In his discussion of backhand and forehand play, Noah breaks down the decision to turn or step away based on four factors: ball height, pace, proximity to favorite position, and time. For left-handed high forehands and balls that go quickly, turning is simpler and maintains you in closer proximity to your position. Moving away is preferable for right-side high backhands, slower balls, and demands more recuperation. Noah also emphasizes the advantages of taking a step back, such improved direction and simpler lob play.
He also provides nine technical suggestions for enhancing padel defense, such as setting up at the same height as the ball, opening the racket face for simpler contact, only accelerating when the ball is high, approaching the ball from behind for a better contact point, playing flat when the ball is low, slicing when it’s high, and maintaining the same height to keep the ball low.
