Through the middle
A ball aimed between the two opponents. It crosses the lowest part of the net, takes away their angles and can leave both players unsure who should play it.
When to play it
When the opponents have not agreed who takes the middle ball. When you are under pressure and need the safest target on the court. Against a pair where one player is much stronger: the middle can draw the weaker one.
How to play it
With any stroke, aim at the gap between the two players, not at either one. Keep the ball low over the centre of the net, where it is lowest. Use it to stop the opponents finding wide angles on the reply.
Common mistakes
Drifting to one player's forehand, which gives them an easy ball. Hitting it high, which lets either player attack.
Rules for this shot
Questions
Is the through the middle legal in padel?
Legal: the target makes no difference to the rules. Rule 14 asks only that the ball lands in the opponents' court.