Padel Shots Guide: Master Every Technique from Bandeja to Vibora
- redlinesportsclub
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Learning padel basics gets you on the court. Learning the full shot repertoire makes you dangerous on it.
Beyond the forehand and backhand you already know, padel has a rich vocabulary of specialised shots—each designed for specific situations.
The bandeja that maintains net position.
The vibora that attacks without surrendering ground.
The chiquita that resets pressure.
The bajada that punishes weak lobs.
These shots separate intermediate players from advanced ones. Understanding when and how to use each transforms your game. This guide covers every essential padel shot, explaining the technique, the tactical purpose, and the common mistakes to avoid.
1. The Fundamental Shots
Before exploring padel-specific techniques, ensure your foundations are solid.
The Forehand
Your primary attacking weapon from the baseline.
Technique: Use a continental grip (hammer grip), turn shoulders early, and strike in front of your body with a low-to-high swing path.
Tactical use: Rally shots, approach shots, and passing shots when opponents are at the net.
The Backhand
Equally important, often more frequently used due to court positioning.
Technique: Shoulder rotation (single-handed is often preferred in padel) with the contact point slightly ahead of the front hip. Focus on slice or flat shots rather than topspin.
Tactical use: Defensive returns, cross-court rallies, and setting up attacks.
The Volley
Essential for net play—where most points are won.
Technique: Keep a short backswing, punch through the ball with a firm wrist, and step into the shot to maintain power.
Tactical use: Finishing points at the net and maintaining constant pressure.
The Serve
The only shot you control entirely. Underhand, but highly tactical.
Technique: Strike below waist height, targeting the corners or the opponent's body. Adding slice creates awkward bounces against the glass.
Tactical use: Starting points with an advantage and setting up your approach to the net.
2. The Spanish Vocabulary: Padel-Specific Shots
These shots carry Spanish names because padel was born in Mexico and popularised in Spain. You will hear these terms constantly on the court.
The Bandeja (The "Tray")
The most important shot to master after the basics. It is a controlled overhead that maintains your net position.
When to use it: When an opponent lobs, but not deep enough to push you back.
Technique: Use a side-on stance with the racket prepared high. Slice under the ball to keep the bounce low.
Common mistake: Hitting too hard or flat, which causes the ball to rebound too high off the glass.
The Vibora (The "Viper")
The bandeja's aggressive cousin. More power, more risk, and more reward.
When to use it: When you have time to prepare and want to force a weak return or a winner.
Technique: Brushing across the side of the ball with a pronounced wrist snap to create heavy side-spin.
Common mistake: Using it as a default shot. It requires high precision; otherwise, it results in unforced errors.
The Chiquita
The great equaliser. When opponents have you under pressure, the chiquita resets the point.
When to use it: When opponents are tight at the net and you are defending at the baseline.
Technique: A soft, low shot that lands at the opponents' feet, forcing them to volley upwards.
Common mistake: Hitting too hard, which allows the opponent to attack the ball easily.
The Bajada (The "Downwards")
The aggressive response to a short lob. You are "bringing the ball down" with power.
When to use it: When a lob bounces high off the back glass, allowing you to strike it above shoulder height.
Technique: Move forward, prepare high, and strike with a downward trajectory.
Common mistake: Over-hitting into the net or the back glass.
The Globo (The Lob)
Defence that creates offence. The lob is essential for changing momentum.
When to use it: To push opponents away from the net and reclaim the attacking position.
Technique: Use a low-to-high swing with an open racket face. Aim for depth rather than just height.
Common mistake: Not hitting deep enough, giving the opponent an easy overhead.
The Contrapared
Playing the ball after it bounces off the back wall.
When to use it: When the ball is too deep to hit on the fly.
Technique: Read the angle early, let the ball pass you, and trust the rebound.
Common mistake: Standing too close to the wall or panicking instead of reading the bounce.
The Dejada (The Drop Shot)
Deception that punishes poor positioning.
When to use it: When opponents are deep at the baseline and expect a powerful drive.
Technique: Absorb the pace with soft hands and add backspin so the ball "dies" after the net.
Common mistake: Telegraphing your intention too early.
3. Shot Selection: Tactical Thinking
Knowing how to hit is only half the battle. Knowing when is what wins matches.
Situation | Best Options | Key Decision Factor |
You're at net, opponent lobs | Bandeja (Safe) / Vibora (Aggressive) | Lob depth & your balance |
You're at baseline, opponents at net | Lob (Reset) / Chiquita (Disrupt) | Opponent's distance from net |
Ball comes off the back wall | Bajada (Attack) / Lob (Safety) | Height of the bounce |
4. Developing Your Shot Repertoire
Recommended Drill Progression
Weeks 1-2: Focus on the Bandeja. Master the side-on movement and slice.
Weeks 3-4: Introduce the Vibora. Learn the side-spin mechanics.
Weeks 5-6: Chiquita mastery. Work on touch and "soft hands" drills.
Week 7+: Full Repertoire. Practice point construction and shot selection.
Common Development Mistakes
Over-relying on power: Padel rewards placement.
Avoiding weaknesses: Don't just run around your backhand; train it.
Ignoring transitions: The "no-man's land" between baseline and net is where the bandeja saves you.
Practice These Shots at Redline Dubai
Ready to expand your repertoire? Our coaching sessions focus on technique development and tactical shot selection. Work with experienced coaches who can refine your bandeja, sharpen your vibora, and develop your chiquita.
Our Locations:
Zabeel House: +971 52 457 1816
Al Barsha: +971 58 824 5169
Al Quoz: +971 58 824 5179
Master every shot. Dominate every situation. 🎾
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