FAQs | What is the tray in paddle

These answers have been prepared by the paddle specialists team at Tiendapadelpoint, based on technical criteria of material, experience in specialized sales and recurring consultation of players about paddle racket choice.

What is understood by tray in paddle?

The tray in paddle is a defensive shot that is generally performed near the net, with a low and flat trajectory of the ball. It is an essential shot in paddle play that allows to maintain the position at the net and put pressure on the opponent.

The tray is executed with an arm movement similar to the serve, but at a slower speed and with the aim of making the ball bounce in the opposite field near the back wall. The tray technique requires good control of the shot and a correct body positioning, as it is performed with the arm extended and the body slightly inclined forward.

The tray is a shot that must be practiced and perfected, as a good execution can make a difference in the development of the game. It is a shot that allows to maintain the initiative in the point and to hinder the opponent's attack.

How is the tray correctly executed in paddle?

The tray in paddle is executed with a movement from top to bottom, hitting the ball at shoulder height and with the arm extended. The body should be kept relaxed and the torso turned to the side of the blow.

The blow should be soft and controlled, always looking to place the ball at the back of the opponent's court. The racket should follow the trajectory of the ball after the blow, which is known as 'following the ball'. This movement helps to give greater precision and control to the blow.

It is important to practice the tray regularly to improve technique and precision. A good tip is to try to hit the ball with the center of the racket to get better control and avoid unforced errors.

What are the differences between the tray and the smash in paddle?

The tray and the smash are two essential shots in paddle, but they have significant differences. The tray is usually executed when the ball is at shoulder height or lower, with a softer arm movement and a flatter trajectory. Its purpose is to keep the ball in play, applying control and precision.

On the other hand, the smash is performed when the ball is above the head, with a stronger shot and a more vertical trajectory. This shot is used to finish the point, trying to make the ball leave the court or make it difficult for opponents to return. Therefore, the smash requires more power but also involves more risk.

In summary, the tray is a control and continuity shot, while the smash is a finishing shot. The choice between one and the other will depend on the game situation and the position of the ball.

In what situations should the tray be used in paddle?

The tray in paddle is mainly used in defensive situations, when the opponent performs a lob and the player is close to the net. It is a shot that allows to maintain the attack position and control the rhythm of the game.

The tray is a technique that requires precision and control, as the aim is to return the ball with a low trajectory and close to the walls, making it difficult for the opponent to respond. This shot is essential to maintain pressure on the opponent, preventing him from taking the initiative of the point.

In summary, the tray is a tactical tool used to defend against lobs, maintain the attack position and control the rhythm of the match. Its correct execution can make a difference in the development of the game.

How to improve the tray technique in padel?

The improvement of the tray technique in padel is based on three fundamental aspects: posture, hitting and placement. A correct posture involves having the feet aligned with the net, the knees slightly bent and the body leaning forward. As for hitting, it is important to hit the ball at the highest possible point and with a top-down movement to generate effect. Finally, placement is crucial to be able to hit the ball accurately and place it in the desired location of the opponent's court.

In technical terms, the goal is to achieve a clean hit, with the impact of the ball in the center of the racket, and good control of the effect and direction. To do this, it is essential to have a good preparation of the hit, with an adequate backswing and a complete follow-through of the hit. In addition, it is important to practice the tray in different game situations, in order to adapt the technique to the different circumstances that arise during a padel match.

In practice, it is recommended to work on the tray technique with specific hitting and placement exercises, and with the help of a coach or a game partner who can provide feedback and corrections. Also, it is important to have patience and consistency, as improving the tray technique in padel is a process that requires time and practice.

What type of paddle rackets favor the execution of the tray?

The paddle rackets that favor the execution of the tray are those of diamond or teardrop shape. These shapes provide a high sweet spot, favoring the shot in tray.

The diamond or teardrop shape allows greater power in the shot, which is essential for the tray. In addition, these rackets usually have a high balance, which contributes to generate more speed in the shot. However, they require greater control on the part of the player.

Therefore, to improve the execution of the tray, it is advisable to opt for a paddle racket of diamond or teardrop shape, always taking into account the level of play and the technical skills of the player.

How does the tray influence the tactics of the paddle game?

The tray in paddle is an essential tactical tool that allows maintaining the attack position on the court. This technique, when executed correctly, can limit the opponent's options and increase the pressure on him.

The tray is mainly used to return high balls near the back wall. Its aim is to place the ball in such a way that the opponent cannot attack, but is forced to defend. This is achieved by sending the ball to the corners of the opposite field, which makes it difficult for the opponent to hit and allows the player to maintain his position at the net, thus maintaining control of the game.

Therefore, the tray is a defensive technique that, if used correctly, can become a powerful offensive tool. It is crucial to maintain pressure on the opponent and control the pace and direction of the game.

What mistakes should be avoided when performing the tray in paddle?

The most common mistake when performing the tray in paddle is hitting the ball too hard, which can cause the ball to leave the court. It is also important to avoid hitting the ball too late, as this can result in a weak and uncontrolled hit.

From a technical point of view, it is crucial to keep the paddle above the shoulder and hit the ball in a downward movement. A common mistake is to hit the ball in an upward movement, which can cause the ball to rise too much and be easy for the opponent to attack.

Finally, it is important to remember that the tray is a defensive hit, not an attack hit. Therefore, the goal is not to win the point directly with the tray, but to keep the ball in play and make it difficult for the opponent to attack.

How to practice the tray in padel?

The practice of the tray in padel requires a precise technique and a correct positioning. First of all, it is important to keep in mind that the tray is performed when the ball is high and close to the net. The racket should be above the head and the hit should be soft and controlled, trying to place the ball in the opponent's field without the opponent being able to attack.

To practice the tray, you can perform specific hitting exercises against the wall, always seeking to maintain the correct technique. It is also useful to practice in training matches, where you can try to apply the tray in real game situations. Remember that the goal of the tray is to maintain the initiative of the point, not to win it directly.

Finally, it is important to keep in mind that the tray is a hit that requires a lot of practice and patience. Don't despair if at first it doesn't come out as you expect, with consistency and correct training, you will improve your execution of the tray in padel.

How does the tray affect performance in paddle tennis?

The tray is an essential stroke in paddle tennis that can significantly improve the player's performance. It allows to maintain the initiative in the game, apply pressure on the opponent and defend the position near the net.

From a technical point of view, a well-executed tray can generate a low-speed but high-precision ball, which makes it difficult for the opponent to respond. In addition, it allows the player to quickly recover their position on the court, preparing for the next stroke.

In terms of tactics, the tray can be used to vary the pace of the game, force opponent errors and open spaces on the court. Therefore, mastering this stroke can be a determining factor in improving performance in paddle tennis.