THE TRAY IN PADEL: MASTER THIS STRATEGIC STROKE FOR YOUR SUCCESS ON THE COURT

The tray is one of the most effective shots in padel, and mastering it is essential for your success on the court.

This versatile shot allows you to control the pace of the game, keep the pressure on your opponents and build strategic points.

In this article, we'll provide you with a complete guide on how to perfect your tray in the paddle and how to use it to gain an advantage in your matches.

What is the Tray in Padel?

The tray is a stroke that resembles a high volley.

It runs close to the net and is used to keep the ball low and deep in the opponent's court.

The tray is played with smoothness and control, and its main objective is to put pressure on your opponents and force them to make mistakes.

Tips to Improve Your Tray Technique:

• Adequate preparation:

  Stand close to the net with elbows bent and paddle ready. Keep the paddle at shoulder height and ready to hit the shot.

• Gentle tapping:

  The tray is played with a soft and controlled touch. Avoid hitting the ball hard, as this may cause the ball to leave the court.

• Contact in the center of the blade:

  Be sure to hit the ball in the center of the paddle for better control and accuracy.

• Wrist movement

  The wrist should be relaxed to allow a smooth stroke and greater variability in the direction of the ball.

• Precise placement:

  Choose your targets carefully. The tray is used to keep the ball close to the opponent's baseline or to keep your opponents away from the net.

Tray Strategies:

The layup is a powerful strategic tool in paddle tennis. Some key strategies include:

• Changes of pace:

  Use the layup to change the pace of the game. Alternating between harder shots and the layup can throw your opponents off balance.

• Construction of points:

  The layup is perfect for building points and opening up opportunities for winning shots. Use this stroke to set up an attack at the right time.

• Forcing errors:

  By keeping the ball low and deep in the opponent's court, you can put pressure on your opponents and force them to make unforced errors.

Exercise to Improve your Tray:

Practice with a partner or on the wall, making trays consistently.

Work on the accuracy and consistency of your strokes, as well as directional variability.

In summary, the tray is a fundamental stroke in paddle tennis that can make the difference in your matches.

With a solid technique and a smart strategy, you can use the tray to control the game and gain an advantage on the court.

Master this shot and watch your paddle performance improve!