Advice for playing on glass/indoor courts?

padelrocks

My local club recently switched from outdoor clay courts to indoor glass ones. The playing style seems very different. Any tips to adjust? The walls and floor seem much faster.

padelfan

Indoor does play much quicker with the ball moving faster off the walls. You have less time to react. Focus on quicker footwork and preparation. Split step more frequently to be balanced.

nomansland

The ball will skid more too. Be prepared to hit shots knee height or lower due to the skidding pace, compared to the higher bounce of clay. Block or punch volleys are key.

Americano

Since the ball moves faster, you can actually attack more aggressively on returns that sit up. Take more shots early on the rise versus letting the rally develop slowly.

For example, redirect a fast crosscourt return down the line catching them off guard. Or crack a forehand return into the corner before they are set up.

Goldenpoint

Absolutely take advantage attacking shorter balls before they get moving. An explosive first step forward on slower balls puts you instantly on offense versus scrambling defensively.

Steve52

Serving is affected too on indoor glass courts. Use a lower, flatter trajectory - kick serves can sit up. Go for angles and speed to set up a first-strike riposte return.

Place more serves wide into the corners to pull opponents wide onto the side walls. Opens up the court for your return.

ilovepadel

Since the walls play so active, try using more rotational spin on groundstrokes. Heavy topspin loops or sidespin can rebound very unpredictably off the walls keeping opponents guessing.

SHarris

For defensive play, lobs are important to reset the point when pulled wide until you adjust to the quicker pace. Floating lobs over their heads down the line can work well with the fast floor.

Barcelona

Don't forget to communicate constantly with your partner on court coverage too. Call "I got it!" right away on faster balls down the middle so you avoid collisions.