10 Essential Padel Shot Names You Need to Know

If you’re serious about padel—or even if you’re just getting started—you need to understand the essential shots that make up the game. Padel isn’t just about hitting the ball back and forth; it’s a strategic game that requires mastering different types of shots to control the pace, outplay your opponents, and win points effectively.

In this guide, I’ll break down the most important padel shot names, explaining when and how to use them, so you can start playing like a pro (or at least sound like one when talking about it!).

1. Bandeja

The bandeja (Spanish for “tray”) is one of the most fundamental shots in padel. It’s a defensive overhead shot designed to maintain control of the point rather than finish it outright. Unlike a tennis smash, the bandeja is hit with less power and more control, keeping the ball low and deep in the opponent’s court.

When to Use It:

• When your opponent lobs you but you’re not in a great position to smash.
• To push your opponents back while keeping control of the rally.

2. Vibora

The víbora (Spanish for “viper”) is an advanced version of the bandeja. It has more spin, speed, and aggression, making it a great offensive shot when you’re at the net. It’s hit with sidespin, making it tricky for opponents to return.

When to Use It:

• When you want to apply pressure and force a weak return.
• To move your opponents out of position by making them chase the ball wide.

3. Smash (Remate)

The remate (smash) is the most aggressive shot in padel, used to finish points with power. There are different types of smashes, but the main goal is to hit the ball hard enough that it either bounces out of the court or forces a weak return.

Types of Smashes:

• Flat Smash: Hit with pure power, making the ball bounce high.
• Kick Smash: Hit with topspin, causing the ball to jump away after the bounce.
• Side Wall Smash: Used to force a rebound off the side glass, making it difficult for opponents to retrieve.

When to Use It:

• When you get a short lob that allows you to attack.
• If you’re in a good position to finish the point aggressively.

4. Chiquita

The chiquita is a soft and controlled shot that barely crosses the net, forcing opponents to move forward. It’s a great way to take control of the net position and catch your opponents off guard.

When to Use It:

• When your opponents are positioned deep.
• To transition from defense to attack.

5. Bajada

The bajada (meaning “descent”) is a powerful shot played off a lob that bounces off the back wall. Instead of just returning the ball, players use it as an attacking shot by hitting downwards with force.

When to Use It:

• When your opponent plays a deep lob and you want to turn it into an attacking opportunity.
• To regain control of the net with a strong shot.

6. Globo (Lob)

The globo is the lob shot used both defensively and offensively. It can be used to reset a point, push opponents back, or create an opportunity for a smash.

When to Use It:

• When you need time to recover your position.
• To force opponents away from the net.

7. Drop Shot (Dejada)

The dejada is a soft touch shot played just over the net, forcing your opponent to run forward quickly. It’s a great shot to use when your opponents are positioned too far back.

When to Use It:

• When you want to break your opponent’s rhythm.
• Against players who stay too deep in the court.

8. Volley

Volleys are essential in padel since most points are won at the net. These can be controlled or aggressive, depending on the situation.

Types of Volleys:

• Defensive Volley: Used to keep control without taking too much risk.
• Aggressive Volley: Played with more speed and depth to pressure opponents.

When to Use It:

• When positioned at the net.
• To finish points with precision and speed.

9. Counter Wall Shot (Contra Pared)

The contra pared is a defensive shot played by hitting the ball off your own back wall before it crosses the net. This is useful when retrieving difficult shots near the back glass.

When to Use It:

• When you’re forced into a deep position and can’t hit the ball directly.
• To reset the rally and regain control.

10. Boomerang Smash

The boomerang smash is an advanced trick shot where the ball is smashed so hard that it bounces out of the court and then spins back inside. It’s rare, but when executed correctly, it’s a showstopper.

When to Use It:

• When you have the perfect opportunity for an aggressive, angled smash.
• If you want to impress your opponents!

Final Thoughts

Mastering these padel shots will take your game to the next level. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your skills, understanding when and how to use each shot is key to improving your strategy and winning more points.

Next time you step onto the court, try out some of these shots and see how they work in real gameplay. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become in using them at the right moments. And who knows? Maybe your bandeja or remate will be the talk of the club soon!