Padel Forehand and Backhand (Derecha and Revés)
Also known as: padel forehand, padel backhand, padel groundstrokes, derecha, revés, reves, how to hit a forehand in padel, how to hit a backhand in padel
Padel groundstrokes are compact. Turn early, keep the backswing short, and meet the ball in front of your body at about waist height or lower. Many coaches teach a slight slice to keep the ball low. Aim deep or at the opponents' feet rather than going for winners.
The derecha (forehand) and revés (backhand) are the basic shots from the back of the court. Many coaches teach a continental grip for both. Prepare early with a short takeback and the racket head up. Step toward the ball and swing forward with a slightly open face. Finish toward your target. A full tennis swing is too long for the pace and space of padel.
Power rarely wins from the back. Hard, deep balls bounce off the opponents' back glass and come back to them. Aim low over the net at the feet of the net players, through the middle or as a soft chiquita. When the opponents are deep, a flatter drive can work. When they hold the net, a lob is often the better choice.
Many players hit the revés with one hand. It reaches wider balls and moves easily into the backhand volley. A two-handed revés gives many newer players more stability. Many groundstrokes are played after the ball comes off the back or side glass. Let it come out, turn sideways and play it as it drops. Move forward through the shot.
Tips by skill level
Rally from the back with a partner. Use a short takeback and a gentle slice. Aim every ball low over the net and through the middle.
Mix slice, flat and topspin by situation. Slice low at net players, hit flatter when they are deep, and use topspin on lobs to push them back.
Example
Pinned at the back, she lets a deep ball come off the glass. She turns sideways and slices a low revés at the net player's feet. He has to volley up, and her partner moves in.
Why it matters
Groundstrokes start most points from the back. Compact, low shots keep you in the rally until you can lob or take the net.
Common mistakes
- Using a long, looping tennis swing
- Hitting heavy topspin that sits up for the net players
- Hitting deep, hard balls that rebound off the opponents' glass
- Making contact late, beside or behind the body
Frequently asked questions
How do I hit a forehand in padel?
Turn early with a short takeback and the racket head up. Step toward the ball and meet it in front of your body at waist height or lower. Swing through with a slightly open face to keep the ball low, and aim at the net players' feet or the middle.
Should I hit slice or topspin in padel?
Many coaches teach slice as the default from the back. It keeps the ball low and rebounds softly off the glass. Many players save topspin for lobs and some passing shots.
Can I use a two-handed backhand in padel?
Yes. A two-handed revés gives many players more stability, especially early on. A one-handed revés reaches wider balls and moves more easily into the backhand volley.
Related terms
- Continental GripThe Continental Grip is padel's most versatile hold and the recommended default. Forehands, backhands, volleys and serves all come off it without the hand moving.
- Backhand GripThe Backhand Grip in padel is the Continental turned slightly toward an Eastern Backhand. Some players use it for more topspin and racket-face stability on backhand drives.
- Flat DriveA Flat Drive in padel is a low, fast, topspin-free groundstroke aimed to pass or pin opponents at the net by travelling fast through the court rather than over them.
- ChiquitaA chiquita (Spanish for "little one") is a soft, dipping ball hit at the net players' feet. It forces them to volley up, neutralizing their net position without risking a lob.
- Back GlassThe Back Glass is the tall transparent wall at each end of a padel court. This players use intentionally to extend rallies by letting shots rebound back into play.
- Racket PreparationRacket Preparation is the early rotation of the shoulders and positioning of the racket head before the ball arrives — the first technical movement of any padel groundstroke and a prerequisite for consistent, balanced shot-making.
Related guides & benchmarks
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