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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.
Donostia-San Sebastián, the Basque Country's jewel, maintains 48+ padel courts. Coastal beauty and strong sports culture support high participation. Excellent facilities attract regional and international players.
Top clubs:
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.
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.
Contact in front of your body
Strike the ball in front of your leading hip — not level with your body (late contact) or too far ahead (loss of control). A cue: you should see the ball and your racket face in your peripheral vision simultaneously at contact.
Follow through toward your target
Swing through the ball toward your intended target. The follow-through determines direction more than the backswing. A compact, directed follow-through produces consistent placement.
Recover to centre
After every groundstroke, recover toward the centre baseline (not the centre of the court — stay near the baseline until you can transition to the net). Your partner should mirror your position.
Coach's 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.
Where can I practice the Groundstroke in Donostia-San Sebastián?
Most top Donostia-San Sebastián clubs offer court time suitable for Groundstroke drills — San Sebastián Padel Club, Club de Padel Donostia, Padel Center San Sebastián are good starting points. Many clubs also offer private coaching for technique work.
How often should I drill the Groundstroke?
For steady improvement, practice the Groundstroke 2-3 times per week in 15-minute focused blocks. Complement with match play so the shot becomes instinctive.
Who are the best Groundstroke coaches in Donostia-San Sebastián?
Donostia-San Sebastián has a growing coaching scene. Check San Sebastián Padel Club for certified padel coaches, and SmashIQ video analysis can supplement in-person coaching with objective technique feedback.
Master the Groundstroke with SmashIQ video analysis
AI technique scoring for every Groundstroke you hit. Launching June 2026 in Donostia-San Sebastián.
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