No matter how skilled or experienced you are, pressure in padel is inevitable. A fast-paced rally, a poor position, or a series of unforced errors can easily leave you scrambling. The difference between advanced players and everyone else isn’t that they avoid pressure—it’s that they know how to reset the point.

Resetting the point is not about hitting a flashy winner. It’s about slowing the game down, regaining control, and putting yourself in a position to turn defense into offense. Here's how to do it—calmly, confidently, and with purpose.

1. Understand The Reset: It’s A Strategic Pause, Not A Surrender

Resetting doesn’t mean giving up the point or simply “hanging in there.” It’s a conscious tactic to disrupt your opponent’s momentum and reestablish your position on the court.

In padel, this often means playing a high lob, aiming for depth with control, or using the back glass to buy yourself time. It’s about shifting the rhythm—not escaping it.

2. Use The Lob Wisely

The lob is your best friend when you’re stuck deep or out of position. A high, well-placed lob forces your opponents off the net and resets the dynamic of the rally. But it’s crucial to avoid panicked lobs that land short—these invite smashes.

Instead, focus on the following:

Hit the lob off your front foot for more control.
Aim for height over depth—if you clear the opponent comfortably, even a slightly shorter lob is effective.
Use the lob early, before you’re too off-balance.

3. Recover Position Before Counterattacking

After resetting the point, your next task is to recover position. Many players make the mistake of going on the offensive too early after a reset. Be patient—get back to your ideal spot on the court (just behind the service line, side by side with your partner) and stay alert.

Good resets are only valuable if followed by solid positioning. That’s when mistakes from your opponents become opportunities for you.

4. Stay Mentally Neutral

Under pressure, emotion can cloud decision-making. You might rush a shot, swing too hard, or freeze up. Resetting the point also requires resetting your mindset.

Take a breath. Ground yourself. Remind yourself that each point is independent. Even if you're on a losing streak in the game, there is always room to rebuild.

Mental resets can look like:

Slowing down your routine between points
Focusing on your breathing
Making eye contact with your partner and aligning your plan

5. Communicate with Your Partner

Doubles padel is all about chemistry. When under pressure, silent frustration leads to disconnection. A quick nod, call, or hand signal can make all the difference in helping both of you regroup.

If you’ve reset the point with a lob or a defensive shot, make sure your partner knows your intent and is prepared to shift with you. Good teams don’t panic—they adapt together.

6. Practice Reset Scenarios

Finally, make sure you’re practicing resets during training—not just highlight-reel winners. Put yourself in tough situations: trapped in the corner, out of position, facing aggressive volleys. Work on how to defuse those situations with smart, safe shots.

The more familiar you are with those high-pressure moments, the more naturally you’ll respond when they come during a match.

Final Thoughts: Pressure Is Inevitable—Panic Is Not

In padel, momentum can swing in a matter of seconds. The players who learn how to hit the brakes, refocus, and reset are the ones who thrive when the pace picks up. Don’t see resets as retreating—see them as tactical breathing room that allows you to play the game on your own terms again.

So next time you feel the heat on court, take a step back, reset, and remember: composure wins more rallies than power ever will.

Turning The Tide: How To Reset The Point In Padel Under Pressure