Padel Resources

Padel glossary

Discover padel technical terms with definitions, illustrations and videos.

• Bandeja

  The bandeja is a defensive or transitional shot played at the net with the arm extended above the head, using a sideways strike that imparts slice. It allows you to return high balls without taking risks by keeping the ball low and avoiding the opponent's smash. Widely used in doubles to control the point from the net area, it requires good reading of the bounce and accurate placement. The bandeja differs from the smash in its lack of power and in the flatter, more controlled trajectory it produces.

• Vibora

  The vibora is an offensive shot played at the net, between the bandeja and the smash. The player hits the ball on the side, applying strong lateral spin that changes the trajectory. It allows you to attack high balls more aggressively than the bandeja while keeping a high success rate. The vibora is especially effective cross-court or down the line to surprise opponents. It demands good upper-body rotation technique and precise timing at impact. It is a key weapon for advanced players at the net.

• Chiquita

  The chiquita is a short, low ball played from the net, often in response to a lob. It is an approach or finishing shot aimed at the opponents' feet or the corners of the court. It is played with a short, controlled stroke and little backswing to place the ball just behind the net or at an angle. The chiquita is very useful for taking the net after a lob and putting pressure on the opposing side. It requires touch and good reading of the opponents' positions.

• Lob

  The lob is a shot that sends the ball high over the opponents so that it lands in the back of the court. It is used to push back players at the net, buy time to recover position, or open up angles. A defensive lob aims for depth; an offensive lob tries to pass close to the back glass to be hard to retrieve. When well executed, the lob is an essential tactical weapon, especially in doubles. It requires good control of height and length to avoid being smashed.

• Volley

  The volley is a shot hit before the ball bounces on the ground. It is mainly played at the net and shortens rallies while putting constant pressure on the opponent. The volley can be high, low, cross-court or down the line depending on the situation. It requires quick reflexes, a good body position facing the net and stable footwork. In padel, the volley is even more important because the walls often send the ball back toward the net area. It is a cornerstone of attacking play.

• Smash

  The smash is a powerful offensive shot played above the head, usually in response to a lob. The player hits the ball at its highest point with a downward motion to finish the point. In padel, the smash can be aimed at the floor, the side walls or the back to use the rebounds. Variants include the full smash (very powerful), the cut smash or the bandeja depending on the risk level. The smash demands good reading of the ball, net position and hitting at the optimal point.

• Gancheo

  Gancheo refers to a wrist snap at the moment of impact to add spin or change the direction of the ball. It is often associated with net shots such as the vibora or certain volleys, allowing the trajectory to change at the last moment. Gancheo requires good wrist mobility and precise timing to surprise the opponent. It can be used to open angles or play short, angled balls. It is an advanced technique that increases the player's tactical options at the net.

• Bajada

  Bajada is the action of moving down toward the net after playing from the back of the court. It happens after an approach shot or an opportunity that allows you to advance to the net and take the advantage. The bajada must be timed well: too early and you get passed; too late and you stay exposed. In doubles, coordination with your partner is essential to cover the court during the bajada. A good bajada is followed by a volley or preparation for a smash to close the point.

• Remonte

  Remonte is the act of moving back up toward the net after being pushed to the back of the court, for example after an opponent's lob. It allows you to regain an offensive position and avoid staying stuck at the back. The remonte is done while watching the ball and the opponents' positions to choose the right moment. It is often combined with a lob or a deep ball to give yourself time to advance. In doubles, a good remonte helps you regain the net formation and take the initiative again.

• Wrong foot

  Playing to the wrong foot means sending the ball to the side opposite to where the opponent is moving or expecting it. It is a tactical option that exploits the opponent's movement or anticipation to catch them off guard. The wrong-foot shot can be cross-court when the opponent covers the line, or down the line when they expect the cross. It requires good reading of the game and accurate placement. Used at the right time, the wrong-foot shot creates winners or unreturnable balls.

• Dejada

  The dejada is a short, soft shot that makes the ball land just behind the net, often after a bounce. It aims to draw the opponent forward or to finish the point if they stay at the back. The dejada is played with a shortened stroke and delicate touch so the ball does not bounce too high. It is especially effective against players who stay at the back. Well placed, it can be followed by a lob if the opponent rushes forward.

• Globo

  The globo is a high, slow ball sent in an arc toward the back of the court, similar to a lob. It allows you to push the opponents back, buy time to recover, or open the court. A defensive globo aims for depth and safety; an offensive globo may skim the back wall to be hard to return. In padel, the globo must take the walls and glass into account to avoid giving a smashable ball. It is a basic shot for managing pressure and varying the game.

• Wall exit

  Salida de pared refers to the shot played after the ball bounces off the wall (glass or side panel). The player must read the trajectory, position correctly and hit at the right moment to return the ball with control. The exit can be defensive (put the ball back in play), transitional (toward the net) or offensive (angle, depth). A good wall exit requires practice to anticipate bounces and choose the right option. It is an essential skill in padel because the walls are at the heart of the game.

• Net approach

  Entrada de red is the action of moving up to the net to take an offensive position. It can be triggered by an approach shot, a short lob or an opportunity created by your partner. A good net approach involves moving at the right time, keeping the ball in front of you and positioning to play a volley or smash. In doubles, the approach is often coordinated: one player moves in while the other covers. It is key to dominating the net and imposing your game.

• Back of the court

  Fondo de pista is the area at the back of the court, behind the service line. Players in the back mainly play from this zone, in defence or to build the point before moving forward. Playing from the back means managing bounces off the back wall, lobs and deep balls well. In doubles, staying at the back too long leaves you exposed to attacks at the net. The back of the court is a fallback or building position; the aim is often to regain the net.

• Golden point

  The golden point (punto de oro) is the decisive point played at 40-40 (deuce) in a game. It replaces advantage in some competitions: the first point won after 40-40 wins the game. This rule shortens games and increases tension on that single point. For players, the golden point requires specific mental management: you must be bold while limiting errors. It is often when teams choose their most reliable or most aggressive option depending on the context.

• Tie-break

  The tie-break is a deciding game played when a set is tied (often 6-6) to separate the teams. Points are counted 1, 2, 3... and the first team to reach 7 points (with a 2-point lead) wins the set. Service alternates and changes every two points. The tie-break demands maximum concentration because every point counts. Tactics may differ from the rest of the set: less risk, solid serving and a focus on keeping the initiative. It is a crucial moment in close matches.

• Double fault

  A double fault occurs when the server faults on both service attempts. Both the first and second balls are faults (net, out or foot fault), and the point is awarded to the opponents. The double fault is costly because it gives away a point without a rally. To avoid it, players work on a reliable second serve: less powerful but consistent. Under pressure, managing the second serve is crucial to avoid strings of double faults.

• Serve

  The serve (saque) is the shot that puts the ball in play at the start of each point. In padel, the serve is underarm; the ball must bounce in the opponent's service box and may then hit the back wall. The serve aims to start the rally without taking too much risk; a good serve puts the opponent in difficulty or allows you to take the initiative. Variants include the slice serve, the T serve or the wide serve. First-serve consistency and second-serve reliability are major assets.

• Return

  The return is the shot that sends back the opponent's serve. A good return aims to neutralise the server's advantage by putting the ball in play in a controlled or aggressive way. The return can be cross-court, down the line, short (to prevent the net approach) or deep and heavy. In doubles, the return is often aimed at the player coming to the net or at the server to surprise them. The quality of the return often determines how the point develops and whether you can take the initiative.

• Forehand

  The forehand (drive) is the shot hit on the right side for a right-hander (left side for a left-hander). It is played from the back or as a half-volley, with a backswing and contact in front of the body. The forehand can be flat, topspin or slice depending on the effect desired. It is the basic shot for returning balls at medium or high height from the back. In padel, the forehand is used to build the point, play off the walls or attack when the chance arises. Forehand consistency is fundamental.

• Backhand

  The backhand is the shot hit on the side opposite the forehand (left side for a right-hander). It can be one-handed or two-handed. In padel, the one-handed backhand is common for variety and slice; the two-handed backhand offers more power and control. The backhand is used to return balls to that side, to play off the side walls and to vary angles. A solid backhand is essential so you are not exploited by the opponent. It is worked on in wall exits and in rallies from the back.

• Wall play

  Juego de paredes (wall play) refers to all rallies and situations where the ball bounces off the walls (back glass, side panels). Mastering wall play means reading trajectories well, anticipating bounces and choosing the right option: defensive exit, counter-attack or transition to the net. The walls are a defining feature of padel: they extend rallies and require adapted technique and positioning. Training on wall exits is essential for improvement.

• Quick bounce

  Bote pronto (quick bounce) refers to a ball that bounces very early after hitting the wall, leaving little time for the player to react. To play a bote pronto ball well, you must position early, shorten the backswing and hit in front of you. It is a frequent situation in padel when the ball comes off the wall quickly. Players train to anticipate the quick bounce so they are not overwhelmed. A good reaction to the quick bounce helps you keep control of the point or counter-attack.

• Turn and hit

  Media vuelta (turn and hit) is a shot played after a bounce off the back wall, when the player must face the wall and then turn to hit. They perform a rotation to find the ball again and send it back. The media vuelta requires good reading of the bounce, proper positioning and a precise stroke under pressure. It is a typical padel situation at the back of the court. When executed well, it allows you to extend the rally and return to a defensive position or counter-attack if the ball is playable.

• Gancho

  The gancho (hook) is a shot played above the shoulder, often in response to a high ball, with a hooking arm motion. It can be defensive, to put the ball back in play, or offensive to attack. The gancho differs from the smash in having a shorter stroke and a more controlled trajectory. It is useful when the player does not have the time or position to smash. On a wall exit or a badly placed high ball, the gancho lets you keep the rally alive or take the initiative.

• Footwork

  Carrera (footwork) refers to the player's movement to reach the ball. In padel, good footwork combines speed, balance and anticipation to arrive on time and hit well. Short steps, side steps and the ability to change direction are essential. Footwork also includes recovery after each shot to be ready for the next ball. In doubles, both partners' movement must be coordinated to cover the court without getting in each other's way. Fitness and reading the game improve the quality of footwork.

• Down the line

  A paralelo (down-the-line) shot is hit along the sideline relative to the player's position. It runs along the line rather than crossing the court. The paralelo can be a forehand, backhand, volley or smash. It is used to open the court, to play down the line when the opponent expects the cross, or to finish the point. The paralelo requires accuracy because the margin between the line and the wall is small. It is an important tactical option for varying direction.

• Cross-court

  A cruzado (cross-court) shot crosses the court diagonally, from left to right or the other way. The cruzado is widely used because it offers more court length and a larger margin of safety than the paralelo. It allows you to move the opponents, open angles and build the point. At the net or from the back, the cruzado is a basic option. Opponents must choose between expecting cruzado or paralelo to avoid being wrong-footed. The cruzado–paralelo combination is at the heart of padel tactics.

• Tijera

  The tijera (scissors) is a smash played in an off-balance position, often with a jump or body rotation, in a 'scissors' motion with the legs. It is used when the ball is slightly behind the player or to the side, not allowing a classic smash. The tijera demands good elevation, precise timing and an adapted hitting motion. It can be very spectacular and effective for finishing the point. It is an advanced shot learned after mastering the classic smash and net position.

• Drop shot

  The drop shot is a short, soft shot that makes the ball land just behind the net. It aims to draw the opponent forward or to finish the point if they stay at the back. The drop shot is played with a discreet stroke and delicate touch so the ball bounces low. In padel, it can be played from the back or as a half-volley. It is effective against slow players or those who stay back. Well placed, the drop shot can be followed by a lob if the opponent rushes forward.

• Passing shot

  The passing shot is a shot intended to get past opponents at the net by going around them to the side (down the line or cross-court) or with a lob. It is played from the back of the court with a flat or high trajectory depending on the option. The passing shot requires accuracy and timing so the net player does not intercept the ball. In doubles, you often aim between the two players or use the space left. It is an essential weapon to counter teams that dominate at the net.

• Approach

  The approach shot is a shot played while moving toward the net to set up a net approach. It aims to place a ball that is hard for the opponent to handle while allowing the player to reach the net. The approach can be a deep cross-court ball, a short angled ball or a low volley followed by an advance. A good approach shot limits the opponent's options (pass or lob) and puts the player in position to finish at the net. It is a tactical link between the back of the court and the net.

• Low volley

  The low volley is a volley played below net height, often in response to a low ball or a drop shot. It requires bending the legs, keeping the racket in front of you and pushing the ball with a short stroke. The low volley can be defensive (put the ball back in play) or offensive (angle, depth) depending on the situation. It is crucial for staying at the net against short balls and low passes. Good low volleys prevent you from being pushed back and keep pressure on the opponent.

• High volley

  The high volley is a volley played above net height on balls that arrive at shoulder height or higher. It allows you to attack and direct the ball to the corners or the opponents' feet. The high volley is played with a short stroke and control of direction. It is often decisive for finishing the point when the opponents are in trouble. In doubles, high volleys to the centre or at an angle are finishing weapons. They require a good position at the net and quick reflexes.

• Counter drop

  The counter drop is a short shot played in response to a drop shot or short ball from the opponent. The player replies with a soft touch so the ball lands just behind the net again. It can be used to extend the rally with touch or to surprise an opponent expecting a deep ball. The counter drop requires feel and quick reading of the trajectory. It is often played as a half-volley or after a short bounce. It is a tactical option that varies the rhythm and can unsettle the opponent.

• Lift

  Lift is spin that makes the ball rotate forward (topspin), which speeds up the bounce and gives a flatter trajectory. It is produced by brushing the ball from low to high at contact. Lift is used on the forehand, backhand or smash to add safety (the ball lands further in the court) and bounce. In padel, lift helps when playing off the walls by giving height and control. It is fundamental for consistent, deep play from the back.

• Top spin

  Top spin is strong forward spin: the ball rotates sharply forward. It produces a higher, faster bounce for the opponent. Top spin is produced with a stroke that wraps around the ball from low to high and from back to front. It is used to attack, to pass or to create bounce from the back. In padel, top spin may be used less than in tennis because of the walls, but it remains useful for high balls and passing shots. It requires good hitting technique.

• Slice

  Slice is backspin: the ball rotates backward. It is produced by hitting the ball with a high-to-low motion and a slightly open racket face. Slice gives a low trajectory, a low bounce and a ball that skids. In padel, slice is widely used on the serve, backhand and volley to control the game and keep the ball low. It is useful for approach shots, returns and wall exits. Slice requires good touch and mastery of the stroke.

• Flat shot

  A flat shot is a hit with no significant spin, where the racket meets the ball squarely for a direct trajectory. It produces a fast, low ball with little bounce. The flat shot is used to attack when you have a favourable ball, to pass or to finish the point. It requires solid contact in front of the body and control of direction. In padel, the flat shot is used less than slice or lift because the margin for error is smaller, but it remains an option for power and surprise.

• Physical preparation

  Physical preparation in padel covers all training aimed at developing the qualities needed for the game: endurance, explosiveness, mobility, strength and recovery. It includes cardio work for long matches, power for smashes and movement, flexibility for difficult positions and core and leg strength. Good physical preparation reduces the risk of injury and helps maintain technique at the end of matches. It should be adapted to the player's level and goals, alongside technical and tactical work.

• Doubles tactics

  Doubles tactics cover the choices of shot and how the two partners organise: who covers which zone, when to approach the net, how to attack and defend. Basic principles include formation in parallel or in a V, covering the centre, communication and complementarity between partners. Good doubles tactics use the team's strengths and target the opponents' weaknesses. They adapt to the score, the server and playing style. Tactical doubles training is essential for competitive improvement.

• Communication

  Communication in doubles refers to verbal and non-verbal exchanges between the two partners during the match. It is used to say who takes the ball ('Mine', 'Yours'), to decide placement (centre, cross), to support each other and to stay focused. Clear communication avoids both players going for the same ball or leaving a ball. Signs before the serve or conventions (who covers the lob, who takes the centre ball) are also part of communication. A team that communicates well is more coherent and harder to unsettle.

• Placement

  Placement is the ability to send the ball where you want: angle, depth, at the opponent's feet, into open space. Good placement allows you to build the point, open the court and finish. It comes from control of the ball's direction, length and height. Placement is trained with targeted exercises (targets on the court, zones to hit). In a match, placement must adapt to the opponents' position and the context of the point. It is a fundamental technical and tactical skill.

• Recovery

  Recovery is returning to an optimal position on the court after each shot. After hitting, the player must move back toward a central or adapted zone to be ready for the next ball. Good recovery reduces uncovered areas and allows you to react in any direction. In doubles, recovery must take the partner's position into account to keep coherent court coverage. Recovery is learned through movement exercises and becomes automatic with experience. It is essential for defence and counter-attack.

• Opening the court

  Opening the court is a shot or situation that creates an angle or space on the opponent's side, allowing you to take the initiative or finish the point. You can open the court with a strong cross-court shot, down the line, a short angle or a lob. Opening aims to move the opponents and create space for the next shot. In doubles, opening is often the prelude to a finishing ball to the centre or at an angle. Players who open the court well control the point and set the rhythm.

• Finishing the point

  Fermeture (finishing the point) is the action of ending the point, usually at the net with a volley, smash or short ball. A good finish builds on earlier work (opening, placement) to have an easy ball to put away. Finishing requires decisiveness: do not hesitate when the chance is there, while avoiding errors. In doubles, the finish can be made by the net player after a ball from the partner. Teams that finish points well limit long rallies and save energy.

• Defence

  Defence in padel covers all shots and situations where the team is under attack and tries to put the ball back in play to regain the initiative. It includes wall exits, lobs, low volleys, wrong-foot shots and recovery. Good defence relies on solid technique, reading the game and patience. The aim is to return the ball without error, make life difficult for the attackers and seize the first chance to counter-attack. Defence is essential when you are pushed to the back or under pressure at the net.

• Attack

  Attack refers to shots and situations where the team takes the initiative to put pressure on the opponent and try to finish the point. It includes the smash, vibora, high volleys, angles, the passing shot and approach shots. A good attack relies on net position, reading the space and quick decision-making. In doubles, the attack is often led by the net player with support from the partner. Alternating attack and defence according to how the point develops is a key to success in padel.

• Drop shot

  The drop shot (amorti) is a short, soft shot that makes the ball land just behind the net after a low bounce. It aims to draw the opponent forward, to vary the rhythm or to finish the point if they stay at the back. The drop shot is played with a shortened stroke and delicate touch so the ball bounces little. It can be played on the forehand, backhand or as a half-volley. In padel, the drop shot is effective against players who stay back or struggle to move forward quickly. It is often followed by a lob.