The Trampoline Effect in Padel Rackets

Padel players often talk about a racket having “easy power” or a “lively face.” What they are usually describing is the trampoline effect—a physical response in the racket that directly influences how the ball comes off the strings (or, in padel’s case, the perforated face).

What the Trampoline Effect Actually Is

The trampoline effect refers to how much the racket face compresses and then rebounds when the ball makes contact. Instead of the ball simply bouncing off a rigid surface, the face of the racket flexes inward for a split second, stores energy, and then releases it back into the ball—much like a trampoline launching a jumper upward.

The greater this deformation and rebound, the more energy is transferred to the ball without the player needing to swing harder.

What Causes the Trampoline Effect

Several design factors work together to create (or limit) this effect:

Core softness
Most padel rackets use EVA foam cores. Softer EVA compresses more on impact, increasing energy storage and rebound. Harder cores deform less, reducing the trampoline effect.

Face material and thickness
Fiberglass and thinner carbon faces tend to flex more than stiff, thick carbon layers. Increased flexibility allows the face to bend inward and spring back more dramatically.

Hole pattern and drilling
The number, size, and placement of holes weaken certain structural zones of the face. More or larger holes usually mean more flex, which enhances the trampoline response.

Racket aging
Over time, repeated impacts fatigue the materials. As the core softens and the face loses stiffness, the trampoline effect can increase—even if the racket was originally designed for control.

How It Affects Gameplay

The trampoline effect has a clear and noticeable impact on how padel feels on court:

More power with less effort
Players can generate depth and speed without full swings, which is especially useful in defensive lobs and quick reactions at the net.

Reduced precision
Because the racket adds energy of its own, controlling exact ball placement becomes harder. Shots may fly longer than intended, particularly on flat hits.

Comfort and vibration damping
A softer, more flexible response absorbs impact forces better, which can feel easier on the arm and reduce harsh vibrations.

Style-dependent advantages
Beginners and intermediate players often benefit from the extra help in power, while advanced players may prefer a muted trampoline effect to maintain accuracy and touch.

Finding the Right Balance

The trampoline effect is not inherently good or bad—it’s a trade-off. More rebound means more forgiveness and power, but less predictability. Less rebound offers control and confidence in placement, but demands cleaner technique.

Understanding how the trampoline effect works makes it easier to choose a racket that matches your playing style rather than fighting against it every time you step on court.

 

Low Trampoline Effect Padel Rackets:

Here are 5 Rackets with Low trampoline effect.

1. Bullpadel Ionic Control Padel Racket
2. Adidas Adipower Carbon CTRL 3.4 Padel Racket
3. Adidas RX Series Light Padel Racket
4. SYR Control Padel Racket
5. Babolat Counter Origin

Control-Oriented Choices (Lower Trampoline Feel)

Bullpadel Ionic Control Padel Racket – Round shape and precision focus designed for accuracy and placement play rather than easy power. Control models like this typically have firmer response and less “bouncy” ball exit. 
Adidas Adipower Carbon CTRL 3.4 Padel Racket – Built for control with a medium-hard core and stable carbon face, helping reduce unpredictable rebound and give a firmer feel through volleys and defence. 
Adidas RX Series Light Padel Racket – Lightweight and manoeuvrable, this model emphasises control and consistency over raw power, which usually translates to less trampoline-style energy return. 
SYR Control Padel Racket – As the name suggests, this racket is marketed toward players focusing on precision and placement; “control” rackets tend to have stiffer responses with reduced rebound.
Babolat Counter Origin – A balanced, control-oriented padel racket that rewards technique and accuracy; such models usually exhibit a lower trampoline effect compared to very soft, high-output rackets.

Rackets with *round head shapes, lower balance points, stiffer cores and carbon surfaces* generally provide less trampoline action and more predictable ball behaviour, which many intermediate and advanced players prefer for precise play. 

High Trampoline Effect Padel Rackets:

1. Head Extreme Pro Padel Racket
2. Head Extreme Motion Padel Racket
3. Adidas Metalbone 3.3 Padel Racket
4. Bullpadel Vertex 04 Padel Racket
5. Babolat Stima Energy Padel

High Trampoline Effect / Power-Oriented Racket Picks

Head Extreme Pro Padel Racket - A strong power racket with a lively feel and an enlarged sweet spot — often used by players who prioritise deep, fast attacking shots. Design features give it plenty of rebound and aggressive energy transfer.

Head Extreme Motion Padel Racket - Built for dynamic offensive play with a flexible face and responsive output — players report a springy, energetic ball rebound that enhances power.

Adidas Metalbone 3.3 Padel Racket - Part of Adidas’s Metalbone series known for explosive acceleration — a head-heavy, diamond-influenced feel helps produce a powerful, spring-like response on impact.

Bullpadel Vertex 04 Padel Racket - A top-end power racket with a high balance and teardrop/diamond-like characteristics that favour aggressive overheads and smashes with plenty of ball exit speed.

Babolat Stima Energy Padel - Designed for players seeking extra output and punch — its responsive face and construction tend to give shots a lively boost, which many interpret as a trampoline-like rebound.

 

 

Video:

The video below has a good section explaining the trampoline effect at the 7:13 minute mark.