The High Ball in Padel: Defensive and Offensive Options

When the opponent's pair holds the net, the only way to regain the net yourself is either to play a passing shot through them (difficult) or force them back with a high ball. The high ball — also called a globo — is a deep, high shot that clears the opponents' reach and lands in the back court, ideally close to the back glass. It forces the net pair to retreat and creates the opportunity to advance.

The mechanics of the high ball are straightforward: an open racket face at contact, a lifting swing path from low to high, and significant follow-through to generate height. The ball should peak well above the opponents' extended racket reach and land deep, bouncing close to the back wall. A high ball that lands short gives the opponents time to retreat, turn, and smash.

Placement is critical. The high ball down the line to the opponent's weaker side (usually the backhand corner) is the safest — it travels away from the smashing player's power zone and the side wall constrains their movement. The crosscourt high ball is riskier because it crosses more court and allows the stronger player to take it overhead.

Defensively, the high ball buys time: while the opponent's pair retreats to play an overhead or bajada, you advance to the net. The ideal high-ball sequence is: high ball → partner and you advance → control the net on the next ball. The high ball is not meant to win the point outright — only to reset the positional balance.

The high ball is also an offensive tool in specific situations. When the opponents are close to the net (over-pressing), a high ball directly over their heads — even shallow — forces them to turn quickly, hit an overhead backward toward the back wall, and scramble to recover. Advanced players use the offensive high ball as a surprise weapon against predictably aggressive pairs.