The coach helps Mathijs, a tennis player with paddle experience, improve his volleys for better control and aggression on the padel court. They introduce the block play drill, where Mathijs practices hitting two balls at once with a small backswing for maximum control. The coach emphasizes proper racket positioning, stepping in, and hitting the ball next to the body for effective follow-through.
Hitting next to the body
Mathijs is advised to avoid hitting the ball in front of him and instead focus on hitting it next to his body. The coach demonstrates hitting a deeper volley with the top of the racket and suggests hitting the ball a little more on the outside for added power. In the final phase, Mathijs is instructed to stop his left elbow at the optimal point for a combination of slice and speed, prepare higher and closer to his body, and turn more for a better volley. Mathijs expresses confidence in his improved skills, ready to challenge opponents in the next week’s matches.
