Padel is often played at high intensity at the net, but the best players know when to slow down the rally to better punish. The rulo and the chiquita are two essential shots for breaking the rhythm and forcing opponents, even when well-positioned, to commit an error or play a defensive shot that is easy to intercept.The Chiquita: The Offensive Drop Shot in Mid-CourtThe chiquita is a slow and short shot, often executed from the baseline or mid-court, whose objective is to land just behind the opponent's service line.The Concept: The chiquita is a short ball with little power and, most important
The second serve is the moment of truth in tennis. If the first serve is a weapon of destruction, the second is a tool for survival and strategy. The objective is not just to put the ball in play, but to place it in such a way that the opponent is forced into a defensive stroke. The two main options for the second serve are the kick serve and the slice serve.Option 1: The Kick Serve (Topspin)The kick serve is the default choice for the majority of professionals because of its safety and its ability to bother the receiver.Technique: The strike is made on the back-left part of the ball (for a ri
Singles badminton is a sport of extreme movement. A match is won not only by the quality of the shots but, above all, by the player's ability to effectively cover the four corners of the court and consistently return to an optimal central position. The 6-Corner System is the fundamental method used by coaches to teach the footwork necessary to transform defense into attack.The Principle of the 6 Corners and Their ObjectivesThe six corners are the targets the player must reach to hit the shuttlecock. They consist of the four outer corners of the court and the two intermediate points at the net.
The Milwaukee Hong Kong Open, taking place from December 1st to 7th, is one of the most prestigious tournaments of the season on the PSA Platinum circuit. It represents a major challenge for the players: not only does it offer significant prize money, but the points it awards are crucial for the world ranking. The 2025 edition is marked by continued Egyptian dominance and some pleasant surprises.The Stakes of the Platinum TournamentPlatinum category tournaments (like the Hong Kong Open) are mandatory for the best players and often define the hierarchy at the end of the year.Ranking Race: The r
Pickleball is often perceived as a game of volleys and dinks at the kitchen. However, the serve is the first shot of the rally, the one that dictates the subsequent strategy. With the evolution of rules and the introduction of the drop serve, the serve has become a subtle weapon used not to win the point directly, but to set up the attack and put the opponent in difficulty before their return.The Drop Serve: A Technical RevolutionHistorically, the serve was executed underhand with an upward motion. The introduction of the drop serve has given the server more control.The Drop Serve Rule: The se
Beach tennis is a fast, dynamic, and demanding sport. Its particularity? The absence of bounce! Unlike tennis or Padel, all shots are hit in the air (volley) or after an overhead smash. This constraint requires the adoption of specific techniques and positioning. Mastering these fundamentals is the key to transforming fun into performance on the sand.The Racket Grip: The Continental StandardIn beach tennis, the speed of the game and the necessity of hitting overhead require the use of a versatile grip.The Continental Grip (Hammer): This is the grip of choice. It is achieved by holding the rack
In table tennis, the racket is the extension of the player, but it is the rubber that dictates the style of play. The rubber is not just a simple rubber surface; it is a tool for transmission, reception, and, above all, spin generation. Understanding the differences between the types of rubbers is essential for optimizing your style of play.Smooth Rubbers (Inverted Rubbers): The Offensive StandardSmooth rubbers are, by far, the most used by players of all levels. They consist of a sponge and a rubber sheet whose pips are turned inwards.The Topspin MechanismSpin Generation: The gripping surface
The Continental Grip is achieved by holding the racket like a hammer, with the base of the index finger on the top rear of the handle. This is also why it is sometimes called the Hammer Grip.Why Only One Grip?Net Reactivity: In Padel, speed at the net is paramount. The Continental Grip allows for instantaneous switching from forehand to backhand volley without changing grips, minimizing reaction time.Managing Overhead Shots: This grip is ideal for overhead shots, particularly the Smash, the Bandeja, and the Víbora. It allows the player to "slice" the ball to control the height and direction of