Bandeja, víbora or smash: choose your padel overhead

Use the bandeja to stay in the rally

The bandeja is a controlled overhead, usually with underspin. It often answers a lob while buying time to recover towards the net. It does not need to be a winner to do its job.

Turn side-on early and move towards the contact under control. Use the free hand to help judge the ball. If the lob travels too far over you, let it bounce and defend after the glass rather than forcing a bandeja while falling backwards.

Add the víbora when the setup is right

A víbora uses more pronounced sidespin and can produce an awkward rebound from the glass. It needs a suitable contact and reliable control. From a settled position it can add pressure; when a deep lob has beaten you, it can quickly become a risky choice.

Build a dependable overhead reply first. Then work on contact and spin with a coach. You do not need a víbora to play effective points at the net.

Pick the right ball for a smash

A short lob, a high reachable contact and good balance give you a promising start. Also consider the opponents’ positions and the rebound your shot will create. A hard smash that comes a long way back off the glass may hand them an easy counterattack.

Flat and topspin smashes aim for different trajectories and rebounds. Develop control and placement before increasing speed. If you are still retreating or can only reach behind your head, choose a controlled reply or let the ball pass.

The bajada starts after the glass

For a bajada, the ball bounces on your side and comes back from the rear glass. If that rebound remains high enough, you can attack it. This is different from a bandeja or smash played before the bounce.

Create space and judge the height before accelerating. A low or cramped contact calls for a steadier defensive shot. From a good rebound, you might attack through the middle or into open space; call with your partner before deciding whether to move in.

Three drills for better overhead choices

Warm up the shoulder and stroke gently. Start with manageable feeds and increase pace only once you can find a repeatable contact.

• Bandeja and recovery, two players: Feed eight reachable lobs from the opposite back court. The hitter starts at the net, returns with control and recovers towards the starting position. Swap, then progress to slightly deeper lobs.
• Hit or let it pass, two players: Mix eight short and deep lobs. The hitter chooses early between an overhead and defending after the glass. Count appropriate choices even if the point is lost. Add pace later.
• Build the bajada, two players: Feed ten balls that bounce before hitting the back glass. The hitter returns low rebounds steadily and attacks only high, reachable ones. Swap after ten. Progress to playing out the point after each return.