Padel shots explained: from groundstrokes to chiquita, bandeja and bajada.
Not every ball should finish the point. Padel shots differ mainly in whether they buy time, win the net, maintain pressure or finish a clear opportunity.
The central tactical idea
The net is the preferred attacking position. A slow chiquita to the feet and a very high lob can therefore be attacking shots: one forces a volley below net height, the other moves opponents back, and both create space to advance.
- Bandeja
- controlled overhead that protects the net
- Víbora
- faster side-spin overhead
- Bajada
- attack after the back-wall rebound
Serve, return and groundstrokes
The underarm serve is designed to create time for both partners to move forward. A strong return stays low, uses the middle or lobs the advancing pair.
Forehand and backhand preparation is compact. In defence, create space for the glass rebound and control the next ball. A defensive lob travels high and deep; an attacking drive stays low for a difficult first volley.
Volleys and the chiquita
Forehand and backhand volleys use a short swing, with contact in front of the body. The first volley can be controlled into the middle, body or open space instead of hit at maximum pace.
A chiquita is a slow, low ball from defence to the net players' feet. It becomes an attacking option when both defenders follow it forward, take the net or attack the opponent's lifted reply.
- Volley: maintain pressure and open angles
- Block volley: absorb incoming pace
- Chiquita: below the net to the feet
- Lob: create time for a positional change
How the overheads differ
The bandeja is the safer sliced overhead, played for depth and control to retain the net. The víbora carries more pace and side spin to produce an awkward rebound or weak reply.
Smash choices include a flat finish, a back-wall rebound or a topspin kick that leaves the court or returns to the striker's side. A low, distant contact usually calls for a bandeja; a careless smash can hand the attack back after the rear-wall rebound.
- Bandeja: control and net position
- Víbora: spin, pace and awkward rebound
- Kick smash: topspin and high rebound
- Flat smash: direct pace from a clear contact
Bajada, lob and the next ball
Bajada means bringing a high back-wall rebound down aggressively. Contact is high and the ball can be driven with spin toward body, middle or space.
A lob attacks when it lands deep enough and the pair advances together. A chiquita attacks when it stays low and is followed forward. Without that movement both remain defensive shots; their value lies in the next position they create.
Try it on court
Put the theory into practice. Find a padel club in Austria or check current court availability.
Rules, training and examples
Shot names are tactical conventions while legal contacts follow FIP rules. Practical coaching is best for grip, contact and footwork.
Editorially reviewed on 1 August 2026