Feather touch
An informal name for very light contact that lifts the ball just over the net, so it lands short and barely bounces.
When to play it
When both opponents are deep in their court. On a slow ball near the net that you can cushion.
How to play it
Hold the racket loosely and open the face slightly. Meet the ball with almost no swing, lifting it rather than hitting it. Aim just over the net and away from the nearest opponent.
Common mistakes
Using it when an opponent is close to the net. Touching the net with your racket as you reach, which loses the point.
Rules for this shot
Questions
Is the feather touch legal in padel?
Legal under Rule 14 b. Play the ball on your side of the net and do not touch the net: both would lose the point under Rule 13 a and f.