Reverse
Reverse is English shorthand for the backhand side in padel - the side opposite your dominant hand. The Spanish term revés is more common in coaching, but reverse is what UK and US players often say. It covers both backhand groundstrokes and backhand volleys.
What is the reverse in padel?
The reverse is the backhand side of the stroke - the side opposite your dominant hand. For right-handed players, reverse shots are hit on the left side of the body. The term covers backhand drives, backhand volleys and backhand wall returns.
When is the reverse used?
Roughly half of every padel rally happens on the reverse side. Players guard the reverse heavily because it is generally the weaker wing for beginners. Pros develop a strong reverse to remove that weakness, and many of the best players hit two-handed backhand drives.
How to strengthen your reverse
Practise reverse-only cross-court rallies (link to drills). Take your reverse early with a short backswing, especially on volleys. Two-handed backhand drives generate more power and are increasingly common across the pro tour.
Coach tip: A simple drill: rally backhand cross-court for 5 minutes at the start of every session. Most beginners avoid the reverse and stay weak on it forever.
Common misconceptions
Reverse is the same as backhand and revés - just different language. There is no separate technique called the reverse. Some coaches use reverse for the backhand groundstroke specifically and backhand-volley for the net version. The Spanish revés covers all of them.
