Rhythm and footwork: returning to court after a break
Key takeaway from our Guru
How do I regain my rhythm and timing after a long break from padel?
Avoid playing points immediately and focus on hitting many balls to find your rhythm. Prioritize moving your feet to get into position and hitting the center of the racket, as your processing speed will naturally improve with repetition.
What this lesson covers
Getting back on court after a break requires managing expectations and prioritizing high-volume ball contact over match play. The focus remains on finding rhythm, adjusting footwork, and ensuring clean contact in the center of the racket. Players often experience a processing delay when returning, making it necessary to prioritize movement and positioning over high-intensity shots.
Drills involve staying at the back of the court to practice hitting and moving, which builds consistency and timing. When defending, the goal is to neutralize fast balls by slowing the pace or using a chiquita to move the opponent. This training approach is ideal for intermediate players looking to regain their feel for the ball and court geometry after time away.
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Original video
Added on Sep 19, 2026
Behind the Scenes: Sandy and Tom Training After a Longer Break
Good for
Skill level
Court position
Net, Service line, Backcourt, Corner
Play style
Control
Secondary shot
Volley
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