Padel Tips
Expert insights, equipment reviews, and tactical tips to elevate your game.
The New HEAD Extreme Line
Discover the new Padel Extreme line from HEAD.For years, HEAD's padel rackets have been in high demand. The New HEAD EXTREME rackets perfectly suit players who love to play with a lot of power and dominance on the court. Every year, innovation is at the top of the list for brands when designing new padel rackets and models. This is also true for HEAD, which is why they have come out with a special racket, the HEAD Extreme One. Instead of having multiple holes in the blade, the racket has only one hole in the blade. To help you decide which model from the Extreme line suits you best, the following models are described and specified: HEAD Extreme One HEAD Extreme Pro HEAD Extreme Motion HEAD Extreme Elite  HEAD Extreme One The revolutionary EXTREME ONE PADEL RACKET is the lightest racket in the EXTREME series; it is also the strongest, with the state-of-the-art 12K carbon see-through unique hitting surface for added durability. Made from a new, diamond-shaped mold, this racket is lightweight, as well as powerful and aerodynamic, and lets you play with consistent spin. While the innovative Auxetic technology delivers extra power and a sensational impact feel, the Soft Butt Cap technology supplies a softer playing feel and dampens vibrations. Along with high performance, the EXTREME ONE offers a high-end, original design with a glossy and matt finish. • Revolutionary design with a unique hitting surface for extra durability • 12K carbon see-through hitting surface • Lightest and strongest racket in the series • Power, consistent spin and aerodynamic • New, diamond-shaped mold • Soft Butt Cap technology • Auxetic technology for extra power and sensational impact feel • Original, premium design with glossy and matt finish SpecsShape: DiamondWeight: 345Balance: High HEAD Extreme ProExtreme power is combined with outstanding touch and feel with the EXTREME PRO PADEL RACKET. Designed for advanced and professional players, this diamond-shaped racket is made with a new mold and has new Soft Butt Cap technology, which offers a softer playing feel and dampens vibrations. Innovative Auxetic technology supplies additional power and sensational impact feel while the hybrid woven hitting surface enhances power and touch. Take your game to the limit with a racket that also comes with Extreme Spin technology and is finished with an exclusive, colorful and vibrant design. • Extreme power for advanced and professional players • New, diamond-shaped mold • New Soft Butt Cap technology • Auxetic technology for extra power and sensational feel • Hybrid woven material in the hitting surface for extra power • Extreme Spin technology • Exclusive, colorful design SpecsShape: DiamondWeight: 370-380Balance: High HEAD Extreme Motion Made from a new, diamond-shaped mold, the EXTREME MOTION PADEL RACKET is ideal for advanced and professional players who are looking for both extreme power and maneuverability. While the new Soft Butt Cap technology provides a softer playing feel and dampens vibrations, the innovative Auxetic technology delivers extra power and sensational impact feel. Lighter than the EXTREME PRO, the EXTREME MOTION has a hybrid woven hitting surface for enhanced power and touch, as well as Extreme Spin technology. The exclusive, colorful design adds to the racket's premium, contemporary appeal. • Extreme power and maneuverability• For advanced and professional players• New, diamond-shaped mold• New Soft Butt Cap technology• Lighter than the EXTREME PRO• Auxetic technology for extra power and sensational feel• Hybrid woven material in the hitting surface for extra power• Extreme Spin technology• Exclusive, colorful design SpecsShape: DiamondWeight: 355-365Balance: Mid-high HEAD Extreme EliteAdvanced and intermediate players can experience extreme power with the EXTREME ELITE PADEL RACkET. The most forgiving racket in the EXTREME series is built with a new, diamond-shaped mold and has new Soft Butt Cap technology, which provides a softer playing feel and dampens vibrations. While the innovative Auxetic technology supplies extra power and a sensational impact feel, the fiberglass on the hitting surface delivers a soft, superior feel and even more power. The racket is finished with an exclusive, colorful design.• Extreme power with the most forgiving racket in the series• For advanced and intermediate players• New, diamond-shaped mold• New Soft Butt Cap technology• Auxetic technology for extra power and sensational feel• Fiberglass in the hitting surface for a soft feel and extra power• Exclusive, colorful design SpecsShape: DiamondWeight: 360-370Balance: Mid-high Check out the new HEAD Extreme line  Â
Padel racket testing at the Padel Experience Center in Alphen aan den Rijn
Welcome to the Padel Experience Center in Alphen aan den Rijn, the ultimate destination for padel lovers who would like to test padel rackets. In this blog article we will elaborate on the importance of padel racket testing and why the Padel Experience Center is the ideal place to do so. Whether you are a beginner looking to buy your first racket or an experienced padel player looking to upgrade, the Padel Experience Center offers a wide range of rackets and a professional environment to try them out. Why is padel racket testing important? The Padel Experience Center The testing process at the Padel Experience Center The advantages of testing rackets in a dedicated center The range of rackets at the Padel Experience Center Expert advice and guidance when choosing a padel racket Padel racket testing: Tips and points of interest PadelShop,com: The place for your padel equipment Why padel racket testing is importantA padel racket is an essential part of your game. Choosing the right racket can significantly improve your game and help prevent injuries. Testing rackets will give you a better understanding of the features and playing characteristics of different models, allowing you to make an informed decision when buying a racket. Het Padel Experience CenterHet Padel Experience Center in Alphen aan den Rijn is een moderne faciliteit die is ontworpen om padelliefhebbers de ultieme ervaring te bieden. Het centrum beschikt over een speciaal aangelegde testbaan en een uitgebreid assortiment aan padelrackets van toonaangevende merken. Of je nu een beginner of een ervaren speler bent, het Padel Experience Center heeft voor elk niveau en speelstijl een geschikt racket. The test process at the padel experience centerAt the Padel Experience Center you will have the opportunity to try out different rackets before making a final decision. You can test the rackets on the special test track, paying attention to things like balance, weight, grip and playability. The center's professional team is ready to guide and advise you during the testing process.The advantages of testing rackets in a dedicated centerTesting rackets in a specialized center such as the Padel Experience Center has several advantages. You can try out the rackets in a realistic environment, compare and assess which racket best suits your game.Moreover, you can rely on the expert advice of the Padel Experience Center team to help you make the right choice. The range of rackets at the padel experience centerThe Padel Experience Center offers a wide range of padel rackets from renowned brands such as Adidas, Babolat, Black Crown, Bullpadel, Donnay, Dunlop, HEAD, J´hayber, NOX, RS Sports, Siux, Slazenger, Starvie, Stiga, Varlion, Volt and Wilson. From rackets for beginners to advanced models for experienced players, there is something for everyone. The center keeps up with the latest trends and technological developments, so you can always choose from the latest models on the market.Expert advice and guidance on choosing a padel racketThe team at the Padel Experience Center consists of experienced padel players who will be happy to help you choose the right racket. They will take into account your playing style, level and preferences, and guide you in making an informed decision.With their expertise and knowledge of the different rackets, they will make sure you find a racket that suits you perfectly. Padel racket testing: Tips and concernsTo get the most out of your racquet testing experience, there are some tips and points to consider. These include testing multiple rackets, paying attention to features such as weight and balance, and carefully observing how the racket feels while playing. These factors will help you make an informed decision when choosing a padel racket.PadelShop.com: The place for your padel equipmentAfter testing different rackets at the Padel Experience Center, you can visit Padelshop to purchase your chosen racket and other supplies.Padelshop offers a wide range of padel equipment, including rackets, balls, bags and apparel from top brands. With their extensive selection and expert customer service, they will ensure you have the right equipment to continue your padel adventure. ConclusionTesting padel rackets is a crucial step in finding the perfect racket that suits your playing style and preferences. The Padel Experience Center in Alphen aan den Rijn offers the ideal environment and an extensive range of rackets to optimize this testing experience. With the expert advice and guidance of the Padel Experience Center team, you can make the right choice with confidence. Also visit Padelshop for all your padel equipment and enjoy this exciting game to the fullest.Book a racket test
7 MOST MADE MISTAKES WHEN BUYING A PADEL RACKET
Buy a racket because it is highly discounted. So the racket is on discount, but wouldn’t you prefer to play with a racket which will complement your game the best? Buy a racket because of color. So the racket looks nice, but we all know we should not judge a book by its cover. A nice design will make you look good, but it will not make you win matches. Buy a racket because your favorite player is playing with it. A padelracket which is good for your padelstar, is good for him / her but is unlikely best suited for you. Buy a racket without knowing the end weight of a racket you should have (normally 370-380 gram for men, 365 for women). A real expert should always take into mind the size of your hand (bigger handsize is more overgrips, more overgrips result in more weight). E.g. you use 2 overgrips (2 x 6,5 gram), so the padelracket should not weigh more than 367 to be able to have an endresult of under 380 gram. Buy a racket without testing it. Trying before buying is always the best way. Or receive personal advice from Holland's padel specialist, Marcel Bogaart. Get in touch via support@padelshop.com or send a message via Whatsapp. Read stupid things on the internet like: round is for beginners. Fact a 7-times world champion is playing with a round racket, many top players (a.o. Stupa, Bea Gonzalez, Carolina Navarro, Mati Diaz) are playing with round rackets. How can you say round is for beginners? Round is easier to play with and it can suit beginners but it doesn’t mean it is only for beginners. It can be for every level. Buy a racket for only a particular shot (like a tearshaped racket for the smash). This racket will only help you with the smash, but it will slow you down at the net and make defending much more difficult. This is like choosing a partner to merry you which only makes you happy in 2% of the time. Sounds silly, doesn’t it? If you want the best advice, come test your new racket at our Experience Center in Alphen aan den Rijn. Here you get customized advice and you can test the racket directly on our own padel court.                                     Â
Why use the Noene anti-shock Padel Grip?
Noene Anti-Shock Padel Grip The Noene Anti-Shock Padel Grip is ideal for anyone looking to improve their performance and reduce the risk of injury while playing padel. The Noene Anti-Shock Padel Grip is a specialized padel grip designed to help against and prevent arm injuries. It is made with a special anti-shock foam that absorbs and dissipates impact forces. There are several potential benefits to using Noene Undergrip Anti-shock in a padel racket. For example: Improved comfort: The shock-absorbing properties of Noene Undergrip Anti-shock can help to reduce the impact of hard hits on the player's hand and arm, making the racket more comfortable to hold and use. Reduced risk of injury: By absorbing shock by more than 96% and reducing the amount of vibration transmitted through the racquet, Noene Undergrip Anti-shock can help reduce the risk of hand and arm injuries such as tennis elbow or carpal tunnel syndrome. Improved Control: By reducing the amount of shock and vibration transmitted through the racquet, Noene Undergrip Anti-shock can help players maintain a better grip on their racquet and improve their control over their strokes. Overall, Noene Undergrip Anti-shock can be a useful addition to a padel racket for players who are looking to improve the comfort and control of their racket, or who are concerned about the risk of hand and arm injuries.
WHERE TO START WITH PADEL?
Origin op padel The sport is originally from Mexico and has been around for 50 years. Because there was no room for a tennis court, someone came up with the idea of building a smaller field. Padel was eventually also introduced in Marbella in Spain, where it became a great success. To this day, Marbella is one of the biggest padel meccas for players. Padel is the most popular sport in Spain after football. A lot of other sporters, including Carles Puyol, Charles Leclerc and Neymar play padel in their spare time. What is padel? Padel is a racket sport and can best be described as a combination of both tennis and squash. You play padel with 4 people, where you play two against two. The game is played on a rectangular field. This field measures 20 by 10 meters and is surrounded by fences and glass walls. In the middle is a net. The walls play a major role when playing padel. You play it with a padel ball and a padel racket. The scoring is the same as in tennis (0-15-30-40 game). If you win two sets you are the winner. In addition, it is important to consider what type of padel player you are. Are you an attacking player or more of a controlling player. Popularity of padel? Padel gained a lot of momentum over the last couple of years, but why? And what makes it so much fun to play?First of all, padel is very easy to learn. You can play it at different levels, so you can start padel at any age. It is especially important that you are tactical and can react quickly to the opponent. In addition, it is good for your brain, because you continuously train your hand-eye coordination and you are also busy with tactics and reading your opponent. Furthermore, it is also very good for your social contacts, because padel is a real team sport. After playing you can have a nice chat with the other players and you can meet new people! Our partner Plaza Padel has various group apps at its locations that are used to connect players of equal levels. Take a look at their website and get to know new players near you! At Plaza Padel you can also play all year round because they have many indoor courts all over the Netherlands. What do you need to start? The most important part of your padel equipment is of course a padel racket. A padel racket is your weapon on the padel court. There are a lot of different padel rackets available, which come in different materials, technologies and shapes aimed at different types of padel players. It is always important to choose the most suitable racket for your padel needs. A control racket for a defensive player, a power racket for an offensive player and a balanced racket for a neutral all-round padel player. Use our padel racket purchase advice tool to find out what rackets suit you! Padelshop’s favorite Starter Kit Backpacks and padel bags are items that become applicable to a padel player at some point, while you may not need them directly it will be the easiest way to transport your padel equipment to competitions and training sessions. Padel brands produce different types of backpacks and padel bags, with different sizes and compartments for all needs. There are large padel bags and suitcases for those looking for more capacity to carry spare rackets and more gear. But padel backpacks are also very popular, for players who need just enough space to take their padel racket and their most important personal belongings with them. Both are an excellent option to protect and transport your padel equipment. Finally, there are the accessories. Applying grips for extra weight or a protector to protect your beloved racket is essential for every padeller. If you want to learn more about padel first, feel free to order the book "Common Sense" by top padel player Nito Brea.Not sure what you need yet? No problem! At Padelshop we have made a number of starter kits for you, which fully meet your needs to start on the court. Choose your favorite brand and racket. And if you order before 22:00? You can be on the court with your new gear tomorrow! Check out our Starter Kit selection down below.                                Â
WHAT TYPE OF PADEL PLAYER ARE YOU?
As with many sports, everyone has their own hand that makes them unique. Many elite athletes have become who they are because of what makes them special. That is of course no different with padel. Everyone has their own way of playing and by analyzing these you come to the question; What kind of player am I actually? Are you a daredevil, are you a defensive player or more offensive. Do you always go for the maximum or do you look at what your buddy is doing? All of these questions answer showcase what type of padeller you are. In addition, it is important to see whether your current racket suits you as a type of player. Does this racket help you get the best out of your game? Are you an aggressive player who likes to go to the net and hit all balls with maximum power? Or are you a controlled player who wants more confidence from your racket? If you're not sure what kind of player you are, we can help. Here's what defines each type of player: Aggressive players like to go to the net, so they need a racket to help them do that. Therefore, an aggressive player should buy an offensive racket. An offensive racket has more power when you hit the ball and you have more control over your shots. This can be especially useful if you're playing against an opponent who likes to hit winners from the baseline, as you can use your strength to play them off balance. Aggressive players also tend to play with more risk, meaning they are more likely to win games with their aggressive strokes, but also more likely to lose those games due to their attacking style of play. If this describes you, then an offensive racket is just what you need to power up your game! But beware: a player with an offensive style of play can also hit many more balls if the racket gives too much power. Therefore, make sure that you always know what you are buying and that you do not suddenly get too much power from your racket. Perfect offensive rackets The controlling player is looking for a racket that gives him more confidence. That is why you will find many round rackets with a low weight for the most control, or a round racket that is slightly heavier, so that you can get both control and power out of your racket. These rackets also have a larger sweet spot. Rather place than hit hardControlling players don't necessarily have to be good at hitting the ball hard. Importantly, they play more in the service of the left winger and try to make other players run by spreading the ball instead of hitting hard. Placing the ball is very important for these players. Choose the angles, keep an eye on the running lines and place the ball in the open spaces. Make other players run by using the maximum of the court.Controlling players look for rackets that allow them to spread their shots over a wider area instead of just hitting hard. With this they try to let their opponent run a lot, by determining the game themselves.Perfect controlling rackets If you have bought a new racket, you will always have to get used to it. This is because the balance, weight and material will be different than you are used to. Very logical too. Give yourself time to get used to the racket and don't immediately look disapprovingly at your racket. Eventually you will notice that if you have found a racket that suits you, your game will improve. If you have any questions after reading this article, please contact: support@padelshop.comSee all our rackets
HOW DO I PLAY A BALL CLOSE TO THE GLASS?
It is extremely frustrating for players when the ball lands close to the glass wall. This situation can be avoided very easily if you know how to fix it.There are two situations where the ball is played close to the glass: When the ball comes close to the glass on the side of the playing field or; When the ball is lobed and lands close to the back wall. In both situations you will have to be able to handle and use the glass wall.The sidewallA ball close to the sidewall can arise from a myriad of situations. This can vary from a smash that is played in the corner and ends up at the side wall via the bounce to a forehand that is played close to the glass wall.There are two ways to handle this ball 'Swot a fly': This means that the ball is played close to the glass wall. It is important that the racket does not hit the wall. This can cause damage to the racket. Give the ball space to move away from the wall, then play the ball across the glass wall to the other side. By processing the ball in the second way, you run less risk of hitting the side wall with the racket. It is important here that the ball is really hit to the other side through the glass wall. A common mistake is that the ball is rightly hit against the side wall and therefore does not make it to the other side.The back wall In most situations, there are two cases where problems arise around the back wall. A direct lob: the ball bounces over the service line and 'sticks' to the back wall. The opponent uses his own back wall, then bounces near the opponent's back wall. This ball has a lot of effect, so that it 'sticks' to the back wall. For both situations there are three possibilities to handle this ball. Anticipate a high ball and walk back a bit, then you can play the ball back above your head. This choice is made because the player is convinced that this ball is easier to play before the ball hits the glass wall. A player who is focused on control will choose this ball the fastest. It is a situation in which the player can easily place the ball and needs little power. Pull back and play the ball back with a lob, this choice is often made when the ball stays very close to the back wall and it cannot be played back to the other side. This trick will also be preferred by a player who plays with control. Playing the lob ensures that a lot of time is created before taking the desired position. Play the ball through your own back wall up to the opponent's back field. The advantage of this is that there is quite a bit of topspin on the ball, so that it sticks very much to the back wall of the opponent. This choice will be made most quickly by a player who plays with a lot of power. This shot is extremely difficult to perform, but it is very effective for a player with the right technique and a large amount of power. In the ideal situation, the choice to return a ball in a certain way is made as quickly as possible. The aim is to make it as easy as possible for yourself to return the ball. If you make this choice too late or if it is a wrong choice, you always have the glass wall as a backup to be able to use. Within padel you have a second chance on almost all balls.
WHAT IS THE PERFECT PADELBALL?
 Padelballs Padel balls are an important part of the sport and can have a huge impact on the game. There are many different types of padel balls, but actually they all look the same. To arrive at the perfect ball, it is good to describe a number of properties of different padel balls. Read on to find out what the perfect padel ball is for you. Characteristics of a padelball The inside of the ball is always made of rubber. Today, most padel balls on the market are filled with gas or nitrogen. The difference is mainly in the use of the different fiber types. Felt is often used. A distinction can be made between a natural and synthetic fiber. The natural fibers are often from sheep's wool. There are two types of padel balls: normal speed and high speed. For better speed and bounce, fast padel balls have a higher pressure and shorter felt. These balls are especially suitable for intermediate and advanced level players. Due to a lower pressure and a longer felt, the speed of a padel ball is damped. These are suitable for beginners, but can of course also be used by experienced players. The ball must bounce a certain height to qualify as a padel ball. For this, a test is done in which the ball falls from a height of 2.54m. The intention is that the ball bounces back to a height of 135 to 145 centimeters. The weight of a padel ball should be between 56 and 59.4 grams. In addition, the specifications in terms of pressure and dimensions must also be correct. For example, the pressure must be between 4.6 and 5.2 kg per square centimeter. For the dimensions, padel balls must have a diameter between 6.35 and 6.77 centimeters.  How long does a padelball last? When you open the new can of padel balls, you will hear a sound, namely a 'his' murmur. This is because compressed air disappears from the bus. Padel balls are usually sold in a pressurized canister. The manufacturers of balls replenish air so as not to deflate the balls. You may be wondering why balls lose pressure so quickly? This has to do with how balls are produced and the way they are used. Height, moisture, temperature, style of play and court surface all affect the life of the ball. The duration of a padel ball in the form in which it is delivered is a bit disappointing. After a while, a padel ball loses pressure and performance diminishes. After one game you can count on the balls losing a quarter of their pressure, which means they bounce less. A padel ball should actually be replaced between 2 to 4 hours (one or two matches). Most players prefer new padel balls every match. During the WPT, new padel balls are always used every match.  The solution for long-term use of a padelball Fortunately, there is a more cheap and environmentally conscious solution than buying new balls every time. The correct alternative solution is called a pressure cooker. This is a canister in which you keep padel balls. A pressure tube or pressure regulator is a pneumatic tool used to keep the pressure of padel ball the same. The optimum pressure is created by pumping air in through a valve. As a result, padel balls have a longer shelf life. You will earn your money back after using the pressure cooker a few times. You can of course also choose to purchase one pressure cooker with different players.  Tubo+ X3 Pascal Box  What is the best padelball? The best padel ball will be different for each player because each player has a different game type and therefore a different ball preference. Some of the best balls are mentioned below and the characteristics of these balls are explained. Based on this description you can choose the perfect padel ball for you.  Head Padel Pro S  The Head Padel Pro S is the official padel ball of the World Padel Tour (WPT). The Head brand has developed this ball together with the best padel players. The Padel Pro S balls are best suited for players who prefer speed in their game where the ball often bounces during a point. While playing, the tempo remains high and the rallies are dynamic. No point is the same! We recommend these padel balls for players of intermediate and advanced level who like fast balls. This brand of padel balls has been around for a while, but it definitely remains one of the best padel balls out there. That's why we voted the Head Padel Pro S as the best padel balls of 2022!  Bullpadel Premium Pro The Bullpadel Padel Balls Premium Pro are for maximum speed. The padel balls have a long lifespan and a fantastic hitting feeling due to the high quality of the synthetic felt used. The rubber core of the padel ball has a high density which prevents pressure loss and which improves the durability of the ball. Bullpadel Premium Pro padel balls are the official balls for competitions organized by the Padel Federation of Madrid.  Black Crown Pro The Black Crown padel ball is great. Black Crown has done a lot of research to develop the best padel ball and it has paid off! These Black Crown padel balls are of good quality and last a long time. The core is made of high quality rubber and a mixture of felt materials. As a result, wear is limited as much as possible and this ball still has power after 1.5 hours of play. The ball is not so hard on the arm and therefore plays very easily.
10 TIPS FOR BUYING YOUR NEW PADEL RACKET
Choosing the right padel racket seems to be a difficult choice. Whether it concerns the purchase of your first racket or the replacement of an old racket. There may be more to it than you think. To ensure that you will soon be on the court with the perfect racket for you, we have listed 10 tips below in collaboration with PadelShop.com that can help you in your search for your new padel racket. 1. LEVEL Before you buy a new racket, you should ask yourself at what level you are currently. A distinction is made between three levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced. As a beginner it is important to first choose an easy racket. The longer you play and the higher your level will affect the purchase of a new racket. You will then need a racket with a lot of power and less control. You can read further in this article to find out which racket is the best choice for each level. 2. WEIGHT Weight is an important factor to take into account. A lighter or heavier racket has both its advantages. A light racket provides more control. However, if you think power is more important than control, you should opt for a heavier racket. In addition, there is a difference between the weight for women, men and children. The weight for women is usually between 350 and 360 grams, for men it is 355 and 360 grams. When looking at a children's racket, the weight differs between 240 and 280+ grams. Please note the following: Do you use (over)grips or a protector in the frame of the blade? Both can add extra weight, so keep this in mind when looking at the weight of a new racket. 3. SHAPE There are three shapes of padel rackets: diamond shape, teardrop shape and the round shape. As with the weight of the racket, each shape has its advantages: Diamond shapeThis racket has diamond-shaped blades, which ensures that the blades have more power but less control. This shape is more suitable for experienced players. Drop shapeA teardrop-shaped racket has a balance between power and control. The teardrop-shaped racket is suitable for semi-advanced players. Round shapeBlades with a round shape have mostly control and little power. This is the most suitable racket for the novice player. However, many advanced players still play with this shape, so round is not just for beginners. Curious about how you can distinguish the different rackets? In the picture we show the difference in shape, control and power. 4. CORE There are two types of rubber from which the core can be made. The first is EVA rubber, this rubber is completely smooth, hard, has more durability (lasts longer) and provides a better feeling when hitting the ball. The harder the racket, the more power goes to the ball. EVA rubber is the most commonly used rubber in padel rackets. A softer version of EVA rubber has now also been launched on the market, this is EVA Soft. On the other hand, you have the FOAM rubber. This type of rubber is soft and has a shorter lifespan, but has a greater feel for the ball and has a greater absorption of vibrations compared to EVA rubber. Softer rackets, however, have more exit speed of the ball at lower ball speed, which creates a trampoline effect. Please note the following: Rackets react to temperature. The warmer the weather, the softer the racket becomes. That is why it is also important when you choose a racket at which temperature you play. Cold temperatures require a softer racket as it gets harder due to the temperature. If you play with a soft racket in warm weather (more than 20 degrees), the racket becomes too soft and you lose control of the ball. Padelshop's best choice  5. BALANCE Balance provides more or less control. The balance of the blade refers to the point where the weight of the blade is concentrated. There are three types of balances: high, centered and bottom. A high balance means that the weight is concentrated closer to the head of the racket, this balance provides more power. High balance is common with diamond-shaped blades. With a centered balance, the weight is in the middle area (between the head of the blade and your grip). This balance provides more control and better maneuverability. This form of balance usually occurs with teardrop-shaped blades, but it also sometimes occurs in round models. When the balance is low, the weight is concentrated close to the handle of the racket, providing great control and manageability. Especially round tops have this type of balance. 6. THICKNESS Don't play too thin! The thinner the grip, the more you will squeeze. A padel racket has no grip size, but when you shake the racket your little finger must be able to get in between. Women have 0-1 overgrip, men 1-3 overgrips. According to the rules, the racket itself may not be thicker than 38 millimeters, this is also the most common thickness. 7. ADDITIONAL MATERIALS When you look at the frame, a stiff frame provides more control on the ball (less deviation, so more precision). An example of a stiff frame is a full carbon frame. A rigid frame also lasts longer. Do you want more grip on the ball? Then it is best to choose a racket with a structure on your head. Think of a HEAD Speed Motion or NOX AT10 Luxury Genius 18K Agustin Tapia 2023 or a really baked-in structure such as the Starvie Titania Kepler Pro 2.0 or Metheora. This gives you more grip on the ball and you can slice and control the ball more. This is also nicer for the smash so you can give more spin on the ball. Do you also have sensitive arms? Then we recommend purchasing the Noene Undergrip. This lower grip provides 92% less vibration, which results in less fatigue and less chance of injuries. 8. FREQUENCY Before you buy a (new) racket, ask yourself how often you plan to play. Are you planning on paddling only occasionally? Then think about how much money you want to spend on it. On the other hand, can you be found on the padel court several times a week? Then it might be better to invest more money and go for a racket with EVA rubber. These rackets are durable and therefore last longer. 9. PRICE The prices of a racket differ enormously. A racket suitable for beginners costs about 50 to 100 euros, but a racket for the real professionals can cost 250 to 400 euros. The price will therefore always influence the purchase of a new racket. Among other things, you have to take into account the durability of a racket. When a new racket is currently at the price but will last a long time, it is a good investment for later. Are you just starting out with padel? Then it is smart to first purchase a cheaper racket for beginners. 10. LOOK AT THE REVIEWS Do you want to be sure whether the racket you have chosen is actually as you have been told? Go online and read various reviews. Users who have already purchased the racket are your best friend, by reading about their experiences you know approximately what to expect when buying a new racket. TRY BEFORE YOU BUY Before you actually buy a new racket, we recommend that you try it out first so that you know that you are making the right choice. It is best for you to determine whether a racket suits you or not, but you must try it out first. Racket test from Padelshop: To help you find the best racket, Padelshop offers a unique service to test your racket at our Padel Experience Center in Alphen aan den Rijn. Book a free 30 minute personal racket test. Read more about Padelshop's racket test.                                     Â
8 TIPS FOR WHEN YOU PLAY AGAINST A BETTER OPPONENT
We've all experienced it, you step on the field and the opponent turns out to be almost a professional. However, when an opponent is better, this does not immediately mean that you and your partner have no chance. So how do you ensure that you play a good game and that you also continue to have fun in a seemingly difficult game? We have again listed a number of tips that should help you when you play against a better opponent. DON'T GIVE UP!When you play against a better opponent you may think about giving up. You may think that the chances of winning are slim anyway, so why bother? Very simple, a match can always go either way. It is not certain that a better opponent will also be the winner. That is why it is important to always give everything. In addition, playing against a better opponent is a good exercise. You can always learn a lot from someone who is better than you. In this, you can play well with a control racket. Some examples for good controlling rackets are; HEAD Zephyr, Nox ML10 Pro Cup Black Edition and Dunlop Speed Attack. BE ON TIMEMake sure you are on time with your partner. By being present earlier, there is a good chance that there is still a free track so that you can warm up in advance. You can also use the extra time to discuss the strategy with your partner. This way you are optimally prepared for the competition. GO BACK IN TIMEIt's probably not the first time you've played against an opponent who is better than you. So go back in time and analyze the last match where you played against a better opponent. Try to remember what went wrong in that match and what went right. You can use this experience to make sure you don't make the same mistakes as you did then. ANALYZE YOUR OPPONENT’S STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES From the moment you are on the court you have to start analyzing the opponent. You do this so that you find out the strengths and weaknesses of the opponent. Once you understand what these points are, you can anticipate them. Together with your partner you have to come up with a strategy in which you try to avoid the stronger points of your opponent as much as possible and instead seek out the weaker points. TIP: Did your match end earlier and are you waiting for the next opponent? Then check out the other matches, this is the best chance to analyze your potential new opponents before the match. SET GOALSBefore or during a match it is useful to set goals. Setting goals provides extra motivation. These goals can be very different from each other. It can relate to the minimum number of points you want to get to conquer the net position for a certain time. Think about which goals are realistic and strive to achieve these goals. KEEP YOUR FOCUSDuring a competition you always have a moment when your concentration decreases. However, a better opponent can immediately use this and score points. Therefore make sure that you play with full concentration throughout the match. A good tactic can be to hit the ball as close to the glass as possible. Read how best to do that here. ENSURE CONNECTIONChances are that if the opponents are aware that they are better than you and your partner, they will play less intensively. They already expect that they will emerge as the winner of the competition. However, this is not certain, so ensure that you have a maximum bet so that you have a chance of connecting with the opponent from the start of the match. In this way, the opponent has to increase their own intensity again, but this is difficult to adjust during a match. STAY POSITIVEMake sure you stay positive. It may happen that the match does not go as you would like. However, there is no point in getting grumpy/angry about this. By staying positive you keep motivating yourself to continue and get the best out of you and your partner. In addition, every match is a learning moment, so don't see it as a loss but as a good experience that you can use in the future.Finally, it is important to play padel with a racket that suits your level and type of player. For optimal performance check out our racket collection.                               Â
3 TIPS FOR BETTER DEFENSE
You play a padel match for fun, but also secretly to win. But you don't just win. The opponent will also do everything possible to step off the track as the winner. Out of the will to win, you quickly opt for the attack, but sometimes it is smarter to focus on your defense. Defense and control is just as important in padel. If you have your defense in order, you can resist your opponent and create new opportunities for you and your partner. But how do you create control and calmness while defending? And how do you then convert that into resistance so that you can control the match again? This article discusses the three most important factors that are essential for your defense and how you can improve it. POSTURE When you're defending you need to be able to react quickly and alertly, so it's important to take an active stance. Most of the balls you will have to defend will be low and deep. Make sure that you can react quickly to the blows of the opponent with both your upper and lower body. You do this by holding your racket in front of you and your legs bent. By adopting this position, your body is low in the center of gravity, so you can quickly change direction and give the ball power during the recoil. POSITIONING Another important point to pay attention to when defending is your position on the court. Your defensive position should always be behind the line, this is the defense zone. Most importantly, make sure you never defend in the middle of the lane (transition zone), this is the worst possible place to defend. This is because the opponent can play the ball at your feet, which makes it very difficult for you to hit the ball back. In the picture you can see the different zones in the field and where the defense zone is located. DEFENSIVE PLAYS As you know there are different types of strokes in padel. When you are defending you will have to react to the different blows. Defending a smash When defending a smash you have to pay close attention to the height at which the opponent hits the ball. When the ball is returned at the level of his/her chest, you must stay close to the glass behind. However, when the opponent hits the ball above his/her head, you have to go forward, because there is a good chance that the ball will bounce 'far' from the glass. Defending a lob How you defend a lob depends on the location of the lob. When the lob is deep you have to let it bounce, when the lob comes in front it is best to hit it back immediately. Defending a backspin Defending a spin is very difficult, these balls will often bounce directly on the ground after hitting the back wall. To hit these balls back, it's best to make sure your point of contact is in front of you, by bending your legs so that you're almost against the glass. In addition, keep your racket ready by pulling it back. TIP: Try changing the speed of your strokes to surprise the opponent.
