FAQs | Which paddle racket to choose for lifted shots

These answers have been prepared by the paddle team of Tiendapadelpoint, based on technical material criteria, experience in specialised sales and recurrent consultation of players on the choice of paddle racket.

What characteristics should a paddle racket have for lifted shots?

To perform lifted shots in paddle, it is advisable to choose a racket with a medium-high balance and a round or teardrop shape. The medium-high balance provides greater power in the shot, while the round or teardrop shape offers good control, a fundamental aspect for correctly executing this type of shots.

In addition, the choice of racket material is also important. Rackets with an EVA rubber core usually provide better control, while FOAM rubber ones provide more power. In the case of lifted shots, an EVA rubber racket may be more suitable due to the need to control the trajectory and effect of the shot.

Finally, the hitting technique is essential for correctly executing a lifted shot. It is advisable to practice the technique with a professional coach to ensure correct execution and avoid possible injuries.

How does the weight of the paddle affect lifted shots?

The weight of the paddle in lifted shots directly affects the power and control of the shot. A heavier paddle will provide more power, but it may be more difficult to handle and may require more effort to perform the lifted shot. On the contrary, a lighter paddle will be easier to handle and will allow greater control of the shot, but it may not provide as much power.

In technical terms, the weight of the paddle influences inertia, which is the resistance that a body offers to modify its state of rest or movement. Therefore, a heavier paddle will have greater inertia and will require more energy to change its direction and speed, which can be especially noticeable in lifted shots where a rapid acceleration of the paddle is required.

In practice, the choice of paddle weight should be based on the player's characteristics and skills. A player with good technique and strength may benefit from a heavier paddle for lifted shots, while a player with less experience or strength may prefer a lighter paddle that allows better control of the shot.

What type of rubber is best for a paddle designed for lifted shots?

For lifted shots in paddle, the EVA Soft rubber is the most recommended. This rubber provides a greater effect and control, essential characteristics to perform lifted shots with precision.

The EVA Soft rubber has a lower density than other rubbers, which translates into a greater ball output and a better effect on the shots. In addition, its closed cell structure provides excellent impact absorption, reducing the possibility of injuries and improving performance on the court.

It is important to remember that although the rubber is a crucial factor, the technique of the lifted shot also depends on the skill and practice of the player. Therefore, it is advisable to constantly train this type of shots to improve their effectiveness.

How does the format of the paddle influence lifted shots?

The format of the paddle has a significant impact on lifted shots. Round paddles, with the sweet spot in the center, facilitate control and precision, which is essential for correctly executing lifted shots.

In contrast, diamond-shaped paddles, with the sweet spot shifted towards the top, generate more power and speed in the shot, but require greater precision in the shot to execute an effective lift. Therefore, the choice of paddle format will depend on the player's technique and the type of game they want to develop.

In summary, for lifted shots, a round paddle will provide greater control and precision, while a diamond-shaped paddle will offer more power, but will require greater technical skill.

What hitting techniques should be practiced to improve lifted shots?

To improve lifted shots in paddle, it is essential to practice the ascending hitting technique. This technique involves hitting the ball from below upwards, generating a lifting effect that makes the ball gain height and depth in the shot.

One of the key aspects of this shot is the correct positioning of the body and the paddle. The body should be slightly tilted forward and the paddle should be in a low position at the beginning of the shot, to then rise quickly at the moment of impact. The correct use of the wrist is also important, which should accompany the paddle's upward movement.

Practicing this hitting technique regularly will help improve the effectiveness of lifted shots, increasing control and accuracy in each shot.

How does the balance of the paddle influence lifted shots?

The balance of the paddle has a direct influence on lifted shots in paddle tennis. A high balance, that is, when the weight of the paddle is concentrated towards the head, facilitates the execution of lifted shots as it allows generating greater speed in the stroke and therefore, more lifted effect.

This type of balance favors power over control, so players who seek to print more effect on the ball, as in lifted shots, usually prefer paddles with a high balance. However, this type of paddle may be more difficult to handle and may require greater arm and shoulder strength, which could increase the risk of injuries if the technique is not adequate.

On the other hand, a low balance, with the weight concentrated towards the handle, provides greater control over the ball, but can make it difficult to perform powerful lifted shots. Therefore, the choice of paddle balance should be made based on each player's style of play and physical and technical capacity.

Is it necessary to have an advanced level to perform lifted shots in paddle?

It is not essential to have an advanced level to perform lifted shots in paddle. However, it requires correct technique and good control of the paddle. The lifted shot, also known as the effect shot, allows you to give the ball a curved trajectory, which can make the opponent's return difficult.

To perform this shot, it is necessary to hit the ball from bottom to top and with a wrist movement at the end of the shot. This generates a rotation effect on the ball that, added to the speed of the shot, makes the ball describe a curved trajectory. It is a shot that requires practice and good control of the paddle to be effective.

In terms of tactics, the lifted shot can be a useful tool to disorient the opponent or to gain time in defensive situations. However, it is important to keep in mind that it is not a shot that should be used in all situations, but should be part of a varied and strategic game.

What exercises can be done to practice lifted shots in paddle?

The exercises to practice lifted shots in paddle focus on improving the control and precision of the shot. An effective exercise is to perform lifted shots against a wall at different heights and distances, this allows to work on the precision and strength necessary for each shot. Another exercise consists of performing lifted shots in movement, which helps to improve coordination and balance.

In addition, it is advisable to practice lifted shots in real game situations, such as in training matches. This allows to apply the technique of the lifted shot in a competitive context, which helps to improve decision making and adaptability to different game situations.

Finally, it is important to remember that constant practice is key to improving any shot in paddle, including lifted shots. Therefore, it is recommended to practice these exercises regularly to achieve a significant improvement in performance.

How does string tension affect lifted shots?

The string tension in a paddle racket has a direct influence on lifted shots. A higher tension provides greater control, which allows to execute lifted shots with greater precision. However, it can also reduce the power of the shot and make the racket less forgiving to errors.

On the other hand, a lower tension offers more power and a greater trampoline effect, which can increase the effectiveness of lifted shots. However, this can make the shot less predictable and harder to control.

Therefore, the choice of string tension for lifted shots should be based on the balance between control and power that each player seeks in their paddle game.

Is it advisable to use overgrips to improve lifted shots?

Yes, it is advisable to use overgrips to improve lifted shots in paddle. Overgrips can increase the adherence of the hand to the paddle, providing better control and precision in shots, especially in those that require a wrist rotation like lifted ones.

Overgrips are an additional layer that is placed over the original grip of the paddle, and can be of different materials and textures. An overgrip with a rougher texture can provide greater friction between the hand and the paddle, which can facilitate the execution of lifted shots.

Additionally, overgrips can help reduce the vibration of the paddle during the hit, which can be beneficial to prevent injuries to the elbow and wrist. However, it is important to remember that the use of overgrips does not replace good hitting technique.