Is flat backhand return overrated in padel?

Got it, so flat or lob, no slice on return. Just to clarify your point about “serving player’s side”: If they’re using **Australian formation** and serving from AD court (cross to me), then: * server ends up on my side * net player is on the cross court In that case, would you still flat return **to the cross court**, even though that side is covered by net player? Or would you go **down the line to the deuce side (open space)**? So is the priority for flat more: * targeting **cross court**, or * exploiting **open space** when formation changes? Also, when you choose to lob: * do you aim it **crosscourt over the net player**, * or more **down the line over the server**? In the case of the **down-the-line lob over the server** though, wouldn’t the server sometimes **stay back anticipating the lob**, especially in Australian? Feels like if they expect it: * they don’t fully commit to net * or they take a step back after serve So that lob becomes less effective compared to crosscourt over the net player. Do you still see value in lobbing the server in that situation, or is it more of a mix to keep them honest?

Got it, so it’s not just about slice vs flat, it’s really about **reducing opponent reaction time**, right? * Slice → floats → gives them time to move forward and take control * Flat / slight topspin → travels faster → takes time away

Haha nothing that serious 😅 English isn’t my first language, so I simply use GPT to clean up wording. It just helps me respond faster with fewer typos and clearer grammar. Context and questions are still mine though.

Hi. Quick update after trying this. Played 2 sessions since. Yesterday I switched to 1H BH with continental. Felt weird at first, I honestly thought the face would be too open and the ball would just fly, but it actually came out just right. Today it already felt quite natural, and I was making way more returns, especially on those awkward low / side glass serves. Big difference for me: * more reach compared to 2H * much easier on low balls * overall just more stable on return So yeah, probably my issue was more grip-related than the shot itself. Still need to work on adding depth and pace, but consistency of my BH return is already much better 👍

Thanks for pointing this out, that might actually be it. I’ve been using more of a **tennis-style eastern BH grip for 1H BH**, so that could explain why low balls feel so awkward and inconsistent. Will try switching to **continental** and see if it improves the stability, especially on those side glass serves.

Yeah same here, coming from tennis. I’m curious though, is there really no way to make slice **fast and not floaty** consistently? I feel like when I hit a *good* slice (clean contact, a bit more forward), it actually stays quite low and doesn’t sit up that much. So is the issue that: * slice is just inherently less reliable under pressure? * or is it more a technique thing (like swing path more forward vs than downward)?

This is super helpful, especially the “you are defending on return” part. A couple things I’m still trying to understand better though: **1. Short swing** I keep hearing this everywhere, but I don’t fully get *why* yet. Is it mainly because: * less time on return → need compact motion * easier to control contact / sweet spot * less backswing = less timing issues And how short is “short” by measurement? **2. Mindset when defending (on return)** If we’re defending, what’s the correct objective mentally? **3. Chiquita (this one confuses me a lot)** I’ve heard different explanations: * slight topspin * slice * mini lob * soft push And honestly it feels quite risky: * too high → easy volley * too low → hits net So: * what kind of spin (if any)? * and how do you keep it consistent?

That’s actually a really interesting way to look at it. I used to see a blocked return as neutral or even slightly bad, because I have to rush forward with imbalance especially if the block is angled to the fence. But your point makes sense: * blocked ball are usually lack of pace * that gives me opportunity to set up a lob and take the net Will try to consciously look for the lob after the block in my next games 👍

Yeah I had the exact same experience. When I was using 2H BH return, the **penetration feels really good**. Ball stays low, fast, and suddenly people stop serving to that side. But the downside for me is exactly what you said: * **below knee height → super awkward** * especially with side glass serves, timing feels off * I either frame it or lose control That’s why I sometimes fall back to slice just for stability. Do you adjust your technique on low balls? Like: * opening the racket face more * adding more lift instead of driving * or just switching to chiquita/lob in that situation? Also curious about this: With 2H, how do you **mask a lob**? I feel like with two hands, once you prepare it’s quite obvious you’re driving, compared to 1H where you can disguise it more. And one more technical question: **what grip are you using on each hand for the 2H BH?** * right hand (dominant): continental? * left hand: semi-western / eastern? Trying to figure out if my grip setup is part of why low balls feel so uncomfortable.

So trying to understand this better: * Would you say flat BH return is mainly for **neutralizing strong serves**, not necessarily attacking? * How low are you aiming over the net when you go flat return? * And do you hit it completely flat, or still with a bit of lift/topspin for margin? Right now I feel like when I go flat on skidding slice serve that bounce to the side glass, I either net it, or out to back glass, or give a medium ball that gets volleyed anyway 😅