What Are the Main Shots in Padel?
Share
The main shots in padel are the bandeja (defensive overhead), vibora (aggressive sliced overhead), martillo or hammer smash, the flat or kick smash, the chiquita (soft control shot) and the rebound or wall shot. Mastering these gives you control over pace, height and positioning — the three pillars of good padel.
If you're just getting started in padel, you've probably heard names like bandeja, vibora and chiquita being thrown around. But what do they actually mean — and how do you hit them without feeling like everyone is speaking another language?
In this guide, we break down the core shots in padel, when to use them, and how to sound (and play) like a seasoned player on — and off — the court.
For a deeper dive on where these shots came from, you can explore our full History of Padel or browse the Padel Knowledge Hub when you’re ready.
1. The Bandeja (The Tray)
"The most iconic shot in padel — and the heartbeat of your game."
What is it? The bandeja is a controlled overhead shot you play when defending the net. Instead of smashing as hard as you can, you hit a smooth, sliced ball that drops deep into the opponent’s court.
When to use it? When your opponents lob you and you’re pushed back but still want to keep the net. The bandeja lets you reset the rally without giving away your attacking position.
Key technique: Make contact slightly in front of your body, with an open racket face and a relaxed arm. Think of “placing” the ball with slice rather than trying to kill it. Aim deep, towards the backhand corner of the opponents’ court.
Why it matters: A good bandeja stops you from getting dragged off the net. It keeps you on the front foot, forces weak replies and is the shot you’ll play more than any other overhead in padel.
Common mistake: Hitting too hard and flat, turning your bandeja into a bad smash that bounces high off the glass — gifting your opponents an easy counter.
2. The Vibora (The Viper)
What is it? The vibora is the bandeja’s more aggressive cousin: an attacking overhead hit with heavy side-spin and speed. The ball skids low after the bounce, making it difficult to control.
When to use it? When you’re in a strong position at the net and receive a lob that’s not too deep. You want to apply pressure, change direction or finish the point without going for a full smash.
Key technique: Use a continental grip, contact slightly to the side of your body and “wrap” the racket around the ball to create side-spin. Aim for a fast, low trajectory towards the side glass or into the gap between opponents.
How it feels: Sharp, low bounce, wicked spin — like a viper strike. When done well, the ball stays low and rushes the defender, forcing a weak lob or error.
Common mistake: Over-hitting without enough spin, sending the ball long or too high. Control and spin first, power second.
3. El Martillo (The Hammer)
What is it? El Martillo — “the hammer” — is your flat-out smash. You hit through the ball with maximum power, aiming to win the point outright or create chaos off the back wall.
When to use it? When you’ve got a high, comfortable ball and plenty of time to set up. It’s ideal when you’re close to the net and can hit downwards aggressively, or when you want the ball to rebound fast off the back glass.
Key technique: Use full body rotation: legs, core, shoulder and arm. Contact at the highest comfortable point, with a firm grip and fast wrist acceleration. Aim through the ball and towards the middle or into space.
Bonus: On faster courts or with the right angle, you can aim to make the ball bounce out of the court after the back-glass — always a crowd-pleaser.
Common mistake: Smashing every lob. In padel, a reckless martillo can leave you out of position if the ball comes back off the wall. Choose your moments.
4. The Chiquita (The Little One)
What is it? The chiquita is a soft, low shot that just clears the net and lands at your opponents’ feet. Think of it as a “dink” in padel — not powerful, but extremely intelligent.
When to use it? When your opponents are positioned deep near the back wall and you want to drag them forward, breaking their comfort and rhythm. It’s especially effective on slower points and return games.
Key technique: Short backswing, relaxed hand, and a gentle, brushing contact. Aim just over the net, targeting the toes of the player who’s furthest back. Your priority is control and depth, not speed.
Pro tip: Follow your chiquita in and take the net. The shot itself is good — but the positioning you gain afterwards is what really wins you points.
💡 It’s not about power — it’s about positioning. The chiquita is one of the smartest ways to turn defence into attack.
5. The Smash (Flat or Kick)
Flat smash: All-out power, used to finish the point directly or generate a wild rebound off the glass.
Kick smash: A topspin-heavy smash that bounces high and, on the right court, can even bounce out of the cage after the back wall.
When to use: When you’ve got time, height and confidence. These aren’t recovery shots — they’re statement shots. Choose them when the lob is short or the ball sits perfectly in your strike zone.
Key technique: For the flat smash, hit through the ball with a slightly closed racket face. For the kick smash, brush up and over the ball, using more topspin and a higher trajectory.
💬 The smash is flashy — but in padel, it’s as much about finesse as force. If you’re not sure, a good bandeja often beats a bad smash.
6. The Rebound or Wall Shot
What is it? The rebound or wall shot is when you play the ball after it bounces off the back or side glass. It’s one of the most distinctive features of padel and a key difference from tennis.
Why it matters: Mastering the walls is what separates beginners from confident padel players. It buys you time on defence and opens up new angles in attack.
Key technique: Stay calm and let the ball come off the glass — don’t rush. Take a small step back, wait for the bounce, and then step into the shot with a compact swing. Aim cross-court or down the middle to give yourself margin.
Tip: Think of the back wall as a “second chance” on defence. Instead of panicking when you’re lobbed, practise letting the ball hit the wall and then resetting with a controlled shot.
🪞 Padel is a game of reflection — literally and tactically.
Final Thoughts: Which Shot Should You Learn First?
Start with the bandeja — it’s the heartbeat of padel. If you can defend the net with control, everything else becomes easier.
Then master the chiquita to win control of the net, followed by the vibora when you want to add flair and pressure.
The smash and martillo are your finishing tools — but in padel, smart shot selection beats pure power almost every time.
For more technique, tactics and heritage, explore the full Padel Knowledge Hub or read about the History of Padel and its pioneers.
Padel Shot FAQs
➕ What are the main shots in padel?
The main shots in padel are the bandeja, vibora, martillo (hammer smash), flat and kick smashes, the chiquita and the rebound or wall shot. Together they cover defence, attack and transition.
➕ What is a bandeja in padel?
The bandeja is a defensive overhead shot played with slice. You use it when lobbed at the net to keep your position and reset the rally without over-hitting.
➕ What is a vibora in padel?
The vibora is a more aggressive version of the bandeja, played with heavy side-spin and speed. It’s used to apply pressure from the net and force weak returns.
➕ What is a chiquita in padel?
The chiquita is a soft, low shot that just clears the net and lands at your opponents’ feet. It’s designed to bring them forward and help you take the net.
➕ Which padel shot should beginners learn first?
Beginners should focus first on the bandeja and the basic rebound off the back wall. These two skills will stabilise your game and make every other shot easier to learn.