Different Types of Shots in Padel

From the forehand to the víbora, we take you through the different shot types in padel.

Whilst the rising popularity of padel has led to a whole host of new shots being brought into the game, most shots can be sorted into three distinct categories: basic shots, offensive shots, and shots using the glass.

Basic Shots

The Serve

Performed underhand after one bounce, below the waist.

You have two attempts to hit the ball into the diagonal service box.

Focus on precision and spin over power, aiming for difficult spots like the back glass or sides.

Vary your serves and observe opponent returns to decide your court position.

The Forehand

This is your most frequent shot.

Adopt an open stance with feet shoulder-width apart.

Initiate movement from the legs, bending slightly, rotating shoulders, and transferring weight forward as you strike.

Prioritise accurate placement over power.

Use flat shots for low balls and add topspin for higher ones.

The Backhand

Played on the side opposite your dominant hand, the two-handed backhand is generally favoured for stability.

Preparation involves shoulder rotation, weight transfer, and striking the ball in front of you.

Keep your racquet high during preparation and ensure a good follow-through.

Consider using slice to keep the ball low and make returns difficult.

The Volley

Played before the ball bounces, typically near the net.

Maintain a high racquet, slightly bent knees, and forward weight for rapid reactions.

It's a controlled block, not a powerful shot.

Aim for opponents' feet, court angles, or low areas near the glass.

Comfort at the net is key to controlling rallies.

The Lob

A strategic shot used to push opponents back from the net by sending the ball high and deep.

A defensive lob provides time to recover, while an offensive lob aims to bounce off the back glass and out of play.

Crucially, the trajectory must be high and deep enough to be effective, avoiding being too short (allowing a smash) or too long (going out of bounds).

Offensive Shots

The Smash

This is the shot used to finish points.

The technique is similar to a tennis serve, involving side preparation, shoulder rotation, full arm extension, and striking the ball above your head.

Variations include the flat smash for power, the spin smash for tricky rebounds, and "par 3" or "par 4" smashes that go out of court.

Focus on accuracy until your technique is well-practiced.

More information on The key differences between Padel and Tennis

The Bandeja

Known as the "tray" shot, this is a signature padel stroke.

It's an overhead slice hit with significant backspin, prioritising control and placement over power.

The aim is to make the ball bounce as low as possible after hitting the back glass.

It's used for high balls that aren't ideal for a smash, helping to maintain net position and pressure.

The Víbora

This is an aggressive overhead shot, considered the more powerful and spin-focused relative of the bandeja.

It combines power with heavy sidespin, causing the ball to deviate after bouncing off the glass.

It typically targets the side glass or the corner where glass meets mesh.

While riskier than the bandeja, it's highly effective for gaining rally control.

The Chiquita

A subtle shot designed to disrupt opponents, played low and slow over the net when opponents are positioned at the net.

It forces them to play a difficult, low volley.

This shot uses minimal power, often with a gentle push and a touch of slice, aiming to break the rally's rhythm and surprise the opponent.

Shots Using the Glass

The Wall Return (Salida de Pared)

This is a shot played directly off the back glass when a powerful ball hits it behind you.

Crucial elements include timing, anticipating the ball's trajectory after hitting the glass, positioning yourself slightly back, and hitting the ball just after its contact with the wall.

With practice, these defensive situations can be transformed into offensive counterattacks.

The Bajada de Pared

This is an attacking shot executed after a lob bounces off your back glass.

Instead of a slow return, you accelerate and hit the ball hard as it drops from the wall.

It serves as a defense-to-attack transition, often surprising opponents and turning a defensive moment into an offensive opportunity.

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