Low Volley at the Feet
Also known as: low volley padel, volley at my feet padel, how do I volley a ball at my feet, block volley padel, deep volley padel, volleying low balls padel
To volley a ball at your feet, bend your knees to get low, open the racket face and block the ball softly. Lift it over the net toward the middle or deep, not short. Do not try to attack a ball below net height. Save the punch volley for balls above the net, and use a block volley against hard hits.
Padel volleys come in a few types. A deep volley, or push volley, sends the ball past the service line to keep the opponents back. A block volley absorbs a hard shot with a firm, short action. A low volley is any ball you must play below net height.
For a low ball, drop your body, not just the racket. Bend your knees and keep your back fairly straight. Open the face and meet the ball in front. Use almost no swing. The ball must travel up to clear the net, so it cannot be hit down hard.
Aim with safety in mind. A soft ball down the middle or a deep block buys time. Then step back into position. If the opponents keep hitting at your feet, stand a step further back from the net.
Tips by skill level
Think 'low body, open face, soft hands' for any ball below the net.
Place the low volley where it lands deep and low on the opponents' side. A ball that stays low forces them to lift, which gives you the next volley.
Example
The opponents dip a fast ball at Ivo's feet. He bends low, opens the face and blocks it deep down the middle, then resets at the net.
Why it matters
Opponents target your feet because low volleys are hard to attack. A safe low volley keeps you at the net instead of giving away the point.
Common mistakes
- Bending at the waist instead of the knees
- Swinging at a low ball and hitting it into the net
- Trying to win the point from below net height
- Standing so close to the net that every ball reaches your feet
Frequently asked questions
How do I volley a ball at my feet in padel?
Bend your knees, open the racket face and block the ball softly over the net. Aim deep or down the middle rather than trying to attack.
What is a block volley in padel?
It is a short, firm volley that absorbs a hard shot and sends it back with little swing. Players use it against fast balls.
Sources
Related terms
- VolleyA volley in padel is a shot struck before the ball bounces, usually from the net zone. It keeps pressure on, cuts off angles, and finishes points.
- Half-VolleyA Half-Volley in padel is struck immediately after the ball bounces — essentially scooping it off the ground — usually used as an emergency shot when the ball lands at the feet in the net zone.
- Padel Net Ready PositionAt the padel net, many coaches teach holding the racket up in front of you at about chest height, with the head above your hand. Use a relaxed continental grip, bend your knees and keep your weight forward on the balls of your feet. Split-step as the opponent hits. You can then volley either side or reach up for a lob without a big backswing.
- 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.
- Net ControlNet control means a pair holding the front of the court, padel's dominant attacking position. They volley down and smash, while the back pair can only defend and lob.
Related guides & benchmarks
Put this into practice
Ask SwingVantage a follow-up question about this, or keep reading the related terms above.