Many padel players mistakenly believe that the net is the perfect place to unleash all their power. By trying to end the rally with fast volleys, they often end up giving their opponents easy balls. At the net, your real goal is not to hit hard, but to maintain pressure. For this, the depth of your volley is a much more decisive leverage than its speed.The trap of the fast volleyWhen looking for pure speed in a volley, you mechanically reduce your margin for error. A hard-hit ball often arrives with a horizontal trajectory which, if not perfectly placed, easily returns to the player at the net
The kick serve is an interesting tactical option for securing your second serves or varying trajectories. Unlike a flat serve, it relies on a pronounced topspin that causes the ball to bounce high after hitting the ground, making the opponent's return less comfortable. This movement requires some practice to coordinate the toss, body positioning, and racket action. Here are the key steps to build this shot.The principle of the kick serveThe kick serve relies on high ball rotation. The idea is to brush the back of the ball from bottom to top, ideally in a trajectory from 7 o'clock to 1 o'clock
We are constantly told that repetition is the key to learning. In squash, this rule can be a trap. By repeating the same movement over and over, the brain eventually goes into standby mode and fatigue takes over. The result: you aren't perfecting your technique; you are training your nervous system to reproduce a clumsy compensation. This is what is called "signal degradation."When the brain goes into standby modeThere is a fundamental difference between conscious repetition, which engages neuroplasticity, and automatic repetition. After a few dozen shots, the player stops "searching" for the
Pickleball has a unique advantage: an extremely open and connected global community. Going on a training camp is no longer just about technique; it is an opportunity to discover a destination from a new perspective, integrating into the local culture through the game.Choosing between the all-inclusive "Resort" and the authentic "Club"Depending on your goals, the travel experience varies radically:The Resort (Comfort & Leisure): Ideal if you want to combine pickleball with a holiday with family or friends. The facilities are often high-end, with coaches available on-site. This is the "zero
In Beach Tennis, the court is both your best ally and your worst enemy. Unlike traditional tennis, sand is an unstable surface that absorbs your energy instead of returning it. To perform well and avoid rapid exhaustion, managing your footwork is particularly important.Ground anchoring: priority number oneOn sand, sliding is not your goal—it is your constraint. To stay solid:Widen your base: Always keep your feet wider than shoulder-width apart. This lowers your center of gravity and increases your lateral stability.Bend more: Your knees must be constantly bent. If your legs are straight, you
Tennis is a comprehensive healthy sport; however, over time, joints become more sensitive to repeated impacts and sudden changes of direction. To transform your passion into a sustainable practice, adopting a smart approach is essential. The key does not lie in reducing your activity, but in adapting it to limit mechanical wear.The Warm-Up: The Essential Ritual for LongevityWith age, joint lubrication takes more time. A rushed warm-up is the leading cause of injuries among senior tennis players. Systematically dedicate 15 to 20 minutes to a progressive start. Begin with a cardio warm-up, then
The art of the dynamic startEverything begins with the split-step, that small preparatory jump that allows you to gather information on the shuttlecock's trajectory. The classic mistake is starting with flat feet. For an explosive lunge, your first step must be oriented toward the destination zone as soon as you land from the jump. The more precise your first step, the less distance you will have to cover with your final lunge.The mechanics of a successful lungeA mastered lunge relies on a perfect balance between propulsion and control. Land your front foot starting with the heel, then roll do
In squash, positioning and technique are essential, but it is often the mental game that tips the scale in tight matches. Here is how to strengthen your mindset so you no longer succumb to pressure.Erase the Mistake ImmediatelyAn error on an easy shot often leads to a spiral of frustration. Apply a simple rule: give yourself two seconds to analyze your mistake, then forget it instantly. Your concentration must be 100% focused on the next serve. What is done is done; only the upcoming ball matters.Create Your Own TimeoutsSquash does not allow official timeouts, but you can create small recovery
In 2026, the overall level of pickleball has significantly increased. To destabilize opponents who are increasingly solid in defense, it is becoming necessary to integrate more technical shots into your repertoire. The Erne and the ATP (Around The Post) are two aggressive options that allow you to finish the point by intelligently using the court boundaries.The Erne: Bypassing the Non-Volley ZoneThe Erne involves hitting a volley while positioned outside the lateral boundaries of the court, next to the kitchen. This allows you to hit the ball much closer to the net without committing a foot fa
With the return of sunny days this May 2026, the Beach Tennis season is officially underway. Whether you are a beginner or a regular player, choosing the right racket is crucial, as materials have evolved significantly in recent years to offer more comfort and precision.Material Choice: Carbon or Kevlar?In 2026, the market is mainly divided into two major families of materials for racket frames and faces.Carbon (3K, 12K, or 18K): This is the choice for power. The higher the number (like 18K carbon), the stiffer the racket. It is an ideal material for offensive players looking for fast ball exi
In today's padel, understanding the court is often more important than hitting power. To improve, you need to know where to position yourself in defense and where to aim once you are at the net. Proper zone management reduces unforced errors and helps build the point with more consistency.The Conflict Zone: The Center of the CourtThis is undoubtedly the most underestimated yet most effective zone. Aiming for the center, between the two players, creates what is known as a "zone of uncertainty."Tactical Advantage: It tests the opposing pair's communication. Who should take the ball? The right-si
Modern tennis is no longer just played on the court; it is lived as a global experience. In 2026, prestigious academies have taken the "student-athlete for adults" concept to its peak, offering ATP-worthy facilities to enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you are looking for raw intensity or absolute luxury, here is your itinerary.The French Riviera: Technological Excellence at MouratoglouLocated in Biot, between Nice and Cannes, the Mouratoglou Academy remains the center of gravity for European tennis in 2026. This is where stars like Coco Gauff and Holger Rune train. For an amateur, signing up
In modern padel, being pushed to the back of the court by an opponent's lob is no longer a death sentence. If the ball bounces high enough off the back glass, you are no longer defending: you are in a position of power. The "bajada" is that lethal weapon that allows you to punish the opposing team following a lob.The Principle: From Frustration to AggressionThe scenario is classic: you are at the net, and your opponents play a clean lob over you. You run to the back, you lose the net, and your rivals move up. This is where the bajada comes in. If the ball rises above your shoulder after hittin
The one-handed backhand has long been considered the most elegant stroke in tennis. Brought to the summit by legends like Federer, Tsitsipas, or Wawrinka, it nonetheless seems to be gradually fading before the efficiency of the two-handed backhand.The Quest for Maximum StabilityModern tennis is characterized by a constant increase in ball speed. Faced with increasingly heavy shots, the two-handed backhand offers superior stability. The non-dominant hand acts as a guide and support, allowing for better countering of the opponent's power. In a sport where defense has become paramount, the solidi
In the world of squash, the racket is not just a simple accessory; it is the natural extension of your arm. Given the speed of the rallies, every gram and every millimeter of design can transform the way you play. Here are the essential criteria that make equipment a key element of your game.Weight: Between Power and ReactivityThe weight of a squash frame generally varies between 110 and 150 grams. This choice directly influences your muscle fatigue and the speed of your ball.Light rackets: They offer exceptional maneuverability, ideal for reacting quickly at the net and disguising your shots.
Pickleball is primarily a doubles sport, but training with four people is not always the fastest way to progress technically. This is where skinny singles comes into play. This variant, played on half a court, has become the favorite exercise for competitive players.Surgical Precision WorkBy playing on half the width of the court, you considerably reduce the possible angles. This constraint forces the player into extreme precision. Every ball must be placed with care to stay within the narrow limits of the playing area. It is the ideal exercise for mastering the dink and trajectory control, as
