Adrian Blanco’s recording session in Riyadh was a masterclass rather than just a training session. Blanco contributed a wealth of expertise and wisdom, having made it to the top 36 in the world and famously defeating the world number ones in 2020. Blanco has a thorough and accurate understanding of padel thanks to her 14 years of training under Gustavo Prato, the coach of the current world number one pair. He informed me, “Padel is about reading the game, not just hitting hard,” when we were warming up.
He has played on the court alongside top players like Arturo Coello and Edu Alonso throughout his career, and his technical precision made every suggestion seem doable. We concentrated on the Smash X3 and the backhand volley, two of his trademark weapons.
Unlocking the Smash X3’s potential
One of the most amazing padel shots—and one of the most misinterpreted—is the kick smash, often known as Smash X3. Blanco divided it into three categories: contact point, body rotation, and time. “Avoid exerting too much strength. As he demonstrated the method, he said, “Let the motion and spin do the work.”
He demonstrated how to produce kick and height without expending too much effort, emphasizing the significance of footwork and shoulder alignment. I immediately saw an improvement in bounce and consistency after following his advice. “The ball will fly out of the cage if you hit it correctly. “You can tell it’s clean at that point,” he remarked, grinning.
Developing a precise backhand volley
Blanco has a compact, controlled, and subtly forceful backhand volley. He showed me the continental grip, how to stay low during the shot, and how to maintain the racket steady. “The key is to stay balanced and play with your legs, not just your arms,” he said.
We practiced using slice and angle to reroute the ball and absorb pace. His emphasis on anticipation and positioning really improved my net play. “To make your point, you don’t have to hit hard. During a drill, he reminded me that you must hit wisely.
Bringing professional-level thinking to amateur sports
Blanco talked about how pros think throughout games in addition to technique. He talked about maintaining mental composure, reading opponents, and deciding when to attack. “The best players don’t just react—they anticipate,” he stated.
I became aware of how mentally taxing padel is after training with someone of his ability. He offered advice on thinking, rhythm, and decision-making in addition to mechanics. Each rally turned into a control and clarity lesson.
Last words 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.
These tips can improve your skills regardless of your level of experience. When used correctly, the Smash X3 and backhand volley are strategic tools rather than just showy moves. And thanks to Adrian Blanco, I now know how to use them.