Defending backspin: footwork and racket control
Key takeaway from our Guru
How do I defend against low balls with heavy backspin?
You must keep your racket low and tilted open to wait for the ball as it drops off the glass. Use your core rotation to drive the ball forward instead of just pushing it.
What this lesson covers
Low shots with heavy backspin die against the glass rather than bouncing forward. To neutralize these balls, the player must pivot and step back immediately rather than running or crossing the legs. A large, controlled step keeps the body balanced and ready to react to the unpredictable drop of the ball.
The racket must stay low and tilted open before the ball hits the glass. By adapting the wrist position, the racket waits below the ball for the moment it drops off the glass. Proper core rotation then drives the shot forward. This technique allows the player to return the ball effectively or execute a lob to regain the net position or reset the defensive stance.
New lessons, in your inbox
We add lessons from the creators we learn from every week. Get the new ones, our racket reviews and what the creators are making, every other week.
Original video
Added on Apr 2, 2026
Good for
Keywords
Support Tasty - Play Hard | PADEL
Every lesson on this page is Tasty - Play Hard | PADEL's work. If it helped your game, subscribe on YouTube and tell them.
Subscribe on YouTube