Flat forehand
A forehand with little spin and a direct path, for pace through the middle of the court.
When to play it
On a ball at a comfortable height in the middle of your side. When both opponents are back and a firm ball through the middle can win the point.
How to play it
Turn your shoulders, swing from behind the ball and meet it level with your front foot. Keep the racket face square at contact. Finish over the opposite shoulder.
Common mistakes
Hitting flat and hard at opponents who are at the net, who volley it back easily. Hitting up at the ball so it flies long.
Rules for this shot
Questions
Is the flat forehand legal in padel?
Legal under Rule 12.3: play the ball after one bounce, off the glass if you like, before it bounces again. It must reach the opponents' court, directly or off your own walls (Rule 14.1b), and must not hit their walls or fence first (Rule 13.1g).