Basic Forehand in Padel: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
What It Is
The basic forehand in padel is one of the two main groundstrokes.
It’s the shot you hit on your dominant side after the ball bounces.
Unlike tennis, the swing in padel is:
More compact
Shorter
More controlled
Less exaggerated
Padel is about control and positioning — not big swings.
When to Use It
Use the forehand:
During baseline rallies
When returning medium-paced balls
When building the point with control
After the ball rebounds from the glass
It’s your most reliable rally shot.
Who Should Use It?
Beginner
Yes — this is the first attacking groundstroke to master.
Intermediate
Yes — improving footwork and timing increases consistency.
Advanced
Absolutely — advanced players still rely on a compact, efficient forehand to control rallies.
The basics remain the same at every level.
Step-by-Step Execution
The basic padel forehand has three simple parts.
Keep it compact and controlled.
1. Take the Racket Back with Shoulder Turn
From your ready position:
Turn your shoulders.
Take the racket straight back.
Keep the racket head slightly above your wrist.
Keep it compact — don’t over-swing.
👉 The racket goes back before your feet fully adjust.
This sets up timing and balance.
2. Move Your Feet and Get Sideways
Turn your body slightly sideways.
Step into the ball.
Stay balanced.
Keep your knees slightly bent.
Weight should transfer from back foot to front foot.
If the ball is higher:
Your racket may start slightly higher.
But the action stays compact.
3. Smooth Forward Swing and Contact in Front
Swing forward smoothly.
Contact the ball just in front of your front hip.
Keep the swing mostly level.
Short, controlled follow-through.
No big wrap-around finish.
Padel forehands are compact and efficient.
Common Mistakes
❌ Taking a big tennis-style backswing
❌ Hitting with no shoulder turn
❌ Contacting the ball too late
❌ Standing upright with no knee bend
❌ Swinging too hard instead of staying controlled
Padel rewards control more than power.
Simple Key Reminders
If you only remember a few things:
Racket back first
Turn your shoulders
Stay compact
Contact in front
Smooth, controlled swing
That’s it.
Clean. Simple. Repeatable.
A solid basic forehand is the foundation of every good padel rally.
