The ball hits the back glass and comes towards you. A balanced return can keep you in the rally. This guide covers the back-wall return, a defensive situation worth practising patiently.
Which shot are we practising?
The aim is to return the ball after it rebounds from the back wall. This is different from a volley at the net. The illustration shows the sequence: the ball first bounces on the floor, then rebounds from the glass, and finally you prepare the return towards the net. It is a schematic illustration, not a drawing to scale.
Preparing the return
Make room for the rebound, turn your shoulders and adjust your distance with small steps. Prepare your racket and bend your knees for a low ball. Seek a comfortable contact in front of your body: crowding either the glass or the ball restricts your movement. A high rebound with enough time may offer a more attacking option, but there is no need to attack every return.
Technical reference: forehand back-wall return explanation and demonstration.
The lob option
To lift the ball, prepare the racket below it and follow through upwards and forwards. Bending your knees helps organise the action. Explore Roby Pampin’s practice demonstrations.
A PADEL VS practice suggestion
Set aside part of your next session to observe the rebound. Ask your coach for a simple sequence and note what happens when you miss: are you late, too close to the ball or aiming at a difficult target? Work on one adjustment at a time. This is a suggested practice activity, not a category assessment.
