Padel is an exciting sport that requires a combination of tact and teamwork as well as speed, strength, and endurance to excel. You may want to do a short warm-up before playing and also incorporate some simple exercises that will make you more efficient. In this article, we will explore some of the exercises that will help you improve your performance on the court.
1. Speed and Explode
Speed and mobility are necessary for a successful Padel player; so that’s one of the skills. Moving around the field is necessary, especially if you want to land quick shots. To improve, you can practice exercises that develop your speed and ability to take the first step.
Exercise method:
- You must first run on the surface for short distances (5 to 10 meters) to get used to the power you can exert.
- Run at full speed for 5 seconds, then stop abruptly.
- Wait for 5 seconds, then run again.
- Repeat 8 to 10 times.
This exercise will help you improve your reflexes and speed on the court.
2. Lateral Jumps
Side jumps are a very effective exercise for improving the strength of your leg muscles, allowing you to perform lateral movements seamlessly on the field. Side hops are the quick rowing-like movements you do, for example, while you make a quick side-to-side motion to retrieve the ball.
How to do it:
- Stand with your feet slightly apart, jump to the right side, quickly return to the center, and then jump to the left side.
- Try to keep your body balanced during the jumps.
- Repeat for 30 seconds, then rest for a few seconds.
This exercise helps improve lateral movements and increases your lower body strength.
3. Lateral Leg Raises
Being able to move from side to side quickly depends mainly on the strength of your leg and thigh muscles. You can improve your quick and efficient movements during play by strengthening the muscles.
Exercise method:
- Lying on your side with your lower leg stabilized, raise your upper leg straight up.
- Slowly lower your leg and repeat the movement.
- Perform this exercise 12 times on each side.
This exercise helps strengthen your inner and outer thigh muscles, improving your lateral movement.
4. Balance Ball Exercise
Balance is very important in Padel. If you can’t maintain your balance while moving around the court, you may have trouble hitting the ball properly. Using a stability ball can help you get better at this.
Exercise method:
- Sit on the balance ball and press your feet into the ground.
- Make a back-and-forth motion on the ball while maintaining your balance.
- Try to do this exercise for 2 to 3 minutes, then rest.
This exercise helps strengthen your abdominal and back muscles, which improves your ability to maintain balance while playing.
5. Shoulder Rotations with Dumbbells
The shoulders play a crucial role in achieving strong and precise Padel shots. You can improve your shoulder strength and flexibility by performing a shoulder rotation exercise with dumbbells.
Exercise method:
- Hold a weight in each hand and lift them to shoulder height.
- Move your arms in a clockwise circular motion for 15 seconds, then move counterclockwise for 15 seconds.
- Do this 3 times.
This workout improves shoulder strength and allows you to hit your shots with more strength and accuracy.
6. Endurance Exercise
Endurance plays a crucial role in padel because the games require you to maintain your physical vigor over an extended period. By improving your stamina, you will be able to give your best throughout the match.
Exercise method:
- Run for 20 minutes at a moderate pace.
- Try to increase your speed every 5 minutes.
Another way is to accompany this workout with endurance training on machines like a bike or treadmill.
7. Tennis ball exercise with a partner
One of the key skills in Padel is the ability to return balls quickly and with variety. By practicing this drill with a partner, you’ll be able to improve your return speed.
Exercise method:
- Your partner stands near you and holds a tennis ball.
- Your partner throws the ball at you quickly, and you try to hit it back with the racket.
- Repeat this exercise several times, gradually increasing the speed of the ball.
This exercise helps improve your reflexes and accuracy in hitting the ball.
Bottom line
Playing padel does not require sophisticated equipment or a lot of time. There are many quick and useful exercises you can do to get fitter, stronger, and faster, which will help you play better on the pitch. Make sure you do these exercises often during your training to get the best results in your Padel games.