Recording in Riyadh with Adrián Blanco was more than a training session—it was a masterclass. Blanco, who reached the top 36 in the world and famously defeated the world number 1s in 2020, brought a wealth of experience and insight. Having trained for 14 years under Gustavo Prato, the coach of the current world number one pair, Blanco’s understanding of padel is deep and precise. “Padel is about reading the game, not just hitting hard,” he told me as we warmed up.
His career includes time on court with elite players like Arturo Coello and Edu Alonso, and his technical clarity made every tip feel actionable. We focused on two of his signature weapons: the Smash X3 and the backhand volley.
Unlocking the power of the Smash X3
The kick smash, or Smash X3, is one of the most spectacular shots in padel—but also one of the most misunderstood. Blanco broke it down into timing, body rotation, and contact point. “Don’t force the power. Let the motion and spin do the work,” he explained while demonstrating the technique.
He emphasized the importance of footwork and shoulder alignment, showing how to generate kick and height without overexerting. After applying his tips, I noticed immediate improvement in consistency and bounce. “If you hit it right, the ball will fly out of the cage. That’s when you know it’s clean,” he said with a grin.
Refining the backhand volley with precision
Blanco’s backhand volley is compact, controlled, and deceptively aggressive. He taught me how to keep the racket stable, use the continental grip, and stay low through the shot. “The key is to stay balanced and play with your legs, not just your arms,” he advised.
We worked on absorbing pace and redirecting the ball with slice and angle. His focus on positioning and anticipation made a huge difference in my net play. “You don’t need to hit hard to win the point. You need to hit smart,” he reminded me during a drill.
Applying pro-level thinking to amateur play
Beyond technique, Blanco shared how professionals think during matches. He spoke about reading opponents, choosing the right moment to attack, and staying mentally composed. “The best players don’t just react—they anticipate,” he said.
Training with someone of his caliber made me realize how much of padel is mental. The tips he gave weren’t just about mechanics—they were about mindset, rhythm, and decision-making. Every rally became a lesson in control and clarity.
Final thoughts from Riyadh
This session changed how I approach two of the most important shots in padel. Blanco’s advice was clear, practical, and rooted in years of elite competition. “If you understand the shot, you’ll never fear it,” he said as we wrapped up.
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, these insights can elevate your game. The Smash X3 and backhand volley aren’t just flashy—they’re strategic tools when executed with precision. And thanks to Adrián Blanco, I now know how to use them.
