technique
What is a hip-drive in padel?
The forward thrust of the hips through the shot that transfers lower-body power into the stroke
Definition
The forward thrust of the hips through the shot that transfers lower-body power into the stroke. Hip drive is especially important on attacking groundstrokes and smashes, where without it the ball arrives with insufficient pace to hurt the opponent.
Common questions
How do I add hip drive to my padel shots?
Start with the hips slightly behind the front foot at the start of the swing, then drive them forward through contact — similar to a baseball or cricket batting motion.
Why does hip drive matter in padel?
The hips are the largest muscular system in the body. Connecting them to your stroke multiplies power far more than any arm or wrist adjustment can.