The Soft Touch Training Drills

Recommended drills

1. 1

   Drop Volley Finesse

   intermediate20–30 min

   Master the soft, delicate drop volley executed at the net with minimal racket motion. This touch shot lands just over the net within a few feet, creating unreturnable balls when opponents are pushed back.

   Why this drill

   Targets the drop volley finesse technique, which aligns with The Soft Touch's signature shot: Soft volley drops.

   Key steps

   1. 1.Net Position Setup: Position yourself at the net with knees bent and racket up, preparing for a quick reaction on an incoming ball.
   2. 2.Soft Grip Adjustment: Loosen your grip slightly to allow the racket to absorb the incoming ball's pace gently.
   3. +4 more steps on the drill page
   Tip: The drop volley is about feel and touch, not power. Think of catching the ball rather than hitting it.
   View full drill guide →
2. 2

   Side-Wall Lob Creative Shot

   advanced20–30 min

   Execute lobs that interact with the sidewall before landing in the opponent's court, creating difficult angles and recovery situations. Side-wall lobs demonstrate advanced spatial awareness and creative shot-making.

   Why this drill

   Targets the side-wall lob creative shot technique, which aligns with The Soft Touch's signature shot: Angle finishes.

   Key steps

   1. 1.Angle Identification: Identify when a high lob can interact with the sidewall, creating a new trajectory toward the opponent's court.
   2. 2.Lob Angle Calculation: Calculate the angle needed to hit the sidewall at a height that redirects the ball over the opponent's baseline.
   3. +4 more steps on the drill page
   Tip: Side-wall lobs are creative shots; use them strategically when opponents are predictable or out of position.
   View full drill guide →
3. 3

   Net Play

   all20–30 min

   Net play — occupying and dominating the net zone — is how padel matches are won. The pair that controls the net controls the point. Everything else supports getting and staying at the net.

   Why this drill

   Builds the net play skills that round out The Soft Touch's overall game.

   Key steps

   1. 1.Take up correct net position: 1–1.5m from the net, slightly inside the singles sideline. Your racket should be at chest height, not low by your side. Weight forward, ready to move.
   2. 2.Communicate with your partner: In doubles, net play requires constant partner coordination. Who takes the middle ball? Who goes wide? Agree on signals (tap head = I take lobs; point forward = I'm going for the cross-court) before match starts.
   3. +3 more steps on the drill page
   Tip: Every transition toward the net — after a serve, after a deep shot, after a lob — matters more than any individual shot. Build the habit of moving to the net as your default.
   View full drill guide →
4. 4

   Groundstroke

   all20–30 min

   Groundstrokes — forehands and backhands played after one bounce — are the baseline of padel technique. Unlike tennis, most padel groundstrokes aim to set up net play rather than win points outright.

   Why this drill

   Builds the groundstroke skills that round out The Soft Touch's overall game.

   Key steps

   1. 1.Ready position: Between shots, stand in a split step — feet shoulder-width apart, weight forward on the balls of your feet, racket held centrally. The split step loads your muscles to move in any direction.
   2. 2.Early backswing: Start your backswing the moment you read the direction of the incoming ball — not when it's arriving. In padel, early preparation is more important than in tennis because courts are smaller and balls come faster off glass.
   3. +3 more steps on the drill page
   Tip: In padel, groundstrokes are a vehicle to get to the net — not a weapon to win points. Every groundstroke should be played with the net transition in mind.
   View full drill guide →
5. 5

   Cross-Court Drive Power

   intermediate20–30 min

   Hit powerful cross-court drives from the baseline, moving the opponent side-to-side and opening the court for winners. Cross-court drives combine depth and power to dominate rallies and create offensive opportunities.

   Why this drill

   Builds the cross-court drive power skills that round out The Soft Touch's overall game.

   Key steps

   1. 1.Stance and Setup: Position yourself in an open or closed stance with weight on your back foot, ready to rotate your shoulders.
   2. 2.Grip and Backswing: Use an eastern or semi-western grip with a smooth backswing that takes the racket below knee height.
   3. +4 more steps on the drill page
   Tip: Cross-court drives are your power weapon from the baseline. Aim for a consistent landing zone 3-5 feet from the baseline.
   View full drill guide →
6. 6

   Split-Step Volley Timing

   beginner20–30 min

   Master the split-step, the fundamental timing mechanism that prepares you for quick volley reactions. Perfect split-step timing enables quick directional changes and explosive volley responses.

   Why this drill

   Builds the split-step volley timing skills that round out The Soft Touch's overall game.

   Key steps

   1. 1.Ready Position at Net: Stand at the net with knees bent, weight balanced on the balls of your feet, racket at chest height.
   2. 2.Opponent Strike Anticipation: Watch your opponent's racket preparation, identifying the exact moment they begin their swing.
   3. +4 more steps on the drill page
   Tip: Timing is critical; execute the split-step exactly as your opponent strikes the ball, not before or after.
   View full drill guide →

FAQs

Other advanced archetypes

• → The Finisher training drills
• → The Net Rusher training drills
• → The Poacher training drills
• → The Quick Hitter training drills