The Comeback Kid Training Drills

Recommended drills

1. 1

   Back Glass Recovery Technique

   intermediate20–30 min

   Master recovery shots off the back glass when balls are hit deep into your court. Back glass recoveries transition defensive positions into offensive play and extend rallies.

   Why this drill

   Addresses a key gap for The Comeback Kid: psychological scars from setback.

   Key steps

   1. 1.Glass Impact Positioning: Position yourself near the back glass when the opponent hits balls deep, prepared for potential glass contact.
   2. 2.Ball Tracking After Glass: Track the ball's path after it hits the glass, identifying the rebound direction and bounce point.
   3. +4 more steps on the drill page
   Tip: Don't panic at the glass; most rebounds can be managed with a simple controlled recovery shot.
   View full drill guide →
2. 2

   Bandeja

   all20–30 min

   The bandeja (Spanish: tray) is a controlled overhead played with a flat motion. It keeps you at the net rather than going for a winner — the high-percentage choice in 80% of overhead situations.

   Why this drill

   Builds the bandeja skills that round out The Comeback Kid's overall game.

   Key steps

   1. 1.Set your position early: As soon as you read a lob, move sideways — not straight back. Get your feet level with the ball's expected contact point before it arrives. Late positioning is the #1 cause of missed bandejas.
   2. 2.Racket back at shoulder height: Prepare with the racket face slightly open, arm extended but not locked. Unlike a tennis serve, you're not reaching up — contact is around shoulder height, not above your head.
   3. +3 more steps on the drill page
   Tip: At any level: a soft bandeja that stays in is worth 10× more than a hard smash that goes out. Treat it as a positioning reset, not a winner attempt.
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3. 3

   Vibora

   all20–30 min

   The vibora (Spanish: viper) is an overhead with topspin and sidespin, causing the ball to kick aggressively off the back glass. Advanced technique typically for A1+ players.

   Why this drill

   Builds the vibora skills that round out The Comeback Kid's overall game.

   Key steps

   1. 1.Identify the right ball: The vibora works on balls at mid-height (shoulder to ear level) when your opponents are at the net. For balls above your head, use a smash. For balls below shoulder height, use a bandeja.
   2. 2.Same preparation as a bandeja: Take up identical body position to your bandeja — feet, weight, racket position. The deception value of the vibora comes entirely from this identical preparation.
   3. +3 more steps on the drill page
   Tip: A flat vibora that goes deep is more effective than a mistimed spinning shot. Build timing before adding spin.
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4. 4

   Serve

   all20–30 min

   The padel serve: bounce the ball, hit it underarm below waist height, cross-court into the service box. Unlike tennis, the serve is a starting gun — not a weapon. Placement and transition to net matter most.

   Why this drill

   Builds the serve skills that round out The Comeback Kid's overall game.

   Key steps

   1. 1.Grip and stance: Stand behind the service line, feet shoulder-width apart. Continental or Eastern grip works for most players. The ball is bounced — not tossed — before contact.
   2. 2.Bounce the ball: Let the ball bounce once in front of you. Contact must happen below your waist. This is the main rule difference from tennis — height restriction creates a natural power cap.
   3. +3 more steps on the drill page
   Tip: A consistent serve in the right box, every time, beats an unreliable power serve. Get it in and get to the net.
   View full drill guide →
5. 5

   Lob

   all20–30 min

   The lob is padel's most important defensive shot. When opponents are at the net, a deep lob to the back glass forces them back and resets the rally. Essential at every level.

   Why this drill

   Builds the lob skills that round out The Comeback Kid's overall game.

   Key steps

   1. 1.Read the trigger: The lob is played when opponents are at or near the net and you're under pressure in the back third of the court. Recognise this situation early — don't wait until the ball is on you.
   2. 2.Low-to-high swing path: Start the racket below the ball and swing upward. Unlike a flat groundstroke, the upward path adds height and reduces pace. Topspin helps the ball drop quickly after clearing the net players.
   3. +3 more steps on the drill page
   Tip: The defensive lob saves the point. The offensive lob wins it. Learn the defensive version first — it's the foundation of every padel game.
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6. 6

   Smash

   all20–30 min

   The overhead smash in padel: less dominant than in tennis due to the enclosed court, but essential for high balls. Used when the ball sits well above head height. For mid-height balls, prefer the bandeja or vibora.

   Why this drill

   Builds the smash skills that round out The Comeback Kid's overall game.

   Key steps

   1. 1.Identify the right ball: Smash only balls above your head. Balls at shoulder height → bandeja or vibora. Balls below shoulder → don't smash. A smash on a low ball usually produces an error or a short ball.
   2. 2.Turn and move back: As the lob goes up, turn sideways (shoulder facing the net) and take 2 steps back to let the ball drop to the right height. Don't stand flat-footed — let the ball come to you.
   3. +3 more steps on the drill page
   Tip: In padel, most smash errors come from smashing the wrong ball. A bandeja is almost always the right choice for mid-height balls — resist the urge to smash everything.
   View full drill guide →

FAQs

Other advanced archetypes

• → The Veteran training drills
• → The Late Starter training drills
• → The Rising Star training drills
• → The Quick Hitter training drills