginner, play the backhand with two hands for stability and a steady racket face. No big swing: in padel you trade power for control and timing.
The volley
Play the volley short at the net, without a backswing. Think of it as blocking: firm wrist, racket face slightly open, and push the ball back under control. The shorter the motion, the more reliable the volley.
The serve
The serve is underhand and below waist height. Bounce the ball once behind the service line, then hit it at waist height diagonally into the service box. Aim for placement, not power.
The bandeja
The bandeja is padel's signature stroke: a controlled smash at eye level with a slight slicing motion. Use it on a lob that is just too deep to finish. The goal isn't a winner but a low, deep return that keeps you at the net.
Playing off the wall (technique)
On a ball heading for your back wall: turn with it, let it bounce on the floor first and then come off the glass, step behind it and play it back calmly low-to-high. The skill is waiting — give the ball time to come off the glass instead of swinging too early.
From the court: the biggest technique gain for beginners is simple: shorten your swing. Stop winding up and take the ball in front of you, and you'll play much cleaner straight away.
How to practise the strokes
You can practise a lot against the wall on your own; the finer details come in a lesson or during the warm-up. A few useful drills:
Grip and stance (no ball)
Take the continental grip and practise the ready position until it feels automatic.
Forehand and backhand off the wall
Calm strokes at 3-4 metres, ball in front of you, compact motion.
Blocking volleys
Block short volleys close to the wall, no backswing.
Returning the wall ball
Let the ball come off the back wall after the bounce and play it back low.
Common technique mistakes
- Too big a swing — keep the motion short.
- Switching grip between shots; with the continental grip you don't need to.
- Hitting too early on a wall ball — wait for the bounce.
- Straight legs — bend your knees for balance and control.
Reliable sources
Technique is best learned visually. Watch the free lessons from The Padel School (one of the best-known padel coaching channels) and the official rules at the International Padel Federation (FIP). Want to play smart with those strokes? Read our tips for beginners.
Frequently asked questions
Is padel easier than tennis?
For beginners usually yes: a shorter racket, a smaller court and the walls give you more time.
Which grip do you use in padel?
The continental grip (hammer grip) for forehand, backhand and volley, so you never have to switch.
What is a bandeja?
A controlled smash at eye level that returns the ball low and deep while keeping you at the net.
Do you play the backhand with one or two hands?
As a beginner, often with two hands: it gives stability and a steadier racket face.
How many lessons do I need?
One or two lessons cover the basic strokes; after that you learn most by playing and practising against the wall.