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Ready position and split step

With the right ready position and the split step you get to every ball in time, at the net and at the back.

BasicsBeginner

By Yves Richel ·

Most mistakes in padel do not happen during the shot but before it: if you are late in position, you hit the ball late. The ready position and the split step make sure you can move off in any direction right away.

The ready position

  1. 1Feet a little more than shoulder-width apart, weight on the balls of your feet.
  2. 2Knees slightly bent, upper body leaning slightly forward.
  3. 3Racket in front of your body at chest height, racket head pointing up. Your free hand supports the racket at the throat.

The split step

At the moment your opponent hits the ball, you do a small hop and land on the balls of both feet. Your muscles are pre-loaded, and you can turn to the ball right away.

At the net the split step matters most, because the balls come fast there. At the back it helps you decide in time whether to play the ball before or after the wall.

Common mistakes

  • Standing with straight legs: your first step comes too late.
  • Letting the racket hang down: there is no time to bring it back up for fast volleys.
  • Doing the split step too early and already landing again when the ball arrives.

Drill: Split step on cue

  1. Your partner stands opposite you with a ball in hand.
  2. They throw the ball to your left or right. At the moment they throw, you do the split step.
  3. Catch the ball with your racket hand and go straight back into the ready position. 3 rounds of 10 throws.

Frequently asked questions

How high should the split step be?

Only a few centimetres. It is about pre-loading, not jumping.

Do I also split step when my partner hits?

No, when your opponent hits. When your partner hits, you move into position.

Still have a question about technique? Pal, our AI assistant at the bottom right, answers from these pages.