Padel Net Ready Position
Also known as: padel ready position, ready position at the net padel, racket position at the net padel, padel volley ready position, where to hold the racket at the net in padel
At 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.
Padel volleys come fast and from close range. A racket held low or to one side is late on balls at the body. With the racket up and in front, you can block or punch a volley on either side with a short turn of the shoulders. Many coaches suggest keeping it slightly toward the backhand side. From there the backhand volley covers balls at the body.
Where you stand depends on the ball. Move in when the opponents hit from low or deep. Give ground when they are set up to lob. Keep the racket up while you move.
Stay balanced, not tense. A relaxed grip reacts faster and soaks up hard drives. Many coaches teach firming the grip only at contact. After each volley, bring the racket straight back to the ready position and split-step again as the opponent strikes.
Tips by skill level
Keep the racket head where you can see it, in front of your chest, between every shot at the net.
A centered, raised racket also hides your intent. Opponents cannot tell whether you will punch, block or reach for the lob.
Example
Waiting at the net, Hugo holds his racket low by his knee and is late to a drive at his chest. His coach has him hold it up in front at chest height. He blocks the next drive back with his backhand volley.
Why it matters
At the net there is little time to prepare. A good ready position makes your volleys earlier and steadier and helps you react to lobs.
Common mistakes
- Holding the racket low or down by your side between shots
- Standing flat-footed with straight legs
- Gripping the racket tightly while waiting
- Taking a big backswing on fast volleys
Frequently asked questions
Where should I hold my racket at the net in padel?
Up in front of your chest, with the racket head above your hand. Many coaches suggest keeping it slightly toward the backhand side. From there you can cover both sides and balls at your body.
What is the ready position in padel?
Knees bent, weight forward and the racket up in front with a relaxed continental grip. At the net, split-step as the opponent hits and return to this position after every shot.
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.
- Split StepThe Split Step is a small two-footed hop taken just as the opponent strikes the ball, loading weight onto both feet at the same time so the player can push off right away in any direction.
- Net ZoneThe Net Zone, closest to the net, is padel's dominant attacking position. Players there can volley, smash, and pressure opponents without the glass being a factor.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
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