Blocked return
A short, firm block on a fast serve that uses its pace instead of making your own.
When to play it
Against fast or body serves. When you are late and have no time for a full swing.
How to play it
Shorten the backswing to almost nothing. Firm wrist, racket face set to the target, meet the ball in front. Aim low and deep through the middle.
Common mistakes
Swinging at a fast serve and mistiming it. Leaving the face open so the block pops up.
Rules for this shot
Questions
Is the blocked return legal in padel?
Legal under Rule 8.1: you must let the serve bounce in your box and play it before it bounces a second time. The return is good when it lands in the opponents' court, directly or off your own walls (Rule 14.1b).