Padel Shots Guide
Every shot in padel — from the defensive bandeja to the attacking vibora. Learn when to use each shot, the technique cues that make the difference, and the most common mistakes to avoid.
Overhead shots
Played from above shoulder height — your attacking arsenal from defensive positions.
Bandeja
“Tray” · Overhead · Intermediate
The bandeja is padel's signature defensive overhead. Hit with a flat racket face (like carrying a tray), it controls the ball back into the middle of the court rather than trying to win the point outright. Mastering it lets you stay in the net position after a lob.
When to use it
“Defending high lobs near the back wall”
Technique cues
- 1.Turn sideways, take racket back at shoulder height (not above head)
- 2.Contact the ball in front and above you with a flat to slightly open face
- 3.Swing through in a downward arc — think 'slice', not 'smash'
- 4.Land forward on your front foot to maintain your net position
Common mistake
Hitting too aggressively and losing the net — the bandeja is a control shot, not a winner.
Vibora
“Viper” · Overhead · Advanced
The vibora is an attacking overhead with wrist snap and sidespin that makes the ball kick unpredictably off the side glass. It's harder to execute than the bandeja but generates much more pace and angle, often winning the point outright.
When to use it
“Attacking a slightly lower ball, looking for a winner via the side glass”
Technique cues
- 1.Position like a bandeja but contact slightly lower and in front
- 2.Add wrist snap at contact — the racket face closes sharply
- 3.Aim at the side glass low so the ball bounces short and wide
- 4.Follow through across your body (not down like a smash)
Common mistake
Trying to vibora when the ball is too high — you'll lose control. Use bandeja for high balls.
Smash
“Smash” · Overhead · Beginner–Intermediate
The padel smash is your outright attacking overhead. Used when the lob is short and you have time to wind up, the smash sends the ball hard at your opponents' feet or through the back glass for a point-ending shot.
When to use it
“Short, high balls in the middle of the court — go for the winner”
Technique cues
- 1.Position under the ball early — footwork is everything
- 2.Full arm extension above head, racket face slightly closed
- 3.Contact at maximum extension, hit through the ball with pace
- 4.Aim for the feet of the players at the net, or target the back glass for a por-tres
Common mistake
Over-hitting from defensive positions. If the ball is near the back wall, use bandeja instead.
Gancho
“Hook” · Overhead · Advanced
The gancho (hook) is played with a hooking swing motion, sending the ball aggressively down the side line or into the back fence. It's a creative shot used to exploit court angles when a standard smash or bandeja isn't available.
When to use it
“Low-to-medium ball near the back fence, tight angle available”
Technique cues
- 1.Contact the ball at hip-to-shoulder height, ball slightly to your side
- 2.Swing in a hooking arc — outside-in for cross-court, inside-out for down the line
- 3.Generate power from shoulder rotation, not just the arm
- 4.Low, flat contact — you want the ball to stay below the glass level
Common mistake
Mis-timing the swing and sending the ball into the fence. Practice the timing slowly first.
Wall exits & baseline
Shots that use the walls as part of the technique.
Bajada
“Exit from the back” · Wall exit · Intermediate–Advanced
The bajada is the shot you play as the ball comes down off the back glass — using the wall's energy to play an aggressive ball back towards the net. It's one of padel's most tactical shots and central to converting a defensive position into an attack.
When to use it
“After the ball bounces off the back glass, to attack from the baseline”
Technique cues
- 1.Let the ball come off the back glass — don't rush it
- 2.Get low and position yourself to strike just after the second bounce
- 3.Hit flat and low, targeting the opponent's feet at the net
- 4.Follow through towards the net — this shot often enables you to attack forward
Common mistake
Trying to hit the bajada before the ball has fully come off the wall, killing your timing.
Net game
Short, precise shots played from or near the net.
Chiquita
“Little one” · Net · Intermediate
The chiquita is a compact, low volley or half-volley played at net height that drops the ball at the opponents' feet. It's designed to force a defensive response rather than win the point outright — but it often sets up the point-winner.
When to use it
“From the net when opponents are also at the net — a short, low ball at their feet”
Technique cues
- 1.Short backswing — this is all about placement, not power
- 2.Contact the ball low, just above net height
- 3.Open racket face slightly to add a little backspin and keep it low
- 4.Aim at the opponents' feet, not at their body
Common mistake
Lifting the ball — any height gives opponents an easy volley winner.
Defensive shots
Reset shots that get you out of trouble.
Lob
“Globo” · Defensive · Beginner
The lob (globo) is padel's most essential defensive shot. A well-executed lob sent deep and high over the opponents' heads forces them back from the net and resets the rally. It's often the difference between surviving a point and losing it.
When to use it
“Under pressure at the net, to reset the point and send opponents back”
Technique cues
- 1.Open the racket face — you want height, not pace
- 2.Swing low-to-high with a smooth, controlled motion
- 3.Aim deep: the target is the back quarter of the opponent's court
- 4.Clear the opponents' outstretched rackets by 1–2 metres minimum
Common mistake
Lobbing too short — a short lob is a gift smash for your opponents.
How to choose the right shot
| Situation | Ball height | Best shot | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| High lob, near back wall | High (above head) | Bandeja | Smash |
| Medium lob, some attack angle | Shoulder–head | Vibora | Bandeja (too defensive) |
| Short lob, middle court | Above head | Smash | Bandeja (too passive) |
| Hip-height, tight angle available | Hip–shoulder | Gancho | Smash (too high contact) |
| Ball coming down off back glass | Knee–waist | Bajada | Rushing the shot |
| At net, opponents closing in | Net height | Chiquita | Lob (telegraphed) |
| Pinned at baseline, under pressure | Any | Lob | Aggressive drive |
Related guides
Full Techniques Guide
Every padel technique in one place.
ReadWall & Glass Play
How to use the walls to your advantage.
ReadPadel Levels Guide
Are you ready for these shots? Check your level.
ReadBeginner's Guide
Starting from scratch? Read this first.
ReadRules & Scoring
When certain shots are or aren't legal.
ReadPrivate vs Group Lessons
Learn shots faster with the right coaching format.
ReadWant to master the bandeja in one session?
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