Moving Back for a Lob in Padel
Also known as: padel overhead footwork, moving back for a lob padel, padel lob footwork, footwork for the bandeja, crossover step padel, turning for a lob padel
To move back for a lob in padel, turn sideways first. Then move back with side shuffles or crossover steps while your free arm points at the ball. Get slightly behind the ball and stop before you hit. Many coaches warn against backpedaling while facing the net. It is slower and makes a fall more likely.
Turn first. As soon as you see the lob, rotate your hips and shoulders side-on, with your hitting shoulder back. This one move sets up the bandeja, víbora or smash and starts your retreat.
For a short move, side shuffle with your feet staying apart. For a longer one, use crossover steps. Keep the free arm up to track the ball. Aim to arrive a little behind the contact point. You can then step forward into the shot instead of reaching back for it.
Decide while you move. If you are set and the ball is in front of you, play a bandeja or víbora and hold the net. If the lob is going past you, stop chasing it. Turn and run back to play it off the glass, and call it to your partner. If it drifts over your non-hitting shoulder, a gancho may fit.
Tips by skill level
Practise the turn on its own. Have a partner call 'lob' and turn sideways with your free arm up before you take any step.
Use the first step to read depth. If you are behind the ball after one or two steps, attack it. If not, let it go to the glass.
Example
Lobbed at the net, Carmen used to backpedal and hit bandejas off her back foot. Now she turns sideways first and takes two crossover steps. She arrives behind the ball and plays the bandeja deep with her weight moving forward.
Why it matters
Many padel points turn on a lob over the net player's head. Good footwork lets you hit the overhead balanced and keep the net instead of giving it up.
Common mistakes
- Backpedaling while facing the net
- Turning late and hitting off the back foot
- Dropping the free arm and losing track of the ball
- Chasing a lob that is going past you instead of letting it reach the glass
Frequently asked questions
How do I move back for a lob in padel?
Turn sideways first, then side shuffle or crossover step back with your free arm pointing at the ball. Get slightly behind it and stop before you hit.
Should I backpedal for a lob in padel?
Many coaches advise against it. Backpedaling while facing the net is slower and makes it easier to fall. Turn sideways and use shuffles or crossover steps instead.
What footwork do I need for a bandeja?
Turn side-on as the lob goes up, move back with small shuffles or crossover steps and arrive slightly behind the ball. Then step forward into the shot.
Related terms
- BandejaA bandeja is a controlled sliced overhead — Spanish for "tray" — hit to maintain net position while placing the ball deep with backspin, prioritizing position preservation over outright winning the point.
- Net-to-Back TransitionThe Net-to-Back Transition is the movement a pair makes from the attacking net zone to the defensive back position when lobbed. This requires synchronized retreat, correct positioning, and immediate readiness to play off the back glass.
- FootworkFootwork in padel is all the movement that sets you up for your next shot with balance and power. It includes split steps, side steps, sprints, and recovery steps.
- GanchoA gancho is a padel overhead for a lob that drifts over your non-dominant shoulder, the left one for a right-hander. Turn your shoulders, reach up with a straight arm and hit over the top of your head, slightly downward. Aim for a deep bounce that comes off the glass and dies near the back. That lets you hold the net.
- Beginner Mistake: Smashing Every LobSmashing every lob is the beginner habit of hitting every overhead at full power, whatever the situation. It leads to more unforced errors than smashing selectively.
- 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.
Related guides & benchmarks
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