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Training Programme
The Returner Only players are defined by their signature ability to deploy Aggressive return drive, Return chip-and-charge, Angled return. Return-focused players whose primary role is attacking the serve and establishing offensive control from return position. The drills below are selected to sharpen your natural strengths and close the gaps around struggles serving, limited serve-holding ability, giving you a complete training routine purpose-built for your archetype.
Areas to develop
A focused drill session for The Returner Only players should last 45–60 minutes. Start with 10 minutes of footwork warmup, then move into 2–3 targeted drills from the list below at 80% intensity. Finish each session with 15 minutes of points play so the patterns transfer to match conditions.
Prioritise drills marked with your signature shot labels first — these reinforce your natural strengths and raise your ceiling. Then rotate through the “areas to develop” drills once per week so your weaknesses stop being exploited in matches.
At the advanced level, the biggest gains come from drilling edge-case scenarios and high-pressure simulations — the margins are small and execution under stress is what separates levels.
Execute block returns against powerful serves, using minimal backswing to absorb and redirect pace. Block returns are defensive tools that keep the ball in play and set up court positioning.
Why this drill
Targets the block return defensive technique technique, which aligns with The Returner Only's signature shot: Aggressive return drive.
Key steps
Execute chip returns with underspin against powerful serves, using a chopping motion to create slice that limits serve pace and controls bounce. Chip returns set up defensive positioning and disrupt server rhythm.
Why this drill
Targets the chip return underspin technique technique, which aligns with The Returner Only's signature shot: Return chip-and-charge.
Key steps
Execute lob returns over aggressive net-rushing servers, pushing them back and creating defensive opportunities. Lob returns disrupt serve-and-volley strategies and reset the point baseline positioning.
Why this drill
Targets the lob return defensive option technique, which aligns with The Returner Only's signature shot: Return chip-and-charge.
Key steps
Master the return of serve, the critical offensive opportunity to break serve and control the point from the start. Beginner returns focus on consistent contact, directional control, and aggressive positioning.
Why this drill
Targets the return of serve fundamentals technique, which aligns with The Returner Only's signature shot: Return chip-and-charge.
Key steps
Execute flat serves with maximum speed and minimal spin for aggressive serve-and-volley strategies. Flat serves are the most powerful serve variation, ideal for setting up first volleys and service-game dominance.
Why this drill
Targets the flat serve power and placement technique, which aligns with The Returner Only's signature shot: Aggressive return drive.
Key steps
Master the serve-plus-one pattern, the fundamental serve-and-volley sequence where you serve, advance to net, and finish the first volley. Serve-plus-one dominance wins service games.
Why this drill
Targets the serve-plus-one first volley aggression technique, which aligns with The Returner Only's signature shot: Aggressive return drive.
Key steps
Signature shot reinforcement — Aggressive return drive
Weakness drilling — struggles serving
Match-play integration — apply drilled patterns in live points
What are the best drills for a The Returner Only padel player?
The Returner Only players benefit most from drills targeting their signature shots and plugging key weaknesses. Core practice areas include: Aggressive return drive, Return chip-and-charge and addressing gaps like struggles serving, limited serve-holding ability.
How often should a The Returner Only player drill?
For steady improvement, aim for 3–4 focused drill sessions per week. Each session should include 10–20 minutes of targeted solo or pair work, followed by match-play so the patterns become instinctive under pressure. As a advanced-level archetype, The Returner Only players benefit from mixing technique repetition with tactical practice.
How does SmashIQ video analysis help The Returner Only players improve?
SmashIQ analyses every shot in your match footage and flags specific technique patterns. For The Returner Only players, it tracks metrics directly relevant to your style — Aggressive return drive execution, positioning, and error patterns. You get objective data on where your game matches the The Returner Only profile and where drilling will unlock the most improvement.
Track your progress with SmashIQ video analysis
Upload your match footage and SmashIQ identifies exactly which The Returner Onlypatterns you're executing well and which drills will move the needle fastest. Objective data, not guesswork.
Join the waitlist →Not sure if The Returner Only is the right label for your game? Read the full archetype profile for tactical breakdowns, famous examples, and how to counter it.
The Returner Only archetype profile →