Which Padel Forehand Should You Use? (Flat vs Topspin)
One of the biggest mistakes players make, especially coming from tennis, is using too much topspin at the back of the court.
In padel, the forehand is different.
Most of the time, flat beats topspin.
Here’s how to know which one to use, and how to use it correctly.
1. What It Is
At the back of the court, you mainly have two forehand options:
The Flat Forehand
Neutral racket face
Direct through the ball
Minimal spin
The Topspin Forehand
Slightly closed racket face
Brush up the back of the ball
Light spin to help the ball dip
In padel, topspin is used differently than in tennis.
You are not trying to make it kick high.
You are trying to make it dip lower over the net.
2. When to Use It
Use Flat Most of the Time
Flat is your default.
Best used when:
You want disguise (body, middle, chiquita, or lob)
You’re under pressure
The ball comes off the back glass
The ball is high (chest height or above)
You need control
Flat gives you options.
From the same preparation you can:
Drive to the body
Play down the middle
Drop a chiquita
Lift a lob
That disguise is powerful.
Use Topspin Occasionally
Topspin is useful when:
The ball is lower and in front of you
You’re balanced
You want the ball to dip to the opponent’s feet
You’re playing cross-court
The net player is slightly deep
Important:
If you hit too much topspin and it hits the glass, it will sit up nicely for your opponent.
That’s why topspin is limited in padel.
3. Who Should Use It?
Beginners
Learn flat first.
Remove topspin completely at the start.
Focus on control and depth.
Flat builds your base.
Intermediate Players
Use flat 80–90% of the time.
Add light topspin only when balanced and attacking.
Understand when glass makes topspin dangerous.
Advanced Players
Mix flat and light topspin strategically.
Use topspin to dip balls cross-court to the feet.
Avoid over-rotation and tennis habits.
At higher levels, experienced players punish heavy topspin off the glass.
4. Step-by-Step Execution
A) How to Hit the Flat Forehand
Step 1: Early Preparation
Turn shoulders.
Compact backswing.
Stay balanced.
Step 2: Neutral Racket Face
Don’t close excessively.
Contact in front.
Step 3: Smooth Through the Ball
Drive forward.
No excessive wrist action.
Controlled acceleration.
Step 4: Decide Late
From the same setup you can:
Speed up
Slow down
Drop short
Lob
That’s the advantage.
B) How to Hit Light Topspin (Padel Version)
This is not tennis topspin.
Step 1: Same Preparation as Flat
Don’t exaggerate the loop.
Step 2: Slightly Close the Racket Face
Just a little.
Step 3: Brush Lightly at Contact
Minimal upward motion.
Small wrist adjustment.
No huge leg drive.
You’re trying to make the ball:
Travel fast
Dip slightly
Stay low at the opponent’s feet
Not kick high.
5. Common Mistakes
Using heavy tennis topspin
Big loop backswing
Trying to generate massive spin
Hitting topspin when the ball is high
Using topspin off the back glass
Making topspin your default
Big mistake:
Thinking topspin equals control.
In padel, heavy topspin often gives your opponent an easier ball off the glass.
6. Simple Key Reminders
Flat is your foundation.
Topspin is a small adjustment, not a full tennis swing.
Don’t use topspin off the glass.
Don’t use topspin on high balls.
Use light topspin cross-court to dip to the feet.
Learn flat first. Add spin later.
If you’re coming from tennis:
Remove topspin from your game for a while.
Master flat first.
Then bring a little spin back in, with purpose.
That’s how you build a smart padel forehand.
