Defensive block
A short, compact stroke that uses the pace of a hard ball instead of adding to it. You hold the racket firm, take almost no backswing and steer the ball back deep.
When to play it
When a hard drive or volley comes at you faster than you can swing. When you are pinned at the back and simply need to keep the ball in play.
How to play it
Turn your shoulders a little and keep the racket in front of you, with almost no backswing. Hold the grip firm and meet the ball slightly in front of your body. Push it back with a short follow-through, deep through the middle or low at the net players' feet.
Common mistakes
Taking a full swing at a fast ball and mistiming it. A loose wrist, so the racket twists and the ball flies off the frame. Blocking the ball high and short, which gives the net players an easy volley.
Rules for this shot
Questions
Is the defensive block legal in padel?
Legal under Rule 14 b: any stroke that sends the ball over the net to bounce in the other court is a good return.