Padel Vocab 101: Spanish Terms, Shot Names & On‑Court Lingo

by Corcuera Padel Club • Updated June 15, 2025

Thinking about smashing your padel IQ? 🇪🇸 Let’s dive into the coolest Spanish terms used by players worldwide — so you can shout them like a pro (¡con pasión!) and elevate your court style. Whether you're calling for a globo or warning your partner, it's all about fun, flair—and a little fiesta. 🎉

Why it matters at Corcuera

• Master tactics & teamwork: Quick communication = more net domination.
• Blend culture with club: Connect with Spanish-speaking players and embrace the heritage.
• Makes training way more entertaining: “Chiquita” or “vibora”? Pick your poison!

Plus, check out our Beginner’s Guide to Padel if you’re just getting started — and browse our Après-Padel Gear for off-court swagger.

🎾 Key Padel Shot Names

• El globo (lob): Your secret weapon to chase opponents off the net. Pro tip: practice your sky-high arch!
• La salida de pared: Wall magic! Use the side/back wall to surprise and reset. “The wall is your friend!”
• La chiquita: A delicate dink that sneaks past your foes. Ideal when they’re mid‑court.
• La bajada: The graceful “downer” drive after a lob. You strike and dash back—speed is 🔑.
• La contrapared: Flip the game! Hit off the wall to lob your opponents… or quick-drop it.
• El bloqueo: Block any incoming smash—racket ready, head up, stand tall.
• La cuchilla: Ninja-level shot—Paquito Navarro’s signature spinny whip that slices through the net action.
• El chancletazo: Surprise ‘slap’ shot—flat, flat, flat! Unpredictable and fast.

Overhead Options: When You’re King of the Court

• El amago (fake smash): Set ’em up for the big hit, then dink them instead—ultimate bait-and-switch.
• La bandeja: The padrón shot: shoulder-high with backspin to maintain net control. Think “tray” that buys space.
• El gancho: A clever hook shot to stall play and reorganize at the net.
• El remate (smash): Crank it either flat or with topspin. Want drama? Aim “por 3” or “por 4” to send it flying.
• El rulo: Spin monster off the side fence, tangling opponents before rolling gently back.
• La víbora: Fierce like its name. Like bandeja but sharper edges and wicked angles.

Trick Shots & On-Court Expressions

• El cadete: Behind-the-back wizardry—usually last-resort style flex.
• La dormiloña: “Sleepy” finesse—gently kisses the ball over the net. Insane touch.
• Por 3 / por 4: Measure your smash’s flight! Out at 3 m or 4 m? Boom.
• La tontona: Fake smash, dink opposite side—clever misdirection.
• El willy (tweener): Retro move between the legs when you're cornered.
• Sin fallo: Play with zero errors—“no fail” mindset keeps you sharp and fierce.
• Valiente: The cheer for your partner—“Bold!” when they go for the big one.

Court Locations & Lingo

• El rincón: Corner pocket.
• La pared / el cristal: Back or side glass walls (note the fun echo on “cristal”).
• La reja / la verja: Side mesh fence.
• La red: The net—your playground divider.
• El pico: Where the mesh and glass meet—watch your angles here!

🏅 Quick Strategy Reminders

• Win fewer easy points—control your error count.
• Dominate the net and own the point.
• Straight down the middle is safer than risky corners.
• Lobs make up ~⅓ of backcourt play—mix them in.
• Wall love: let balls bounce off and reset your rhythm.
• Serve strategy: tennis formation vs. i-formation. Middle serves are clutch.
• Lefty-righty pair? Lefty on right side = forehand alley dominance.

Ready for more? Scope our Top Rackets & Gear page and suit up in signature Corcuera style.

Got Questions? FAQs

Published by Corcuera Padel Club.