Padel shots

Serve

The serve is the first shot of the rally. In padel, it is played underhand after the ball bounces on the ground. Its purpose is not to win the point outright, but to start the rally and move into a strong position at the net.

Position: stand behind the baseline in your service box, side-on to the direction of the serve. Set a stable base with your weight on your back foot.

Preparation: drop the ball from your hand — do not toss it upwards — and let it fall freely to the ground. Take the racket back at around waist height.

Contact: strike the ball after it bounces and below waist height.

Movement: use a smooth forward swing with a slight downward racket-face angle to create slice.

Target: serve diagonally into the opponent’s service box, aiming close to the side glass to make the return more difficult.

Common mistakes:

• striking the ball above waist height — this is a fault

• throwing the ball instead of letting it bounce in a controlled way

• not transferring your weight through the shot, which reduces power

• not moving forward to the net after serving — a tactical mistake

Note: it is better to serve softly but accurately into the service box and move straight to the net than to hit hard and stay at the back.

Forehand

A forehand is played on the side where the palm of your hand faces forwards: the right side for a right-handed player and the left side for a left-handed player.

It is a basic flat or lightly sliced groundstroke, used to keep the ball in play, exchange shots from the back of the court and create an opportunity to attack.

Position: move quickly to the ball and turn side-on to the net, with your left shoulder leading if you are right-handed. Keep a slight bend in your knees for balance.

Preparation: take the racket back at waist height. Keep the backswing short and compact; do not let your hand travel far behind your body.

Contact: meet the ball in front of your body, in line with your front foot, at around hip height. Keep your wrist firm and stable.

Movement: swing smoothly forward through the ball. For a flat forehand, take the racket straight through; for slice, move slightly down and through the ball.

Target: send the ball safely low over the net, either cross-court or down the line, to keep opponents at the back or test their reactions at the net.

Common mistakes:

• taking the racket back too far, which makes you late to the ball

• contacting the ball beside your body rather than in front, which reduces control

• hitting too hard without enough control, sending the ball out

When to use it:

• when the ball comes to your stronger side: usually the right side for a right-handed player and the left side for a left-handed player

• when you want to attack a ball after it bounces rather than volley it at the net

• when you have time to prepare and get into position

Note: the forehand is your main groundstroke. Focus on a confident, controlled shot instead of trying to hit a winner every time.

Backhand

A backhand is played on the side where the back of your hand faces forwards: the left side for a right-handed player and the right side for a left-handed player.

In padel, players often use a two-handed backhand, with both hands on the handle. It is a basic flat or sliced groundstroke used for consistent defence and for controlling the pace from the back of the court.

Position: turn with your right shoulder towards the net if you are right-handed. As you prepare, shift your weight onto your left foot and step forward into the ball.

Preparation: use a short backswing, taking the racket back towards your left hip. Your non-dominant hand can support the throat of the racket for added control.

Contact: meet the ball clearly in front of your body, in line with your right knee if you are right-handed. Strike it at around waist height.

Movement: guide the racket forward on a direct path. For a flat backhand, move straight through the ball; for slice, move smoothly down and forward, opening your chest through the finish.

Target: play a solid, controlled ball into a safe area of the opponent’s court, avoiding a high rebound that gives them an easy attack.

Common mistakes:

• starting the swing too early or too late and arriving late to the ball

• using only one hand, which can reduce control for beginners

• contacting the ball beside your body rather than in front

When to use it:

• when the ball comes to your weaker side: usually the left side for a right-handed player and the right side for a left-handed player

• when you do not have time to turn around for a forehand

• when you need a reliable, low-risk return

Note: for many players, the backhand is less natural than the forehand, so control matters more than power. If you are just starting out, a two-handed backhand is usually more stable than a one-handed version.

Volley

A volley is a shot played before the ball bounces on the court. It is usually hit at the net, taking the ball soon after your opponent plays it.

Position: take a compact net position, around 2–3 metres from the net. Keep your feet wide apart and your weight on the balls of your feet.

Preparation: hold the racket in front of your chest in a neutral, ready position. Keep the backswing minimal and do not take your hand behind your body.

Contact: transfer your weight forward and meet the ball well in front of you, at chest or waist height, before it bounces.

Movement: use a short, blocking motion forwards and slightly downwards, adding a little slice. Step towards the ball with the opposite foot.

Target: play deep into the corners, at your opponents’ feet or into the gap between them, keeping the ball low after the bounce.

Common mistakes:

• taking too large a backswing and losing control

• contacting the ball too late, rather than in front of your body

• letting the wrist collapse, causing an unpredictable ball

When to use it:

• when you are at the net and the ball reaches you before it can bounce

• when your opponent plays a soft ball close to the net

Note: the closer you are to the net, the shorter your backswing should be.

Lob

A lob is a high, deep shot used to push opponents away from the net and buy time when you are under pressure.

Position: set a stable position deep in the court, underneath the ball. Bend your knees slightly to create an upward drive.

Preparation: lower the racket head close to the ground before the ball bounces. Keep the swing short and smooth.

Contact: meet the ball in front of your body, around knee or hip height. Keep the contact point as stable as possible.

Movement: swing from low to high in a long arc with an open racket face. Support the shot with your body by fully extending your legs.

Target: send the ball high over your opponents and deep into the far corners, towards the back glass, to force them into defence.

Common mistakes:

• playing the lob too short, giving your opponent an easy smash

• hitting it too high and soft without enough control, giving opponents too much time

• throwing up a panic lob without aiming for depth

When to use it:

• when you are pinned near the back glass

• when your opponents are close to the net and you want to push them back

• when you need time to reset and recover your position at the net

Note: the lob is one of the most important defensive tools in padel. When you are pinned at the back, the best option is usually not to hit harder, but to play a well-placed lob.

Chiquita

A chiquita is a soft, short shot with a little slice. It is used to drop the ball at the feet of opponents at the net and force them to play an awkward low ball.

Position: set up in a balanced position near the back of the court. Do not rush blindly towards the ball; stay in control of your balance.

Preparation: use a short backswing, similar to a lob or a standard groundstroke, so your opponents at the net cannot read your intention until the last moment.

Contact: meet the ball in front of your body at waist or knee height, cushioning it with the racket face.

Movement: use a soft, controlled low-to-high motion with a small amount of topspin or a flat ball. The ball should travel slowly in a gentle arc.

Target: clear the net by a small margin, then make the ball drop sharply at the attackers’ feet. This forces them to lift the ball, allowing you to move forward and challenge for the net.

Common mistakes:

• hitting too hard, sending the ball deep and giving opponents a comfortable attacking ball

• clearing the net too high, allowing opponents to take the ball at a comfortable height

When to use it:

• when opponents are close to the net and expect a high ball

• when you want to bring the ball down to their feet and force an awkward low return

Note: a chiquita is an effective response when an opponent is close to the net and waiting for a high ball. Instead of lobbing them, drop the ball at their feet. Do not use it too often: if opponents expect it, it becomes less effective. Use it as a variation, not your main shot.

Bandeja

A bandeja is a controlled defensive overhead, similar to a smash but played with more control. Use it when an opponent lobs you and you want to keep your position at the net.

Position: move quickly back and sideways into the middle of the court. Do not let the ball travel over your head.

Preparation: yurn your shoulders side-on to the net. Raise your elbow and hold the racket face up and flat, like a tray, around ear height.

Contact: strike the ball to the side of your body, around eye level or just above shoulder height, at its highest point before it drops too low.

Movement: use a slicing motion forwards and slightly downwards. Brush underneath the ball to keep its bounce low.

Target: play deep cross-court towards your opponents’ feet, or into the junction between the back glass and side glass.

Common mistakes:

• hitting too aggressively, sending the ball out or giving opponents an easy counterattack

• poor positioning: not turning side-on to the net

• not using enough slice, so the ball travels too straight and bounces too high

When to use it:

• when your opponent lobs over your head but the lob is not too deep

• when you want to maintain net position rather than retreat to the back

Note: it is better to play a softer bandeja and keep the net than to hit too hard and give up your position. That is exactly what the bandeja is for.

Víbora

A víbora is a more attacking overhead than the bandeja. It uses sidespin to make the return more difficult, rather than simply returning a lob with control.

Position: move back and sideways into the middle of the court under the high ball. Turn your body strongly side-on to the net.

Preparation: take the racket behind your head with a high, bent elbow. Extend your non-dominant hand upwards, pointing towards the ball to judge the distance.

Contact: strike the ball to the side of your head, around ear height, at the highest possible contact point.

Movement: use a sharp inside-out motion, brushing around the outside of the ball to create heavy sidespin.

Target: drive the ball quickly cross-court, through the middle or at your opponent’s feet, so that it stays low or produces an awkward rebound off the glass.

Common mistakes:

• hitting too hard without control, sending the ball out or producing an easy rebound off the glass

• not creating enough sidespin, turning the shot into a less reliable smash

• contacting the ball too early or too late, so it travels straight instead of moving away after the bounce

When to use it:

• when your opponent’s lob is not too deep and gives you a chance to attack

• when you want to make the return more difficult with sidespin

Note: the víbora requires good timing and technique. If you are not confident, play a bandeja instead.

Smash

A smash is a powerful overhead shot used to finish the point. In padel, the walls matter: the goal is often not just to hit the ball down, but to place it so that your opponents cannot use the rebound off the glass comfortably.

Position: get directly underneath the ball with your body side-on to the net. Keep a slight arch in your back to load for an explosive movement.

Preparation: take the racket behind your back into a back scratch position. Point your non-dominant hand up towards the incoming ball.

Contact: meet the ball at the highest point above your head, fully extending your hitting arm and jumping if necessary.

Movement: hit powerfully from high to low. For a flat smash, drive down through the ball; for a topspin smash, brush up the back of the ball.

Target: aim the ball at the floor on your opponents’ side so that, after rebounding off the back glass, it leaves the court.

Common mistakes:

• hitting too hard on a deep lob, so the ball comes off the opponent’s back glass and gives them an easy return

• contacting the ball above or behind your head rather than in front, reducing accuracy

• not rotating your body enough and relying only on the arm, which reduces control

When to use it:

• when your opponent plays a short, high lob

• when you have a clear chance to finish the point with an overhead

Note: at a high level, players do not always smash as hard as possible. They often focus on placement and making the ball unreachable. Raw power without control can work against you.

Bajada

A bajada is an attacking shot played after the ball rebounds off the back glass on your side. Instead of simply returning the ball, use the rebound to accelerate it and turn defence into attack.

Position: move back quickly and get behind the ball, but do not stand too close to the back glass.

Preparation: raise the racket early, before the ball reaches the back glass.

Contact: strike the ball in front of your body at the highest comfortable contact point, usually above shoulder height.

Movement: use a high-to-low motion with slice so that the ball dips and travels low after crossing the net.

Target: play at your opponents’ feet, deep through the middle or into the side fence to force an error.

Common mistakes:

• hitting too early, before the ball has moved away from the back glass

• hitting too hard, sending the ball out or giving opponents an easy rebound

• choosing the wrong position: standing too close to the glass or too far away

When to use it:

• when your opponent plays a deep ball that rebounds off the back glass on your side

• when you want to turn defence into attack by accelerating the ball after the rebound

Note: this is an important shot at more advanced levels. It lets you turn a deep defensive situation into an attacking opportunity.

Contrapared

A contrapared is a defensive shot in which you let the ball hit the glass behind you first, then strike it as it rebounds back into the court.

The key is to read the rebound correctly and use its energy in your return.

Position: run to the ball near the back glass. Stand with your back to the net and your face towards the glass.

Preparation: lower the racket as far as possible beneath the ball. Keep the low-to-high swing close to your body.

Contact: take the ball at its lowest point in front of the glass, when a normal forward shot is no longer possible.

Movement: use a quick, explosive flick from low to high. Send the ball high over the net with a high, looping trajectory.

Target: lift the ball over the whole court and into your opponents’ side as a defensive lob, giving yourself time to recover your position.

Common mistakes:

• standing too close to the glass, letting the ball get behind you

• starting the swing too late and missing the contact point

• hitting too hard after the glass, sending the ball out

When to use it:

• when the ball travels to the glass first and then rebounds back into the court

• when you are under pressure near the back or side glass and need to keep the ball in play

Note: the angle of incidence is roughly equal to the angle of reflection, but spin and the pace of your opponent’s shot will change the rebound.

Defensive topspin shots

These are defensive shots played with heavy topspin. They help the ball travel forward quickly but dip sharply on the opponent’s side, making it harder to attack. Think of them as a middle ground between a lob and a standard defensive return.

Position: take a stable position at the back of the court, with a slight bend in your knees. Stay below the height of the incoming ball and prepare to drive upwards.

Preparation: lower the racket close to the ground early. Keep the racket face open or neutral so you can brush up the ball cleanly.

Contact: meet the ball clearly in front of your body, at waist or knee height, as it starts to drop after the bounce.

Movement: use an active low-to-high swing, focusing on heavy topspin rather than raw power. Brush up the back of the ball with the racket face.

Target: send the ball over the net so it travels forward and dips quickly, preventing your opponent from taking it at a comfortable height.

Common mistakes:

• not creating enough spin, turning the shot into an ordinary weak ball

• hitting too hard without control and sending the ball out

• trying this shot when a regular lob would be easier and more effective

When to use it:

• when you are defending but want to do more than simply keep the ball in play

• when a lob would be too risky or too slow

Note: this is not an essential shot for beginners. Start by learning the serve, volley, bandeja, lob and wall play. Advanced spin shots come later.