Defensive reset
A safe, neutral return played to regain your position rather than to win the point, usually high and deep or low through the middle.
When to play it
When the serve has put you in trouble. At important points, when a safe return matters more than a winner.
How to play it
Pick the biggest target: deep through the middle or a high lob. Swing smoothly, with more margin over the net. Recover your position with your partner straight away.
Common mistakes
Trying for a winner from a bad position. Playing it so softly that the server volleys a winner.
Rules for this shot
Questions
Is the defensive reset legal in padel?
Legal under Rule 8.1 on the return and Rule 12.3 in a rally: play the ball before its second bounce, and it is good if it lands in the opponents' court, directly or off your own walls (Rule 14.1b).